Distinguished speaker, Prof. Leo A.I. Kestens, Head, Metals Science and Technology group, Ghent University, Belgium and Guest Professor, Delft University, Netherlands delivered a lecture on “Topological Aspects of Mean-Field Crystallographically Resolved Models” on 3rd March 2023 at 3:00PM at the Dr. Zakir Hussain Lecture Hall complex, University Campus, organised by the Directorate of Institute of Eminence (IoE), University of Hyderabad, under the Chairmanship of Honourable Vice Chancellor, Prof. B. J. Rao. The lecture has been well attended by the research scholars and the faculty members across several schools and departments of the university and scientists and faculties from DMRL, ARCI, IIT Hyderabad, NMDC, MGIT, etc. and students from nearby engineering colleges too.
Prof. Leo kestens elaborated “the increase the plastic anisotropy simulation of a conventional deep drawing grade of Interstitial Free (IF) steel can be improved by considering the crystallographic misorientation of pairs of neighbouring crystals, which represent the basic structural units of the 2-point mean field ALAMEL crystal plasticity model. His talk also highlighted, the recrystallization texture of the same deep drawing IF steel can be modelled with improved accuracy if the Strain Induced Boundary Mechanism (SIBM) is taken into account whereby a crystal orientation of low stored energy grows into a neighbouring orientation of high stored energy”. Similar kind of crystal plasticity simulation studies can be used for different materials in automotive, aerospace and defence applications.
Currently, Prof. Leo A.I. Kestens, heading the Metals Science and Technology group, in the department of Electromechanics, Systems and Metals Engineering, Ghent University, Belgium. He combines this current position with a part-time assignment as a guest professor at TU-Delft, Netherlands.
His current research interests include Microstructural characterisation; Crystallographic texture, texture measurements by XRD and orientation contrast microscopy by Electron Backscattered Diffraction (EBSD); Structure-Property relations with particular emphasis on the anisotropy of properties as a function of crystallographic anisotropy; Non-Oriented electrical steels as flux carriers in electro-magnetic devices; Modelling of recrystallization textures in metal alloys; Formation of microstructures through innovative metal processing such as thermo-mechanically controlled rolling or Additive Manufacturing.
Prof. Kestens received a research grant of 1 million Euros under the prestigious “Odysseus programme” at Ghent University. Also, a Co-PI in 10 million Euros of a grant to develop a Digitally Enhanced New Steel project in collaboration with TU Delft and Tata Steel Europe.