Introduction to Operations research – Formulation of optimization problems – Linear programming – Revised simplex method – Simplex method for bounded variables - – Karmarkar’s method - Dual-simplex method – Goal programming - Integer programming – Dantzig-Wolfe decomposition – Network optimization models– Travelling salesman problem and its extensions – Evolutionary algorithms.

Thermodynamics basic concepts - the first law, (the enthalpy concept, heat capacity), the second law (reversible and irreversible processes, entropy, Gibbs energy, chemical potential, driving force), the third law, Clausius-Clapeyrons equations. Basics of Phase diagrams: Gibbs free energy – composition diagrams, Gibbs phase rule. Ideal and regular solutions, Diffusion: steady vs non-steady states, driving force and mechanisms Interfaces: solid-vapour, grain and phase boundaries. Nucleation (homogeneous and heterogeneous), growth, Eutectic solidification

Basic steps of powder metallurgy, powder fabrication techniques and Characterization, various Compaction techniques, Sintering techniques and mechanisms, Various compaction techniques -Injection molding, Powder forging/ rolling/ extrusion, Hot pressing/ Isostatic Pressing, Post Sintering process, Application of Powder Metallurgy Parts - Production of filters, self-lubricating bearings, gears, friction parts, electrical materials, sintering of carbide tools, Application of powder metallurgy in automobile and space industries.

Concepts of diffusion and Phase Transformations on heating, Kinetics of phase transformation, Phase stability and free energy of mixing; free energy-composition diagrams, principles of nucleation and growth, Importance of austenitic grain size, TTT diagrams, CCT Diagrams, Various heat treatment processes in steels and aluminium alloys, hardenability, thermomechanical treatments, characteristics of quenchants, Surface hardening: Laser hardening, Case carburizing (solid, liquid and gaseous), Cyaniding, Carbonitriding, Nitriding, Plasma nitriding.

Introduction and advances in metal casting processes; Thermodynamics and stability of phases, Classification of phase transformations, Order of transformation, Gibbs rule and application, Phase diagrams construction and interpretation. Liquid-solid transformation: homogeneous and heterogeneous nucleation, Growth aspects- plane front, cellular, columnar, dendritic and equiaxed.

Introduction- Classifications- Mechanical, Thermal, Electrical and Chemical based processes (EDM, ECM, AJM, AWJM, CHM, USM, LBM, EBM etc.)

Mechanism of Material removal- Modelling aspects- Process selection and process variables Hydrid methods and advanced practices

Need and relevance of micro manufacturing – Size effects- Tool based –mechanical micro Machining (Microscale turning, milling, drilling, grinding etc.). Non-traditional micro machining: micro EDM, Micro ECM, Electron beam, ion beam and laser based micro machining Abrasive micro/nano finishing techniques (AFM, MAF, MRF, EEM, EAM etc.) and other recent advancements. Micro forming techniques: laser micro-bending, micro-deep drawing and Extrusion-Micro welding / joining techniques. Micro-fabrication using deposition techniques such as sputtering, CVD, ALD, LIGA etc.