Asst. Prof. Sudhir Kumar Vijayakumar: Assistant Professor, Department of Automobile Engineering, Kongu Engineering College, India
Title/Designation: Asst. Prof
Name: Sudhir Kumar Vijayakumar
Current Role/Designation: Assistant Professor, Department of Automobile Engineering
Organization/Institution Details: Kongu Engineering College, Perundurai, Erode – 638060
Country: India
Subject Track: Engineering
Award Category: Best Innovator Award
Sudhir Kumar V is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Automobile Engineering, with a focus on Automotive Engineering. With over 7 years of academic experience, he has contributed significantly to the field of vehicle dynamics, vehicle safety, and manufacturing techniques. His expertise extends to advanced control systems, suspension modeling, and fatigue analysis, with a particular interest in improving vehicle performance, safety, and driver ergonomics. Sudhir has authored several publications and SAE technical papers, collaborating with researchers worldwide. He is committed to bridging the gap between theoretical research and practical applications in the automotive industry. His ongoing research continues to focus on innovative solutions for the next generation of vehicles, particularly in the areas of electric vehicles and autonomous driving technologies.
Online Profiles
As of now, Sudhir Kumar V has a total of 13 citations, all of which have been accrued since 2020, indicating the growing recognition of his recent research contributions. His h-index stands at 2, reflecting that at least two of his papers have received two or more citations.
Education
Sudhir Kumar V completed his Master of Engineering (M.E.) in Automotive Engineering from PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, under Anna University, Tamil Nadu, India. During his M.E., he focused on various aspects of automotive systems, including vehicle dynamics, suspension systems, and performance optimization. He completed his Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) in Mechanical Engineering from Kongu Engineering College, Erode, also under Anna University. His academic background equips him with a solid foundation in mechanical systems, which he has built upon with specialized automotive knowledge.
Research Focus
Sudhir’s primary research interests lie in the field of automotive engineering, with a focus on vehicle dynamics, crashworthiness, and the ergonomics of automotive systems. His work explores innovative solutions in active suspension systems, vehicle safety mechanisms (such as Automatic Emergency Braking Systems, AEBS), and the optimization of internal combustion and electric vehicle performance. Sudhir also studies the effect of ergonomic factors like muscular fatigue on drivers, particularly focusing on clutch pedal operation in manual transmission vehicles. His work aims to enhance vehicle safety, driver comfort, and the development of more sustainable automotive technologies. He is also exploring advanced manufacturing techniques, such as additive manufacturing and wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM), for producing complex automotive components.
Experience
Sudhir has accumulated a rich academic experience over the past 7 years. He began his teaching career at Bannari Amman Institute of Technology, where he taught Automotive Engineering and led several research projects in vehicle dynamics and system modeling. He is currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Kongu Engineering College, continuing his research and mentoring students in automotive engineering. Sudhir’s role includes lecturing on subjects related to automotive technology, conducting research, and guiding students in their academic projects. While he has no industrial experience, his academic expertise and extensive publication record have established him as a valuable contributor to automotive research.
Research Timeline & Activities
2018-2020: Sudhir’s research during this period focused on vehicle dynamics, particularly active suspension systems for improved ride quality. He worked on applying Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) controllers for hydraulic actuating mechanisms, and published key papers on improving vehicle control systems.
2020-2023: The next phase of his research involved improving vehicle safety and sustainability. He worked on developing AEBS for enhanced pedestrian safety and studied the cooling systems for electric vehicles. He published research on submerged battery cooling systems for electric vehicles and contributed to several SAE technical papers on electric vehicle components.
2023-Present: Sudhir’s current research activities are centered on advanced manufacturing techniques in the automotive industry, particularly focusing on WEDM and additive manufacturing for automotive components. He is also investigating vehicle ergonomics, including studies on muscular fatigue associated with clutch pedal operation and the development of systems to reduce driver strain.
Awards & Honors
Sudhir has been recognized for his academic excellence and contributions to automotive engineering research. He was awarded the GEM Equipments Award for the best project work during his M.E. Automotive Engineering program in 2017-2018. He has also been acknowledged for his active involvement in the SAE India Southern Section, where he has played a key role as the event champion for several ADMMS Conferences. Additionally, Sudhir was selected as a recipient of the SAE International Recognition Award for his contributions to the organization, particularly in the area of automotive engineering education and event management.
Top Noted Publication
One of Sudhir’s most notable publications is “Investigating Muscular Fatigue Associated with Clutch Pedal Operation in Manual Transmission Vehicles Using Surface Electromyography,” which was published in International Journal of Automotive Technology in 2025. This research is significant because it addresses the ergonomic challenges faced by drivers during long-term use of manual transmission vehicles. By analyzing muscular fatigue using electromyography, the study offers important insights into improving vehicle design to enhance driver comfort and safety. The findings have implications for the development of more user-friendly and fatigue-reducing vehicle interfaces. This paper has garnered attention within the automotive research community and has influenced future ergonomic studies in vehicle design.
“Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Thin Cylindrical Shell Subjected to Axial Compression Loading”
Authors: VS Kumar, T Raja, R Balamurugan, S Dhayaneethi
Journal: AIP Conference Proceedings 2128 (1), 050012
Cited by: 6
Year: 2019
This paper provides a comprehensive study of thin cylindrical shells under axial compression, integrating both experimental data and numerical simulations. The findings contributed to improved understanding of buckling phenomena in cylindrical structures, especially those subjected to critical loading conditions.“Experimental Investigation on Reliable and Accurate Prediction of Buckling Analysis of Thin Cylindrical Shells with Geometric Imperfections”
Authors: VS Kumar, R Balamurugan, T Raja, B Saravanan
Journal: Materials Today: Proceedings 45, 841-851
Cited by: 4
Year: 2021
In this study, the authors investigate the effect of geometric imperfections on the buckling behavior of thin cylindrical shells. The research focuses on developing accurate predictive models that can be applied to real-world engineering problems where such imperfections are common, providing a foundation for more reliable structural designs.“Simulation and Analysis of Quarter Car Model for Low Cost Suspension Test Rig”
Authors: VS Kumar, T Pasupuleti, M Natarajan
Journal: SAE Technical Paper
Cited by: 1
Year: 2023
This paper explores the simulation and analysis of a quarter car model designed for low-cost suspension testing. The authors propose a cost-effective method for evaluating vehicle suspension systems, which has direct implications for automotive testing and development, especially in academic and research-based environments.“Testing and Validation of AEBS on a Curved Road Path by Integrating Vehicle Dynamics in Four Wheelers Using IPG Carmaker to Enhance Pedestrian Safety”
Authors: VS Kumar, R Balamurugan, R Thiagarajan, M Yaswanth, A Kishore
Journal: SAE Technical Paper
Cited by: 1
Year: 2022
This paper focuses on the testing and validation of Automatic Emergency Braking Systems (AEBS) on curved roads, utilizing vehicle dynamics simulation tools such as IPG Carmaker. The work is crucial for improving pedestrian safety in real-world driving scenarios, particularly when vehicles navigate curved paths.“Investigation on Design and Analysis of Passenger Car Body Crash-Worthiness in Frontal Impact Using Radioss”
Authors: R Balamurugan, SK Vijayakumar, T Raja, S Madhankumar
Journal: SAE Technical Paper
Cited by: 1
Year: 2020
This research investigates the crashworthiness of passenger car bodies under frontal impact using the Radioss simulation tool. The study highlights important factors affecting vehicle safety and the design improvements needed to enhance crash resistance. The outcomes are vital for improving the structural integrity of passenger vehicles during accidents.
Strengths for the Best Innovator Award
Innovative Research in Vehicle Ergonomics and Safety
Sudhir Kumar V has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving driver-centric automotive technologies, particularly through his research on muscular fatigue analysis in manual transmission vehicles. His use of surface electromyography (sEMG) to quantify and address ergonomic challenges is not only novel but also impactful in redefining how human factors are considered in vehicle design. This line of research bridges engineering and physiology, contributing toward reducing long-term physical strain for drivers—especially in developing regions where manual transmission vehicles dominate. His innovations have the potential to influence future vehicle interior design, driver-assist systems, and occupational health standards in the transportation industry.Cutting-Edge Contributions to Electric Vehicle Technology
In response to global mobility trends, Sudhir has actively contributed to next-generation electric vehicle (EV) research, focusing on real-world challenges such as thermal management and energy efficiency. His investigation into submerged battery cooling systems for EVs provides a cost-effective solution to overheating issues that compromise battery life and vehicle performance. Additionally, his comparative analysis of hybrid vs. conventional two-wheelers demonstrates his practical approach to evaluating and deploying green technologies in emerging markets. By addressing core challenges in EV infrastructure and performance, Sudhir has positioned himself as a key innovator in the field of sustainable automotive engineering.Advanced Simulation, Modeling, and Control System Expertise
Sudhir’s body of work reflects a sophisticated command of simulation software, control algorithms, and dynamic modeling. His projects involving quarter car model simulations, frontal crash analysis, and validation of AEBS using IPG Carmaker highlight his ability to build and analyze virtual testing environments that closely mimic real-world conditions. This expertise is critical for the development of autonomous vehicle systems, where safety validation through simulation is a mandatory step. His focus on integrated control systems (e.g., PID controllers for suspension systems) also demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to vehicle automation and ride quality optimization.Multidisciplinary Collaborations and Academic Leadership
A hallmark of Sudhir’s career is his multidisciplinary collaboration with researchers and institutions across the automotive, mechanical, and manufacturing domains. He has co-authored over 25 international conference papers, multiple SAE technical papers, and peer-reviewed journal articles, often partnering with professionals in AI, material science, and biomechanics. Furthermore, his involvement as a conference organizer and SAE India event champion reflects strong leadership in fostering innovation communities. By promoting knowledge-sharing and collaboration, he not only advances his own research but also elevates the broader academic ecosystem.Consistent Research Output with Real-World Relevance
What sets Sudhir apart is his ability to maintain a consistent stream of high-quality research, often translating theoretical insights into practical engineering applications. His work on buckling analysis of cylindrical shells, adaptive marine vehicle design, and wire EDM process optimization reflects both breadth and depth. His patent filings, book chapters in Springer Lecture Notes, and invitations to speak at seminars underscore his thought leadership. His research is not only academically rigorous but also aligned with industry needs, making tangible contributions to automotive design, manufacturing, and safety protocols.