SOP

I have developed a great interest in structural dynamics, nonlinear vibrations and

mechatronics. As a budding research student, I often traverse through various journal articles
on vibrations and dynamics published across the world, and many a time I have noted the
eminent work of Professor Ali Abolfathi at University College London Mechanical
Engineering. He offered me to work in his lab finding my enthusiasm and interests in his
research work. My BTECH thesis on “Developing a small-scaled Hyperloop Pod” has
developed a strong background on dynamics and nonlinear vibrations. I am designing energy
efficient Levitation, Propulsion and suspension system for Hyperloop pod. Currently, I am also
working on “Active Control of Air Suspension System” in EVG. These projects made me
appreciate the importance of vibration isolation and for better vibration isolation
performance over a broad frequency range, a Quasi-zero-stiffness vibration isolator is most
preferable nowadays. Hence, I wish to pursue higher studies in this field. The fact that I have
been extremely consistent in my academics, having a CGPA of 9.11/10 and have been actively
involved in Research Group like Electric Vehicle Group illustrates my excellent time
management skills and my sedulous nature. A chance to be able to represent my country and
my institution in a foreign academic environment is again a very challenging and interesting
responsibility which I am looking forward to. I firmly believe I possess the adequate research
experience, exposure, dedication and team-work skills to be a part of the IITKGPF award. I
aspire to learn the most and give my best effort to the research project.

Justification of Applying

I am honoured to have an opportunity to apply for the IITKGP Foundation of USA Award Program for
my compulsory summer internship at University College London under the supervision of Dr Ali
Abolfathi, Senior Teaching Fellow, UCL Mechanical Engineering. This research experience through this
program will give me the golden opportunity to work with the leading experts on non-linear vibrations
and dynamics, enhance my knowledge and skills and help me in doing valuable contributions. I am
extremely consistent in my academics, with an excellent CGPA of 9.11 and I am committed to pursuing
a research career in this field. Professor Ali is pleased to have me as a research intern but being an
outsider, my internship won’t be supported by UCL funds. Since I am yet to earn, my summer
internship at UCL will only be possible if I secure a scholarship. Also, this is my compulsory summer
internship required for the completion of my degree program provided that I utilize this opportunity
to achieve my long-term goals.

I will receive the opportunity to be exposed globally, to have an intercultural communication which is
very vital in this professional world that would help me expand the boundary of my capabilities. Being
highly enthusiastic, I have already started working on this project. My participation in this program
will strengthen collaborative efforts between IIT Kharagpur and UCL. This award program will provide
the necessary financial support and help me carrying out my task with utmost sincerity. Thank you in
advance for your consideration.
 Engagement beneficial to IIT KGP

My project is to examine the use of simple structural element as a nonlinear isolator and evaluate the
performance of the leaf spring as a Quasi-Zero-Stiffness isolator experimentally by tuning the support
of the leaf spring to achieve a low stiffness when the spring is loaded. Finite element method will be
used to characterise different setups of such springs that undergo large deformations. So, how we set
the boundary condition is new and novel for this project, so practically there is a lot of application for
them. On doing a literature survey, the research gap was identified and the proposal was prepared
accordingly to address that gap. Hence, this work at UCL is likely to yield a publication which would
add valuable contribution to research at IIT KGP and credit to and recognition of IITKGP. Since I will be
using MATLAB to perform FEA for this project, so I will get the added benefit of learning the software
in depth. This project will find direct application in my BTECH thesis on “Design and Development of
Hyperloop Pod” in the field of vehicle dynamics and vibration isolation, which I wish to continue it in
my final year. My participation in this program will strengthen the collaboration between IIT
Kharagpur and UCL which will help in the advancement of research at IIT Kharagpur as well as
strengthen our international ties. Apart from this, the internship program will serve as an important
stepping stone for me to pursue higher studies in the form of PhD upon graduation as an IITKGP
student.