SCAMPER Based Assessment Framework to Evaluate Final Year Engineering Projects in Higher Education Institutions , Salma Shaik, A. Varun, , Mechiri Sandeep Kumar, and Journal of Engineering Education Transformations, 2025 With rapid technological advancements of the 21st century, there is a greater onus on the higher education institutions (HEIs) to innovate teaching methodologies. Especially, engineering education which is at the forefront of latest developments, needs to provide a stimulating and feedback-oriented learning environment to the students. The current paper presents a SCAMPER technique-based assessment framework embedded with Bloom's Taxonomy that can be used for assessing the technical feasibility, identification, and resolution of challenges for final year engineering projects. A case study is conducted utilizing the proposed framework to evaluate projects of final year Mechanical Engineering undergraduate students. Results highlighted that among the control group, 67% of students followed the traditional “modify” solution approach to a given problem whereas in the experimental group, the solution approaches were more diverse with only 35% of students choosing the “modify” approach. In terms of overall assessment scores, 70% of the experimental group scored in the upper quartile from 7 to 10 whereas for the control group, only 30% of students scored between 7 to 8 with 8 being the highest score. Based on these results, we can assert that the proposed framework enables students to a) think critically and be open to exploring different approaches to solve a problem b) justify the chosen solution approach and c) clearly explain the potential challenges and their feasible solutions. Hence, this research addresses the need to design robust frameworks that will a) guide students to think critically and to focus on novel idea generation b) facilitate instructors to thoroughly evaluate projects and to provide students with timely and comprehensive feedback. We believe that this framework is flexible enough that can be adapted to successfully evaluate student projects from diverse disciplines in higher education institutions globally.
Fatigue behavior of friction stir welded AA6061 alloy using brass insert Korra Nagu, A Varun, Mechiri Sandeep Kumar, Kethavath Kranthi Kumar, MVNV Satyanarayana, Adepu Kumar Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part E Journal of Process Mechanical Engineering, 2025 Aluminum alloys, broadly used in aerospace and automotive, are particularly susceptible to fatigue failures. The grain refinement characteristics can improve the fatigue behavior of aluminum alloys, which can be achieved using friction stir welding (FSW). The primary aim of this study is to examine how incorporating a brass insert influences the fatigue crack growth behavior of AA6061-T6 alloy welded through FSW, comparing welds with and without the insert. Microstructural analysis showed fine recrystallized grains are obtained for both welds. However, welding with the insert exhibited smaller grains. Moreover, robust intermetallics are formed for welding with insert due to the intermixing reaction at FSW temperature, which improves mechanical properties such as hardness and tensile strength. The findings on fatigue indicate that the fatigue resistance of the weld with insert is significantly high, which can be attributed to the increased grain boundaries and development of strong intermetallic compounds, which hindered the crack propagation. Fractographic analysis of the fracture surfaces indicated the presence of striation marks in the weld with the insert, which slowed crack propagation and prolonged fatigue life. The findings suggest real-world applications in industries, where improving the fatigue life and structural reliability of welded aluminum components is critical.
Experimental investigation on agriculture waste residue reinforcement in Al 7075 alloy through rotary stir casting Murahari Kolli, Kosaraju Satyanarayana, Mechiri Sandeep Kumar, A. Varun, Solovev S. A, Oleg Igorevich Rozhdestvenskiy, Anil Kumar Saxena Cogent Engineering, 2024 Aluminum metal matrix composites (MMCs) are a distinct class of materials with better performance characteristics than their equivalents made entirely of metal. The structural, maritime, aviation, defense and mining sectors all make extensive use of these composites. Many artificially produced hard ceramic reinforcements were investigated extensively to improve the properties of aluminum MMCs; however, the cost and exclusivity of the artificial reinforcements made extensive research on aluminum MMCs derived from agricultural and industrial waste possible. In this work, bamboo leaf ash (BLA), an aluminum MMC (Al 7075/ BLA) based on ceramic reinforcement produced from agricultural waste, is made utilizing the liquid metal stir casting process, with volume percentages of reinforcement in the matrix ranging from 2% to 8% by weight. To determine how much the MMC’s qualities have improved over the basic metal, mechanical and microstructural evaluation is carried out. The study’s findings verified that a sound composite with increased strength and hardness had been produced. The microstructural evaluation verified that the grain structure has undergone substantial refinement, resulting in an improvement in its properties.
Surface roughness prediction using machine learning algorithms while turning under different lubrication conditions A Varun, Mechiri Sandeep Kumar, Karthik Murumulla, Tatiparthi Sathvik Journal of Physics Conference Series, 2021 Lathe turning is one of the manufacturing sector’s most basic and important operations. From small businesses to large corporations, optimising machining operations is a key priority. Cooling systems in machining have an important role in determining surface roughness. The machine learning model under discussion assesses the surface roughness of lathe turned surfaces for a variety of materials. To forecast surface roughness, the machine learning model is trained using machining parameters, material characteristics, tool properties, and cooling conditions such as dry, MQL, and hybrid nano particle mixed MQL. Mixing with appropriate nano particles such as copper, aluminium, etc. may significantly improve cooling system heat absorption. To create a data collection for training and testing the model, many standard journals and publications are used. Surface roughness varies with work parameter combinations. In MATLAB, a Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) method will be utilised to construct a model and predict surface roughness. To improve prediction outcomes and make the model more flexible, data from a variety of publications was included. Some characteristics were omitted in order to minimise data noise. Different statistical factors will be explored to predict surface roughness.
A test to assess students' conceptual understanding of engineering metallurgy subject A. Varun, S. Krishnan Journal of Engineering Education Transformations, 2021 Engineering students have misconceptions that need to be addressed to improve their understanding of the subject especially in courses that involve several interlinked concepts. While approaches such as concept inventories and concept maps have been used in the past, the present study addresses the importance of learning assessment design with a clear understanding of the conceptual difficulties faced by students. This paper describes a series of diagnostic assessments conducted to understand the most common misconceptions encountered by the Engineering Metallurgy subject students in the 3rd semester of a B.Tech. program in Mechanical Engineering. The goal of this exploratory study was to ascertain whether this diagnostic approach could help the instructor guide the students towards correct responses through multiple interventions. The primary learning interventions included live classroom lectures, asynchronous assignments, blended mode group discussion and supplementary video lectures while secondary learning interventions included periodic postassessment reviews used for some topics. Multiplechoice questions were used for assessment and student responses were classified as correct, misconceptions or 'no basis' responses. The proposed diagnostic approach provides a framework for educators to identify best interventions suitable for specific topics and forms the basis for Outcome- Based Education. The study revealed that for 12 of the 14 topics considered in this tracking approach, a target percentage of correct responses was reached by the students while the number of 'no basis' responses were reduced significantly. The results from this study provide a basis for choosing topics where alternate learning designs could be implemented in the future.
Grey relational analysis coupled with firefly algorithm for multiobjective optimization of wire electric discharge machining A Varun, N Venkaiah Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part B Journal of Engineering Manufacture, 2015 Complex engineering problems are often required to be addressed for multiobjective optimization. Wire electric discharge machining is one such multiobjective optimization problem. Conflicting objectives such as material removal rate, surface roughness and kerf have always been research interest for optimization. In this article, a novel optimization strategy has been formulated by coupling grey relational analysis with firefly algorithm to optimize the responses. Process parameters such as pulse-on time, pulse-off time, peak current and servo voltage are studied. Response parameters such as material removal rate, surface roughness and kerf are considered. Firefly algorithm is the main technique and grey relational analysis is used to generate a grey relational grade. This grade is further used in firefly algorithm for movement of firefly to the neighboring brighter and attractive firefly. In this process of self-organization, simultaneous optimal solution for material removal rate, surface roughness and kerf is obtained. Peak current is found to be the most influencing factor affecting all the three responses. Pareto surface plot is also plotted to recommend alternate solutions for various responses based on the priorities. As the proposed strategy is generalized, it can be customized and applied for any multiobjective optimization problem.
Microstructure and fatigue characteristics of AA6061-T6 joints with interlayer and cooling-assisted friction stir welding K Nagu, K Kranthi Kumar, KV Reddy, K Benarji, A Varun, ... Welding International, 1-16 , 2026 2026
Analysis of a novel composite bullet-proof vest MS Kumar, A Varun, PS Kumar, NS Kumar Applications of AI in Smart Technologies and Manufacturing, 41-51 , 2025 2025
Analysis of missile wing stability and weight reduction through composite materials and ply optimization SKMC Author, V Akkaldevi, SK Nagavelly, S Atla, KK Kandi AIP Conference Proceedings 3363 (1), 1-14 , 2025 2025
SCAMPER Based Assessment Framework to Evaluate Final Year Engineering Projects in Higher Education Institutions MSK Salma Shaik, A. Varun Journal of Engineering Education Transformations 39 (1), 152-165 , 2025 2025
Fatigue behavior of friction stir welded AA6061 alloy using brass insert KA Nagu K, Varun A, Kumar MS, Kumar KK, Satyanarayana M Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part E: Journal of … , 2025 2025 Citations: 6
Experimental investigation on agriculture waste residue reinforcement in Al 7075 alloy through rotary stir casting M Kolli, K Satyanarayana, M Sandeep Kumar, A Varun, S S. A, ... Cogent Engineering 11 (1), 2410307 , 2024 2024 Citations: 1
An Overview of Nature-Inspired and Swarm Intelligence Algorithms MSKSBS Saniya Chheda, Varun A 4th Indian International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations … , 2024 2024
Sustainability Consciousness and Awareness of Sustainable Development Goals among Future Engineers S Shaik, A Varun Preprints , 2024 2024 Citations: 1
Suitability of Hybrid Aluminium Metal Matrix Composite Material to Replace Cast Iron in Automobile Components M Habibullah, NVV Manikanta, A Varun, M Praveen Applications of Computational Methods in Manufacturing and Product Design … , 2022 2022
Surface Roughness Prediction using Machine Learning Algorithms while Turning under Different Lubrication Conditions KMTS A Varun, Mechiri Sandeep Kumar Journal of Physics: Conference Series 2070 , 2021 2021 Citations: 7
A Test to Assess Students' Conceptual Understanding of Engineering Metallurgy Subject SK A. Varun Journal of Engineering Education Transformations 34 (4), 22-29 , 2021 2021 Citations: 5
COST EFFECTIVE SETUP TO MEASURE THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF FLUIDS WITH VARYING TEMPERATURES DMK Dr. MECHIRI SANDEEP KUMAR VENUGOPAL, Dr. A. VARUN IN Patent App. 202,041,055,473 , 2021 2021
Investigation on influence of hybrid biodegradable nanofluids (CuO-ZnO) on surface roughness in turning AISI 1018 steel MS Kumar, VM Krishna, A Varun Materials Today: Proceedings 24, 1570-1576 , 2020 2020 Citations: 15
A Comprehensive Review of the Pigeon-Inspired Optimization Algorithm MSK A. Varun International Journal of Engineering & Technology 7 (29), 758- , 2018 2018 Citations: 9
Grey relational analysis coupled with firefly algorithm for multiobjective optimization of wire electric discharge machining A Varun, N Venkaiah Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part B: Journal of … , 2015 2015 Citations: 15
Single-Discharge Analysis and Multi Objective Optimization of Wire-EDM using Grey Relational Analysis coupled with Genetic and Firefly Algorithms A Varun 2015
Simultaneous optimization of WEDM responses using grey relational analysis coupled with genetic algorithm while machining EN 353 A Varun, N Venkaiah The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology 76 (1-4), 675-690 , 2015 2015 Citations: 81
Multi–objective optimization of powder mixed EDM A Varun, N Venkaiah, B Kotiveerachari 4th International & 25th All India Manufacturing Technology, Design and … , 2012 2012 Citations: 4
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Simultaneous optimization of WEDM responses using grey relational analysis coupled with genetic algorithm while machining EN 353 A Varun, N Venkaiah The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology 76 (1-4), 675-690 , 2015 2015 Citations: 81
Investigation on influence of hybrid biodegradable nanofluids (CuO-ZnO) on surface roughness in turning AISI 1018 steel MS Kumar, VM Krishna, A Varun Materials Today: Proceedings 24, 1570-1576 , 2020 2020 Citations: 15
Grey relational analysis coupled with firefly algorithm for multiobjective optimization of wire electric discharge machining A Varun, N Venkaiah Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part B: Journal of … , 2015 2015 Citations: 15
A Comprehensive Review of the Pigeon-Inspired Optimization Algorithm MSK A. Varun International Journal of Engineering & Technology 7 (29), 758- , 2018 2018 Citations: 9
Surface Roughness Prediction using Machine Learning Algorithms while Turning under Different Lubrication Conditions KMTS A Varun, Mechiri Sandeep Kumar Journal of Physics: Conference Series 2070 , 2021 2021 Citations: 7
Fatigue behavior of friction stir welded AA6061 alloy using brass insert KA Nagu K, Varun A, Kumar MS, Kumar KK, Satyanarayana M Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part E: Journal of … , 2025 2025 Citations: 6
A Test to Assess Students' Conceptual Understanding of Engineering Metallurgy Subject SK A. Varun Journal of Engineering Education Transformations 34 (4), 22-29 , 2021 2021 Citations: 5
Multi–objective optimization of powder mixed EDM A Varun, N Venkaiah, B Kotiveerachari 4th International & 25th All India Manufacturing Technology, Design and … , 2012 2012 Citations: 4
Experimental investigation on agriculture waste residue reinforcement in Al 7075 alloy through rotary stir casting M Kolli, K Satyanarayana, M Sandeep Kumar, A Varun, S S. A, ... Cogent Engineering 11 (1), 2410307 , 2024 2024 Citations: 1
Sustainability Consciousness and Awareness of Sustainable Development Goals among Future Engineers S Shaik, A Varun Preprints , 2024 2024 Citations: 1
Microstructure and fatigue characteristics of AA6061-T6 joints with interlayer and cooling-assisted friction stir welding K Nagu, K Kranthi Kumar, KV Reddy, K Benarji, A Varun, ... Welding International, 1-16 , 2026 2026
Analysis of a novel composite bullet-proof vest MS Kumar, A Varun, PS Kumar, NS Kumar Applications of AI in Smart Technologies and Manufacturing, 41-51 , 2025 2025
Analysis of missile wing stability and weight reduction through composite materials and ply optimization SKMC Author, V Akkaldevi, SK Nagavelly, S Atla, KK Kandi AIP Conference Proceedings 3363 (1), 1-14 , 2025 2025
SCAMPER Based Assessment Framework to Evaluate Final Year Engineering Projects in Higher Education Institutions MSK Salma Shaik, A. Varun Journal of Engineering Education Transformations 39 (1), 152-165 , 2025 2025
An Overview of Nature-Inspired and Swarm Intelligence Algorithms MSKSBS Saniya Chheda, Varun A 4th Indian International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations … , 2024 2024
Suitability of Hybrid Aluminium Metal Matrix Composite Material to Replace Cast Iron in Automobile Components M Habibullah, NVV Manikanta, A Varun, M Praveen Applications of Computational Methods in Manufacturing and Product Design … , 2022 2022
COST EFFECTIVE SETUP TO MEASURE THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF FLUIDS WITH VARYING TEMPERATURES DMK Dr. MECHIRI SANDEEP KUMAR VENUGOPAL, Dr. A. VARUN IN Patent App. 202,041,055,473 , 2021 2021
Single-Discharge Analysis and Multi Objective Optimization of Wire-EDM using Grey Relational Analysis coupled with Genetic and Firefly Algorithms A Varun 2015