The effective flexoelectric coefficients of a multifunctional flexoelectric fiber reinforced composite (FLFRC) have been estimated using an analytical micromechanics based model. The analytical estimation carried out here has been validated with the effective piezoelectric and the fourth-order elastic constants of the composite available in literature. The effective flexoelectric coefficients of the composite show a size-dependent effect, not seen in similar calculations for piezoelectric composites. Also, above a critical fiber volume fraction with a suitable choice of matrix, the effective flexoelectric properties of the FLFRC can be tailored to be significantly superior to those of the monolithic dielectric solid. It is noted that, the FLFRC can be customized to have negative axial flexoelectric coefficients. This study opens new avenues for further research on developing smart nanocomposites characterized with enhanced functional properties. © 2018 Elsevier Ltd

Sai Sidhardh

Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

M.C. Ray

Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) is a premier institute of science and technology established in 2008. IITH has been consistently ranked in the&nbsp;<a href="https://iith.ac.in/reports/" rel="noopener noreferrer">top 10 institutes</a>&nbsp;in India for Engineering&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nirfindia.org/2021/EngineeringRanking.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">according to NIRF</a>&nbsp;making it one of the most coveted schools for science and technology in the country.

IITH offers&nbsp;<a href="https://iith.ac.in/academics/under-graduate/">undergraduate programs</a>&nbsp;in all the classical engineering disciplines, applied sciences, design, as well as several modern interdisciplinary areas. Students are given a flexibility to explore a broad set of areas, and potentially pursue a minor or double major in a discipline that is not their own. Students who wish to seek a deeper understanding of their own discipline are strongly encouraged to get involved in cutting-edge research with the help of a faculty to mentor them, and earn an Honors in their own field.

The very foundation of IIT Hyderabad is based on&nbsp;<a href="https://iith.ac.in/research/">research and innovation</a>. The vibrant research culture is evident from the number of patents and publications that IITH produces consistently every year. IITH offers&nbsp;<a href="https://iith.ac.in/academics/programmes-offered/">graduate programs</a>&nbsp;at both a masters, and a doctoral level, in several diverse areas. There are separate programs for technology, design, science, and liberal arts. The&nbsp;<a href="https://iith.ac.in/academics/post-graduate/">MTech program</a>&nbsp;is offered in various modes and durations to cater to the ever-growing need of postgraduate level professionals in the country.

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IITH enjoys a very special relationship with Japanese universities and industries that goes beyond academic and research collaborations. In fact, some of the iconic buildings in IITH campus will carry the signature of Japanese architecture.

IITH creates a unique holistic ecosystem for education that offers interactive learning, a very flexible academic structure, cutting-edge research, strong industry collaboration, and entrepreneurship. This is an environment which enables students and faculty to translate their dreams into realities.

Journal	Data powered by TypesetMaterials Today Communications
Publisher	Data powered by TypesetElsevier Ltd
ISSN	23524928