010178   Mishra S K;Gupta R K;Vaidya A R;Mukherjee J (Electrical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, Mumbai Univ, Mumbai) : 1x3 microstrip line-fed metal-plated split U-shaped omnidirectional ultra-wideband monopole antenna. IETE J Res 2012, 58(5), 429-34.

In this article, a parallel metal-plated split U-shaped omnidirectional ultra wideband (UWB) antenna fed by a novel 1x3 microstrip line is proposed. Printed monopole antennas fabricated on a substrate offer impedance bandwidth which can cover UWB. However, radiation pattern varies significantly over the bandwidth. The cross polar component increases with frequency and the pattern degrades from the desired omnidirectional characteristics. Omnidirectional radiation bandwidth can be increased significantly by decreasing the substrate thickness and using substrate material of low dielectric constant. With the use of the proposed feeding arrangement, parallel metal-plated split U-shaped monopole antenna shows omnidirectional radiation pattern. The proposed metal-plated structure using foam as dielectric is designed, fabricated, and tested. The measured VSWR is <60>2 over 3.1 to 10.6 GHz frequency band. The antenna offers high efficiency, stable gain, small group delay variation, and its radiation patterns indicate its suitability for UWB applications.

10 illus, 15 ref

010177   Mishra S;Das D;Paul S (NO, Eastern Academy of Science and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Email: sivmishra@yahoo.com) : Simple algorithm to implement active power loss allocation schemes in radial distribution systems. J Instn Engrs : Ser B 2012, 93(3), 123-32.

Brief overview of various active power loss allocation methods is presented. "Exact Method" of loss allocation, suitable for radial distribution systems, is chosen for implementation. Simple bus identification techniques are proposed to implement load flow and loss allocation. A detailed algorithm with some useful MATLAB codes are included to form various proposed arrays to perform the load flow and then allocate losses to various buses. The results for a 30-bus and a 69-bus radial test distribution system are presented.

4 illus, 5 tables, 18 ref

010176   Mishra S C;Pratusa;Swayam;Mishra A K; Panigrahi S C;Samal B P (NO, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, Email: purisubash@gmail.com) : Erosion wear behavior of aluminum-3 magnesium-10 silicon carbide composite. J Mater metall Engng 2013, 3(3), 39-50.

Aluminum-based metal matrix composites (MMCs) offer potential for advanced structural applications when high specific strength and modulus as well as good elevated temperature resistance along with light weight are important. In the present work, aluminum alloy-silicon carbide composite (Al~3Mg-10SiC) is developed using the stir-casting technique and is subjected to study the wear behavior. Solid particle erosion on Al-3Mg-10SiC was conducted. Implementation of design of experiments (through Taguchi and statistical techniques) in analyzing the erosion behavior of composites is made. The surface morphology is investigated by electron microscopy. The roughness of the eroded surface is measured throughout the course of erosion to study the mechanisms operating during the erosion.

20 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

010175   Martowibowo S Y;Wahyudi A (NO, Faculty of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Institut Teknologi Ba, Jalan Ganesa 10, Bandung 40132, Indonesia, Email: sigit2ftmd.itb.ac.id) : Taguchi method implementation in taper motion wire EDM process optimization. J Instn Engrs: Ser C 2012, 93(4), 357-64.

Wire electrical discharge machining (Wire EDM) is a non-conventional metal removal process as well as one of the best manufacturing processes suitable for producing jigs, fixtures, and dies. Among others, the machine is able to cut a workpiece having oblique and taper form. The objective of this paper is to optimize the input parameters of Wire EDM machine, such as no load voltage, capacitor, on-time, off-time, and servo voltage, for machining medium carbon steel AS-SAB 760. The Taguchi design of experiments, the signal-to-noise ratio, and analysis of variance are employed to analyze the effects of the input parameters by adopting L₁₈ Taguchi orthogonal array (OA) to conduct experiments using brass wire electrode of 0.2 mm in diameter. In order to achieve the maximum material removal rate (MRR) or the minimum surface roughness (SR), six controllable factors, i.e., the parameters of each at three levels are applied for determining the optimal combination of factors and levels. The results reveal that the MRR and the SR are greatly influenced by the on-time and the taper angle, respectively. Experimental results affirm the effectiveness of the method, and also prove that the Taguchi method is suitable to solving the stated problem within minimum number of experiments as compared to that of a full factorial design.

6 illus, 5 tables, 22 ref

010174   Laskar R H;Kalita U;Phukan M (Electronics and Communication Engineering Dep, National Institute of Technology Silchar, Silchar-788 010, Email: rabul18@yahoo.com) : Vector based color image super-resolution analysis for pure translational motion. Int J Inf Process 2011, 5(4), 73-84.

Multi-frame super-resolution image reconstruction is a method of constructing a high-resolution image from a set of low-resolution images. The low resolution images are geometrically warped, blurred, noisy and down-sampled versions of the original high resolution image. In vector-magnitude based approach, all the three color bands are treated as vector instead of processing the individual color channel separately. It has been observed that instead of processing all the three color bands, it is enough to process the magnitude part treating all the three color bands as vectors. Color artifacts can also be reduced by vector based processing approach as compared to processing the individual color bands since cross channel effect is also considered in this processing. For known motion, the image registration become quite easier. However, for unknown motion, the motion needs to be estimated during image registration. In this paper, the Lucas-Kanade optical flow method have been used to estimate the motion. For over-determined systems, the Lucas-Kanade algorithm can be used in combination with statistical methods to improve the performance in presence of outliers as in noisy images. The advantage of this algorithm is the comparative robustness in presence of noise. The performance of the algorithm is analyzed and compared with the methods that uses known motion vector, by considering mean square error (MSE) and peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR). The simulation results show that the super-resolved images with known and estimated motion have almost same PSNR and MSE. The performance of this method is comparable to the performance of the existing super-resolution algorithms where as complexity is reduced as processing is done only on the magnitude part instead of individual color bands.

11 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

010173   Kumar S;Singh O (NO, Harcourt Butler Technological Institute, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Email: sanjaykumarkanpur@gmail.com) : Effect of gas/stream turbine inlet temperatures on combined cycle having air transpiration cooled gas turbine. J Instn Engrs: Ser C 2012, 93(4), 297-305.

Worldwide efforts are being made for further improving the gas/steam combined cycle performance by having better blade cooling technology in topping cycle and enhanced heat recovery in bottoming cycle. The scope of improvement is possible through turbines having higher turbine inlet temperatures (TITs) of both gas turbine and steam turbine. Literature review shows that a combined cycle with transpiration cooled gas turbine has not been analyzed with varying gas/steam TITs. In view of above the present study has been undertaken for thermodynamic study of gas/steam combined cycle with respect to variation in TIT in both topping and bottoming cycles, for air transpiration cooled gas turbine. The performance of combined cycle with dual pressure heat recovery steam generator has been evaluated for different cycle pressure ratios (CPRs) varying from 11 to 23 and the selection diagrams presented for TIT varying from 1,600 to 1,900 K. Both the cycle efficiency and specific work increase with TIT for each pressure ratio. For each TIT there exists an optimum pressure ratio for cycle efficiency and specific work. For the CPR of 23 the best cycle performance is seen at a TIT of 1,900 K for maximum steam temperature of 570 °C, which gives the cycle efficiency of 60.9% with net specific work of 909 kJ/kg.

9 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

010172   Kulkarni A V;Jain V K;Misra K A (NO, IIT Kanpur, Kanpur, Email: anjalik@iitk.ac.in) : Study of microstructure and transient, instantaneous current in different excitations during silicon micromachining. J Instn Engrs : Ser B 2012, 93(3), 179-84.

Study of transient, instantaneous current during silicon micromachining using electrochemical spark process is carried out. Voltage excitation of three kinds namely, dc, Half wave rectified and ac are used to carve the micro channels. The transient and instantaneous process current is measured online and analyzed for each excitation. Micromachining and the surface topography results are presented. The transient current reveals the mechanism of the spark formation and explains the inherent process stages.

9 illus, 8 ref

010171   Kishore Kumar P;Kishore Kumar T (Electronics and Communication Dep, National Institute of Technology, Warangal, Andhra Pradesh) : Novel approach for clutter reduction in through-the-wall UWB radar imaging. IETE J Res 2012, 58(5), 341-6.

Through-the-wall imaging (TWI) is an emerging area of research and development which is very much useful in urban warfare situations. Ultra-wide band range radar is the best suitable for this application where this range of signals has the capability of penetrating through the materials but still can provide better resolution. The incorporation of signal processing techniques on the raw data will give better representation of the scanned scene. The paper uses impulse radar for TWI, and back projection algorithm is used to retrieve the B-scan signal. A constant gain of factor 100 is used to increase the echo strength. Singular value decomposition is used to reduce the clutter from the B-scan signal and the peak signal to noise ratio is observed to be -3.79 dB.

12 ref

010170   Kim S;Kim B;Kim S;Park J;Chung Y (Cloud Computing Research Dep, Korea Univ, Korea) : NADIA: a network acceleration system with defense against network invasion and attack. IETE J Res 2012, 58(5), 398-409.

Information security plays a critical role in the design of high-speed network systems, and much attention is focused on the Network Intrusion Prevention System (NIPS) which combines both a firewall and a Network Intrusion Detection System (NIDS). However, the current generation of NIDS/NIPS has several limitations on performance and effectiveness. In this paper, we describe the Network Accelerator with Defense against Invasion and Attack (NADIA) architecture as a network security card. The NADIA system consists of NADIA hardware for network and security processing and NADIA software for a device driver and a management agent. The goal of the network acceleration hardware is to reduce the overhead of the host CPU for network processing. And, the security function hardware performs operations such as network ACL, DPI, DDoS blocking, and session control, in order to check whether the received packets are malicious or not. Based on the performance evaluation, we can confirm that NADIA can reduce the CPU overhead of the network and security processing by a factor of 5~14.

15 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

010169   Kim G H;Wang J Y (NO, Daewoo Ship Building and Marine Engineering, Inc. in Seoul, South Korea, Email: gnhokim@DSME.co.kr) : Critical review of hydraulic fracture propagation in shale gas reservoirs. J Petrol Engng Technol 2013, 3(3), 1-17.

Successful exploration and development of unconventional shale gas reservoirs was possible with advances in hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling. Hydraulic fracture treatments open these natural fractures and create a fracture network in gas shales. However, the fracture propagation is not fully understood as of now. A critical review of hydraulic fracture propagation in shale gas formations is presented in this paper. Effects of pertinent factors on hydraulic fracture propagation are described and discussed. The factors are classified into three categories: well completion, fracture treatment, and formation properties. Well completion factors include casing roughness, perforation friction, tortuosity, fracture reorientation, and horizontal wells. Fracture treatment parameters include fluid property change, friction due to proppant, variable injection rate, multi-phase flow, proppant transport, and multi-stage treatment. Formation properties include rock toughness, temperature and pore pressure expansion, stress anisotropy, natural fractures, Young's modulus, and formation permeability. This review gives engineers and researchers a better understanding of fracture propagation in shale gas reservoirs.

6 illus, 39 ref

010168   Karthik R;Sree Renga Raja T;Shunmugam S S; Sudhakar T (Liquid Dielectrics Lab EEE Dep, National Engineering College, Kovilpatti-628 503, Email: hvekarthik@gmail.com) : Performance evaluation of ester oil and mixed insulating fluids. J Instn Engrs : Ser B 2012, 93(3), 173-8.

Power transformers are the most significant component of power system. Traditionally mineral oils are used as insulating fluid in power transformers. In this work, an effort has been made to investigate the performance of alternate insulating fluids like ester and silicone oil. The technical stability of these insulating fluids, their mixtures is analyzed. Deterioration of solid insulation in presence of ester oil is examined using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction techniques (XRD).

13 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

010167   Jain S (Electronics & Communication Engineering Dep, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad, Email: snjece@gmail.com) : Survey: a low EMI approach to electronic circuit design. J Pwr Elect Pwr Syst 2013, 3(1), 1-4.

This paper describes techniques to meet national and International standards in the area of electromagnetic interference (EMI) which are becoming very important for users and equipment manufacturers of electrical/electronic equipment. EMI sources are identified & classified into either natural or manmade. Normal sources of EMI are further classified as terrestrial, emanating on or near the Earth's surface or non terrestrial, emanating from cosmic or solar bodies. Techniques to reduce EMI created by above sources are described and contribution of each has been analyzed. This results in a systematic design approach for low EMI circuit design.

1 illus, 16 ref

010166   Gopalakrishnan J;Agnihotri G;Deshpande D M (Electrical Engineering Dep, MANIT, Bhopal-462 051, Email: jgkrishnan@yahoo.com) : Virtual instumentation corrosion controller for natural gas pipelines. J Instn Engrs : Ser B 2012, 93(4), 259-65.

Corrosion is an electrochemical process. Corrosion in natural gas (methane) pipelines leads to leakages. Corrosion occurs when anode and cathode are connected through electrolyte. Rate of corrosion in metallic pipeline can be controlled by impressing current to it and thereby making it to act as cathode of corrosion cell. Technologically advanced and energy efficient corrosion controller is required to protect natural gas pipelines. Proposed virtual instrumentation (VI) based corrosion controller precisely controls the external corrosion in underground metallic pipelines, enhances its life and ensures safety. Designing and development of proportional-integral-differential (PID) corrosion controller using VI (LabVIEW) is carried out. When the designed controller is deployed at field, it maintains the pipe to soil potential (PSP) within safe operating limit and not entering into over/under protection zone. Horizontal deployment of this technique can be done to protect all metallic structure, oil pipelines, which need corrosion protection.

5 illus, 1 table, 28 ref

010165   Geetha Devi M;Dumaran J J;Feroz S (NO, Caledonian College of Engineering, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, Email: geethadevi@caledonian.edu.om) : Dairy wastewater treatment using low molecular weight crab shell chitosan. J Instn Engrs : Ser E 2012, 93(1), 9-14.

Investigation of possible use of low molecular weight crab shell chitosan (MW 20 kDa) in the treatment of dairy waste water was studied. Various experiments have been carried out using batch adsorption technique to study the effects of the process variables, which include contact time, stirring speed, pH and adsorbent dosage. Treated effluent characteristics at optimum condition showed that chitosan can be effectively used as adsorbent in the treatment of dairy wastewater. The optimum conditions for this study were at 150 mg/l of chitosan, pH 5 and 50 min of mixing time with 50 rpm of mixing speed. Chitosan showed the highest performance under these conditions with 79% COD, 93% turbidity and 73% TSS reduction. The result showed that chitosan is an effective coagulant, which can reduce the level of COD, TSS and turbidity in dairy industry wastewater.

7 illus, 39 ref

010164   Feroz S;Jesil A (NO, Caledonian College of Engineering, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, Email: anna@caledonian.edu.om) : Treatment of organic pollutants by heterogeneous photocatalysis. J Instn Engrs : Ser E 2012, 93(1), 45-8.

Experimental investigation was carried out in the area of heterogeneous catalysis using TiO₂ as a catalyst for the removal of the model organic compounds (benzoic acid and phenol) in three different photocatalytic reactors. Natural and artificial UV source of radiation were used and the performance of the reactors were studied in the present investigation. The extent of degradation/ removal of the organic compounds was found by varying the initial concentration, flow rate, pipe diameter, TiO₂ concentration and exposure time.

8 illus, 7 ref

010163   Eftekhari M;Sadeghzadeh S M;Tabrizi A S M (Electrical Engineering Dep, Shahed Univ, Tehran, Iran) : Effect of resistive-type superconducting fault current limiters on the test feeder with wind-turbine generation system. IETE J Res 2012, 58(5), 411-6.

This paper describes the study to analyze the effect of the resistive-type superconducting fault current limiters (RSFCLs) on the test feeder with the wind-turbine generation, which is a representative renewable energy source. The presented test case is the IEEE 34-bus test feeder augmented with two induction machines that would be typical of wind generation. It is worthy to mention that wind-turbines which are only squirrel-cage induction generator have been considered. The connection of wind-turbines to existing distribution networks may lead to the increasing fault levels beyond the capacity of existing switchgear. This can aggravate the reliability of the overall power system. The short-circuit currents are expected to be controlled by RSFCL. The analysis investigates the effectiveness of using RSFCL as remedial measures for fault level management in a wind power system. As a result, the highly efficient operation of the wind power system becomes more possible by introducing the RSFCL. All models are developed in the time-domain PSCAD/EMTDC dynamic simulation.

8 illus, 15 ref

010162   Ebenezer M;Rajkumar M R;Nair P S C (Electrical Engineering Dep, College of Engineering, Trivandrum, Kerala, Email: mabelbaiju@rediffmail.com) : Determination of hot spot temperature of a single phase transformer subjected to harmonic pollution. J Instn Engrs : Ser B 2012, 93(3), 143-9.

Numerical investigations have been performed here to study the winding temperature distribution, the location and magnitude of hot spot temperature of oil-immersed single phase transformer subjected to harmonic pollution. The mathematical model governing the problem is solved numerically in a three dimensional computational domain using commercial computational fluid dynamics package Fluent 6.3. Extended domains have been used at the transformer inlet and exit to resolve the unknown velocities. The unknown velocities are resolved by using appropriate pressure boundary conditions at the inlet and exit. Simulations have been done for different loads subjected to harmonics. The relative reduction of life of the transformer is also determined using Montsinger relation.

6 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

010161   Damale A V;Nandurkar K N (NO, College of Engineering, Kopargaon, Ahmednagar District, Maharashtra, Email: adi_damale@rediff.com) : 3-D coupled FE analysis and experimental validation of restrained welding to control angular distortion. J Instn Engrs: Ser C 2012, 93(4), 365-71.

Welding induced distortion is one of the critical defects in the welded structures. Angular distortion is most pronounced which badly affects the welded structures. Non-uniform heating during welding develops this angular distortion. Various methods are available to control/minimize the welding distortions. One of the methods available to control this distortion is restraining, in which clamping pressure is applied on the deforming edges of the plates. In the present study, a 3-dimensional coupled transient thermal analysis is done for simulating the restraining phenomenon of welding. The developed transient thermal heat source was used to simulate the arc welding phenomenon. The element birth and death technique was used for simulating filler material deposition. Thermal model was verified by comparing the macrograph of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) model and the weld and verification of structural model was done by comparing the measured and predicted angular distortions. Experimental and Finite Element (FE) analysis is done for both conventional welding and welding under restraining pressure. Transient thermal and non-linear structural analyses were carried out in order to predict angular distortions. The Finite Element Method analysis and experimental verification is done for manual metal arc welding process.

8 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

010160   Dalal T Y;Bhusavalwala M N (Electrical Engineering Dep, SVNIT College, Surat, Gujarat) : Design and analysis of single-phase shunt active power filter under various load conditions for elimination of harmonics. IETE J Res 2012, 58(5), 375-81.

The paper presents detailed explanation of the design of single-phase shunt active power filter (SAP) and its control circuit. "Compensating (reference) current" required to eliminate harmonics from load is produced by current subtraction method. "Hysteresis band" control topology is used to produce trigger signals required by inverter for producing "reference current." Power circuit is designed with three loads. Single phase inverter with dc source acting as SAF is connected to power circuit. To analyze the effect of SAF on power distribution system, simulation is done using PSim 6.0 Software. During simulation, variation is done in harmonic content of load and phase lag is created. Simulation is done for different load conditions and the results obtained are displayed in this paper. Paper presents the effect of SAF on source current, reference current produced, individual harmonic content of source current, and phase lag compensation. Analysis is done for different power parameters from results obtained through simulation. Power parameters like active power, reactive power, apparent power, and power factor are compared and examined under "with active filter" and "without active filter" conditions.

15 illus, 7 tables, 11 ref

010159   Dahasahasra S;Bhole K;Tembhurkar A R (NO, Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran, Mumbai) : Design of operational zones of distribution system for 24x7 continous water supply systems. J Indian Wat Wks Ass 2012, 44(2), 110-16.

10 illus, 2 tables, ref

010158   Binnal P;Hiremath P G (NO, Siddaganga Institute of Technology, Tumkur, Email: prakashbinnal@yahoo.co.in) : Application of liquid emulsion membrane technique for the removal of As(V) from aqueous solutions. J Instn Engrs : Ser E 2012, 93(1), 1-8.

Liquid emulsion membrane technique was used to remove As(V) from synthetic aqueous solutions. The emulsion was composed of Aliquat 336 as an extractant, commercial kerosene as a diluent and Span 80 (Sorbiton monooleate) as an emulsifying agent. Different types of internal phases were used, namely, sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, sodium sulphate and sodium chloride. The effect of process parameters affecting extraction efficiency, such as, initial concentration of As(V) in feed solution, pH of feed solution, concentrations of Aliquat 336 and Span 80 in membrane phase, volume ratio of stripping phase to membrane phase, concentration of internal phase, type of internal phase, volume ratio of emulsion to feed, agitation speed during extraction and time of extraction was investigated. The optimum conditions for the extraction were determined. A maximum As(V) removal rate of 97.8 was observed under optimum conditions.

10 illus, 2 tables, 41 ref

010157   Bimlesh Kumar (Civil Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati-781 039) : Priming technique for intake siphon. J Indian Wat Wks Ass 2012, 44(2), 143-8.

The essence of the hydraulic design of siphon lies in ensuring maximum discharge capacity without harmful negative pressures. In the present work, a hypothetical project of very high discharge has been analyzed with conventional methods of priming and with a newly devised method. It has been found theoretically that presently devised water stack method of priming has certain advantages over conventional methods.

3 illus, 2 tables, ref

010156   Bhattacharyya S;Dutta S;Datta S;Bhattacharjee C (Chemical Engineering Dep, Jadavpur Univ, Kolkata-700 032, Email: cbhattacharyya@chemical.jdvu.ac.in) : Improve the recovery of fermentable sugar from rice straw by sonication and its mathematical modeling. J Instn Engrs : Ser E 2012, 93(1), 37-43.

Rice straw is waste renewable agricultural bio-mass, which contains sufficient amount of fermentable sugars like glucose, galactose fructose, xylose etc. These sugars can be treated with fermentation pathway to produce ethanol. Hydrolysis of pretreated rice straw in dilute sulfuric acid was investigated at different acid concentrations (0.25-0.75% w/v), and sonication was carried out to improve the extent of sugar extraction. The current work examines the effect of sonication on extraction of total reducing sugar (TRS) and an empirical mathematical model has been established to predict it. Effects of various operating variables of sonication, including amplitude (60-100%), cycle (0.6-1.0), treatment time (0-15 min) have been analyzed for each acid concentration. Observation shows that on optimization of the sonication conditions (100% amplitude, 0.8 cycle and 10 min) around 90% improvement of TRS extraction occurs at 0.5% (w/v) acid concentration.

4 illus, 3 tables, 21 ref

010155   Bhattacharjee S (Electrical Engineering Dep, National Institute of Technology (NIT), Agartala, Tripura-799 055, Email: subhadeep_bhattacharjee@yahoo.co.in) : An ab initio study on solar geometry and potential for N-E India. J Instn Engrs : Ser B 2012, 93(3), 193-202.

In North-East (N-E) India, there is severe power shortage and associated power quality problems; the quality of grid supply in most of the places is characterized by large voltage and frequency fluctuations, scheduled and unscheduled power cuts and load restrictions. Load shedding due to power shortage and faults in many cities in N-E India is a major problem for which there is no immediate remedy in near future since the gap between power demand and supply is increasing every year. But this region being rich in sun shine, solar energy is available all over the year at free of cost. In order to harness solar energy, it is important to know the amount of solar radiation available at a given location at a given time. Knowledge of solar radiation requires information about many parameters. This paper tries to analyze the solar geometry and potential of the region and presents various parameters for evaluation of solar resource as a promising option for power generation in N-E India.

13 illus, 4 tables, 22 ref

010154   Bhaskaran E (NO, Government of Tamil Nadu, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Email: e.bhaskaran19@gmail.com) : Lean manufacturing auto cluster at Chennai. J Instn Engrs: Ser C 2012, 93(4), 383-90.

Due the presence of lot of automotive Industry, Chennai is known as Detroit of India, that producing over 40% of the Indian vehicle and components. Lean manufacturing concepts have been widely recognized as an important tool in improving the competitiveness of industries. This is a continuous process involving everyone, starting from management to the shop floor. Automotive Component Industries (ACIs) in Ambattur Industrial Estate, Chennai has formed special purpose vehicle (SPV) society namely Ambattur Industrial Estate Manufacturers Association (AIEMA) Technology Centre (ATC) lean manufacturing cluster (ATC-LMC) during July 2010 under lean manufacturing competitiveness scheme, that comes under National Manufacturing Competitiveness Programme of Government of India. The Tripartite Agreement is taken place between National Productivity Council, consultants and cluster (ATC-LMC). The objective is to conduct diagnostic study, study on training and application of various lean manufacturing techniques and auditing in ten ACIs. The methodology adopted is collection of primary data/details from ten ACIs. In the first phase, diagnostic study is done and the areas for improvement in each of the cluster member companies are identified. In the second phase, training programs and implementation is done on 5S and other areas. In the third phase auditing is done and found that the lean manufacturing techniques implementation in ATC-LMC is sustainable and successful in every cluster companies, which will not only enhance competitiveness but also decrease cost, time and increase productivity. The technical efficiency of LMC companies also increases significantly.

8 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

010153   Behera A;Parida P;Berera R K;Mishra S C (Metallurgical & Materials Engineering Dep, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, Email: ajit.behera88@gmail.com) : ANN controlled plasma spray process by using industrial waste. J Mater metall Engng 2013, 3(3), 1-6.

Plasma spray coating process has become a subject of intense research because it becomes an affordable solution for many industrial applications. The present work aims at developing and studying the industrial wastes (Flay-ash powder mixture) as the coating material, which is to be deposited on Mild Steel and Cupper substrates. To increase the coating deposition efficiency and to decrease the cost of coating process, one of the artificial intelligence (AI) method i.e. Artificial Neural Network (ANN) technique used. By this parameter optimization technique, it is sufficient to describe approximation complex inter-relations in atmospheric plasma spray process. ANN technique helps in saving time and resources for experimental trials. The aim of this work is to outline a procedure for selecting an appropriate input vector in ANN coating efficiency models, based on statistical pre-processing of the data set. This methodology can provide deep understanding of various co-relationships across multiple parameter set, which could be essential for improvement of product and process performance. The aim of this article is to find optimum parameter for deposition efficiency. ANN experimental results indicate that the projection network has good generalization capability to optimize the deposition efficiency.

3 illus, 2 tables, 19 ref

010152   Balasubramanian R;Anandhanarayanan K; Krishnamurthy R;Chakraborty D (CFD Div, Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Hyderabad, Email: bals.cfd@gmail.com) : Numerical simulation of stage jettisoning of a two-stage rocket with different separation distances. J Instn Engrs: Ser C 2012, 93(4), 345-50.

CFD simulations were carried out to evaluate the flow field during the jettisoning process of a two-stage rocket using an inhouse developed RANS code. Two simulations with stage separation distances of 500 mm and 1,000 mm were considered for simulation. For the 500 mm case, there was a severe 'jet-upstream' flow interaction which resulted in an upstream flow separation and hence can cause large drag rise. However, there was no such observation of flow separation anywhere on the upper stage for the 1,000 mm case. A study was carried out to evaluate the effect of spatial order of accuracy for modelling the governing Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations on the simulation results.

12 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

010151   Ameh O J;Edike U E (Building Dep, Lagos Univ, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria, Email: oameh@unilag.edu.ng) : Influence of recycled coarse aggregate on properties of concrete. J Constr Engng Technol Mgmt 2013, 3(3), 45-53.

This study focuses on the influence of recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) on properties of concrete. Five different mixtures of RCA replacement comprising 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% RCA were used. It was found that workability, saturated bulk density, compressive strength and flexural strength decreases with increase in RCA content in concrete. 100% manually RCA concrete passed the 17 kN/m² compressive strength limit generally acceptable for concrete work of non-high strength requirement without additive. The research, therefore, recommends the use of recycled coarse aggregate concrete for residential and light commercial building projects bearing in mind that low-strength concrete is only appropriate for mild environmental exposures, and interior concrete protected from the elements. This development in recycled concrete technology would help to alleviate our losses through efficient reuse of recovered coarse aggregate from demolished buildings and infrastructure; hence, reducing waste and dung creation and thereby enhancing adequate environmental management.

5 illus, 5 tables, 16 ref

010150   Akhtar Z;Alfarid N (Electrical and Electronic Engineering Dep, Cagliari Univ, Cagliari 09123, Italy, Email: z.momin@diee.unica.it) : Serial and parallel biometric fusions under spoofing attacks. Int J Inf Process 2011, 5(4), 85-94.

In this paper, authors investigate the robustness of multimodal biometric systems against spoofing attacks. A few recent works have questioned, contrary to a common claim, that a multimodal system in parallel fusion mode can be cracked even if a single biometric trait is spoofed. Robustness of multimodal biometric systems in serial fusion mode against spoofing attacks has so far not been investigated. We compare the performance of the multimodal systems, with each mode under different spoofing attack scenarios. Author carry out the assessment, first under worst-case scenario, state-of-the-art method, that the attacker is able to fabricate an exact replica of the genuine biometric trait and then validate our findings using realistic spoofing attacks obtained by fabricating fake biometric traits, namely non-worst case scenarios. It was found that multimodal biometric systems in both fusion modes are not intrinsically robust against spoofing attacks as believed so far. In particular, multimodal systems in serial fusion mode can be even less robust than systems in parallel mode, when only the best individual matcher is spoofed. Nonetheless, systems in serial fusion mode can be more robust than systems in parallel mode, when all matchers are spoofed.

3 illus, 2 tables, 28 ref

010149   Acharya A;Rahul Kumar;Banerjee Purnapatra S; Pant K;Yadav S;Arora P;Sen Gupta A (National Physical Laboratory India, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Dr. K.S. Krishnan Marg, New Delhi) : Versatile linear and digital optocouplers to reduce noise and ground loop errors in measurements. IETE J Res 2012, 58(5), 382-9.

The paper describes design details of low-cost, versatile, linear as well as digital optocoupler circuits used to reduce noise and ground loop errors in measurements. A detailed description of a linear optocoupler circuit for providing galvanic isolation between photodiode signal conditioner ground and the data logger ground is given. We also report use of two single-channel high-speed digital optocouplers to communicate through RS232 protocol isolating the ground of the devices in the detection region of the Cs fountain frequency standard being developed at NPL India. These isolators are versatile, affordable, and give very good results.

9 illus, 12 ref

009320   Wang C C;Lee E (Electronic Engineering Dep, Chienkuo Technology Univ, Changhua, 500, Taiwan, Email: jasonccw@ctu.edu.tw) : Design of an autonomous remote control hovercraft with image recognition technology. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2013, 20(3), 183-90.

This study mainly focuses on the design of an autonomous remote control (RC) hovercraft. In the control design of hovercraft, we apply a fuzzy gain scheduled integral scheme to deal with the uncertainties of nonlinear system. In the implement system, the BASIC Stamp micro-controller is applied as control center to perform tasks. In addition, the ultrasonic sensor is used for providing the function of obstacle avoidance, and the camera installed on hovercraft is able to catch the immediate image. With the application of image recognition technology, the developed RC hovercraft possesses the capability of recognition and navigation. The experimental results indicate that based on the proposed method the RC hovercraft can be autonomously navigated to the target.

19 illus, 27 ref

009319   Topal U;Uzman U (Civil Engineering Dep, Faculty of Technology, Karadeniz Technical Univ, 61830, Trabzon, Turkey, Email: umut@ktu.edu.tr) : Frequency optimization of laminated composite skew sandwich plates. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2013, 20(2), 101-7.

This paper deals with frequency optimization of skew sandwich plate with laminated composite faces. The design objective is the maximization of the fundamental frequency and the design variable is the fiber orientations of the top and buttom laminated composite faces. The first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) is used for the finite element solution of the laminates. The modified feasible direction (MFD) method is used for the optimization routine. For this purpose, a program based on FORTRAN is used. Finally, the numerical analysis is carried out to investigate the effect of skew angles, aspect ratios, boundary conditions and core thickness on the optimal designs and the results are compared.

6 illus, 4 tables, 13 ref

009318   Tangsrirat W (NO, Faculty of Engineering, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrab, Chalongkrung Road, Ladkrabang, Bangakok 10520, Thailand, Email: drworapong@yahoo.com) : Floating simulator with a single DVCCTA. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2013, 20(2), 79-86.

In this paper, a simple circuit configuration for simulating the floating inductor, capacitor and resistor using differential voltage current conveyor transconductance amplifier (DVCCTA) as an active element has been presented. The proposed floating simulator circuit uses only one DVCCTA and two grounded passive elements, and can realize floating inductor, capacitor or resistor depending on the passive element selection. The equivalent value of the realized simulator can be tuned electronically through the transconductance parameter of the DVCCTA. The circuit also does not require any realization conditions. The proposed circuit together with its applications is demonstrated using PSPICE simulation with 0.5 urn MIETEC CMOS technology.

20 illus, 1 table, 26 ref

009317   Syed Enayathali S;Nehru Kumar V (Civil Engg. Dep, Annamalai Univ, Annamalainagar, Tamil Nadu) : Effect of hydraulic loading rates in the performance of rotating biological contactors for treating grey water. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2012, 11(4), 685-7.

The laboratory model of two-stage Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC) which was used in the present study is a modified one, with a provision to vary the speed of rotating blades. Grey wastewater was used to study the performance of the modified rotating biological contactor. The reactor had four rotating blades in each stage, having the size of 300mm x 100mm x 10mm, attached perpendicular to the shaft. The experiment was conducted for different influent COD loads and different speeds of rotating blades. Among the different speeds of rotational blades in treating grey water, the rotational speed of 3 rpm was found to yield better percent removal of COD at 95.85% as maximum, whereas against the rotational speeds of 4.5 and 6 rpm, the treatment efficiency is 92.15% and 90.90% respectively.

5 illus, 1 table, 6 ref

009316   Sun M C;Trou G Y;Zheng L A (Mechanical Engineering Dep, National Kaohsiung Applied Sciences Univ, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, Email: vincent@racingpoint.com.tw) : Processing animation simulation and FEM analysis of multi-stage cold forging of stainless automotive battery fastener. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2013, 20(3), 219-24.

Study proposes processing animation simulation, FEM analysis, and experimental verification of multi-stage forging of stainless automotive battery fastener. The processing animation simulation can provide the realistic motions for each pass to realize how to work for the front punch and die. Stainless automotive battery fastener requires high dimension precision and narrow tolerance. In order to save the developing cost and accumulate more production design experiences, CAD/CAE technology has been used in multi-stage cold forging with five stages to shorten our developing cycle time. In this paper, the CAD drawing is made by Inventor 3D software, then import the STL file to DEFORM-3D software to do the settings of pre-process and simulation analysis. Effective stress, effective strain, velocity field, and forging force have been shown in this study. Finally, the actual manufacture measurement results compares with simulation datum to verify the analysis acceptance. After comparing the FEM simulation results with actual forming measurements, the error rate of washer diameter is increased in fourth stage. Although the measurement results are still in tolerance, the future work is to decrease the error rate through optimizing the mold design of fourth stage. The verification is performed to reduce the error rate according to the research method proposed in the study. On the other hand, the mold life in the actual forming is found to be easily damaged in the fifth stage. In the future, production improvement should be done through modifying the design of mold and die for the third and the fourth stages, the life of mold and die is explored to reduce the forging force in the fifth stage.

13 illus, 3 tables, 19 ref

009315   Sudha C;Prasanthi T N;Saruja S;Vijayalakshmi M (Physical Metallurgy Division, Metallurgy and Materials Group, Indira Gandhi Center for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam-603 102, Email: sudha@igcar.gov.in) : Effect of heat treatment on the microstructure and microchemistry of explosive welded joints of Ti-5Ta-1.8Nb and 304L SS. Indian Weld J 2011, 44(4), 53-8.

Explosive welding process was used for joining TI-STa-1.8Nb alloy to 304L austenitic stainless steel to avoid the formation of intermetallic phases at the interface which otherwise form in fusion welding processes. Both X-ray diffraction and electron microprobe based analysis showed the absence of intermetallic phases at the weld interface within their detection limits. Strain induced phase transformation due to the deformation induced by explosive welding was observed in both the base materials. The 'as received' explosive joints were further heat treated at 873 and 1073 K for durations in the range of 1 to 20 h to select appropriate temperature for further processing subsequent to welding. Detailed analysis using electron microprobe showed considerable microstructural and micro chemical modification at the weld interface due to inter-diffusion of Fe, Ti, Cr and Ni: The width and number of reaction zones varied as a function of heat treatment temperature and time. From the experiments, it was inferred that even the lowest temperature-time combination, i.e. 873 K-1h, is not suitable for heat treatment of explosive joints of Ti-STa-1.8Nb/55 304L, and further lowering of the process temperature is required.

14 illus, 2 table, 19 ref

009314   Stephen V;Padma Suresh L (EEE Dep, Noorul Islam Centre for Higher Education, Tamil Nadu, Email: valantina2000@yahoo.com) : Investigation of FPGA based PWM control technique for AC motors. J Pwr Elect Pwr Syst 2013, 3(2), 16-22.

This paper proposes a Random Frequency PWM synchronized for a three phase inverter implemented with use of Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and applied to a 1-hp induction motor drive system for the reduction of harmonics and improvement of fundamental peak voltage. For providing alternating output voltage with a specific magnitude and frequency to industrial applications, three-phase inverter is preferred. The gating signals to the inverter are produced by means of Random Frequency PWM to significantly reduce harmonics in comparison to currently used PWMs. FPGA is used to produce gating signals to the switches in a three-phase bridge inverter since a faster speed of operation is needed. The simulation is carried on VHSIC Hardware Description Language (VHDL) using ModelSim. Then, this VHDL model is imported into Matlab environment and co-simulated using HDL Cosimulation toolbox. The simulation and experimental results are presented with a view to determine whether Random Frequency PWM performs better in terms of fundamental voltage and Total Harmonic Distortion.

7 illus, 2 tables, 19 ref

009313   Sochova L;Betak P;Plojhar J (NO, Characterization and Modeling, ON Design Czech S. R. O. Brno, Czech Republic) : Enhanced non-quasi-static lauritzen diode model. IETE J Res 2012, 58(3), 226-9.

This paper deals with enhancement of a PN diode standard model toward including substrate PN junction, and reverse recovery effect models. This leads to improvement in power management, EMC, and switching application design.

6 illus, 3 ref

009312   Singh N;Rahim A;Islam M (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi-110 025, Email: rahim_ark@rediffmail.com) : Flow characteristics of a symmetric Y-shaped diffusing duct with zero yaw angle. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2013, 20(2), 125-31.

Experimental investigation of a Y-shaped diffusing duct with an aspect ratio and area ratio of 2 and turning angle of 22.5°/22.5° is reported for flow and performance characteristics. A calibrated five-hole pressure probe in null mode is used to measure the flow parameters. The performance parameters are evaluated based on mass-averaged quantities. It is observed that the static pressure recovery coefficient and the total pressure loss coefficient increase continuously up to the exit of the diffusing duct at a constant rate. It is also observed that the flow is divided into two flow regimes whereas at the merger, the two streams mixed with each other resulting a centrally core flow with almost uniform intensity and a pair of vortices. The longitudinal velocity distribution at the exit is seen to be nearly uniform.

4 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

009311   Singh D;Sood Y R (Electrical Engineering Dep, NIT Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, Email: daljitsingh.research@gmail.com) : New approach for optimal rating and location of substations. J Pwr Elect Pwr Syst 2013, 3(2), 1-7.

This paper is based upon the software developed using genetic algorithm for optimal location of Sub-station regarding its place and size. Developed method is applied on practical network and the results obtained. In this paper an attempt has been made to solve the problem of the distribution network and developing an appropriate plan to trace the optimal location for placing new substation. A GA program has been developed and implemented on NIT Hamirpur by using a MATLAB program. The magnitude and the coordinates of the various load points, the coordinate's ratings of the various existing and candidates, and other parameters such as cost, iron loss, copper loss utilization factor etc. have been taken as the input for the program. Then genetic algorithm is used for optimization of the cost function considering all the reliability constraints.

5 illus, 30 ref

009310   Shukla K;Pandey D (NO, , ) : Manpower empowerment and leadership innovation for sustainable growth. J Instn Engrs-Pt TN 2012, 93(Jun), 3-4.

Innovation in many cases happens at unexpected point of time and is done in a different context altogether. However, the change needs the surrounding environment which helps appropriately to bring the desired change. A doyen industrialist and a visionary of this country once mentioned that everybody has to think how one can creates a difference to the contemporary world where every human being lives in. As the entire civilization moves into the future, the human folk should endeavour to be a group that should make a difference and leaves its mark not because of the profit it makes but because of what it could do significantly to the progress of mankind.

4 illus

009309   Sharma I D;Saini P K;Sharma V K (Physics Dep, S S V College, Hapur, Ghaziabad-245 101, Email: idsharma1974@gmail.com ) : Structural, optical, morphological and electrical characteristics of polyaniline for device applications. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2013, 20(2), 145-9.

Polyaniline has been chemically synthesised by oxidative polymerization of 0.1 M aniline monomer using 0.3 M dodecyl benzene sulphonic acid (DBSA) as a dopant. The formation of polymer has been confirmed by X-ray diffraction and FTIR measurements where as surface morphology has been observed using scanning electron microscope. The spin coated polyaniline film has been prepared over ITO coated glass substrate and its current voltage response has been analyzed using Schottky emission theory. The band gap of the material has been calculated using UV visible spectroscopy and found to be 2.7 eV. The current-voltage response of deposited film gives the value of barrier height (∅_b) and constant factor (β) as 0.307 eV and 1.89 x 10^-4, respectively. These films may have potential applications in electronic and optoelectronic sensing devices.

7 illus, 30 ref

009308   Schwarz M;Holtij T;Kloes A;Iniguez B (Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen, Competence Center for Nanotechnology and Photonics, Wiesenstrasse 14, Giessen 35390, Germany) : Complex 2D electric field solution in undoped double-gate MOSFETs. IETE J Res 2012, 58(3), 197-203.

New technique to calculate the channel electric field in Double-gate MOSFETs and Schottky barrier Double-gate MOSFETs (SB-DG-MOSFETs) in sub-threshold region is presented. 2D Poisson's equation is solved in an analytical closed form with the conformal mapping technique. The estimated solution of the two-dimensional electric field with its complex components is analyzed with the bias conditions for accumulation and inversion regions, which have been applied and studied in detail. A comparison with data simulated by 2D TCAD Sentaurus simulator for channel lengths down to 22 nm was made and is in a good agreement to this simulation results.

14 illus, 8 ref

009307   Sarwade A N;Katti P K;Ghodekar J G (Electrical Engineering Dep, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological Univ, Lonere, Maharashtra, Email: asarwade@yahoo.com) : Optimum setting of distance protection scheme for HV transmission line. J Pwr Elect Pwr Syst 2013, 3(2), 23-30.

Protective relays in a power system are used to detect system abnormalities and to execute appropriate commands to isolate swiftly only the faulty component from healthy system. One of the protective relay is the distance relay. When the fault occurs it is seen that large amount of current flows through the network. The distance relay detect the over current by measuring the impedance of the transmission line and send the tripping signal to the circuit breaker to isolate the power line. This paper focuses on determining the optimum setting and the performance of the distance relay when different types of faults occur in the system. The modeling and analysis of the test system with corresponding relay circuits have been carried out by using Power System Computer Aided Design PSCAD. From the simulation, it can be observed that the fault voltage, fault current, mho relay settings and its characteristics are consistent with those from the theoretical concept.

20 illus, 3 tables, 8 ref

009306   Reddy B D V;Prasad T J (Electronics and Communication Engineering Dep, Madanapalle Institute of Technology and Science, Madanapalle-517 325, Email: balam.diguva@gmail.com) : Color-texture image segmentation algorithms based on hypercomplex Gabor analysis. Int J Inf Process 2011, 5(3), 47-58.

Texture analysis such as segmentation and classification plays a vital role in computer vision and pattern recognition and is widely applied to many areas such as industrial automation, bio-medical image processing and remote sensing. In this paper, we first extend the well-known Gabor filters to color images using a specific form of hypercomplex numbers known as quaternions. Based on this extension this paper presents the use of new quaternionic Gabor filters in colour texture image segmentation. Different types of segmentation algorithms based on these quaternionic Gabor filters have been followed to carry out texture segmentation. Both linear and circular quaternionic Gabor filters are analyzed in this aspect and how circular filters are better in comparison to linear filters is also analyzed.

11 illus, 11 ref

009305   Rao C V S;Murthy P S R;Durgasukumar G (Electrical & Electronics Engineering Dep, SNIST, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, Email: seshuchv@gmail.com) : Improvement of indirect vector control induction motor drive performance under low speed operation using five-level inverter. J Pwr Elect Pwr Syst 2013, 3(2), 8-15.

The dynamic performance of vector controlled induction motor drive is poor and peak motor torque decreases under low speed operation. This reduction in torque is due to the non-linearity of voltage to frequency (Hz) during low frequency operation. The non-linearity is caused by stator voltage drop which in turn requires a larger percentage of overall terminal voltage. To overcome these problems multilevel inverter fed induction motor drive is presented in this paper. For two-level and five-level inverter control SVM method is employed. A simplified space vector modulation technique is implemented for five-level inverter in order to reduce the computational difficulties. In this, the space vector diagram of the multilevel inverter is decomposed into six space vector diagrams of two-level inverters. The torque ripple and dynamic performance of induction motor drive are compared under different operating conditions with low speed operation.

9 illus, 14 ref

009304   Rao C M;Kale R V (Civil Engineering Dep, National Institute of Technology, Jamshedpur, Email: madhu_chintalacheruvu@yahoo.co.in) : Performance evaluation of Sri Ram Sagar irrigation project. J Indian Wat Resour Soc 2013, 33(3), 1-11.

For effective planning of available water in the Malwa Region of Madhya Pradesh belonging to Upper Chambal Sub-Basin, an attempt is made in the present study through water balance studies using the inflow/ run-off data in the, area. The study include estimation of projections of the domestic, live stock, irrigation industrial requirements of the area along with water availability in the Gandhi Sagar Reservoir as well as the ground water resources. The water balance study defines the additional water requirement in the Sub-basin in the year 2050. It has been concluded that the Sub-basin is highly water deficient even on present day. Per capita water availability considering import and export is 212 cum and it will further come down to 121 cum in 2050. The additional requirement of water at 75% dependability in 2011 is 1016 MCM and in 2050 is 2536 MCM.

9 illus, 2 tables, 23 ref

009303   Park J I;Lee Y;Kim S Y;Jee G I;Yoon S (NO, College of Informaton and Communication Engineering, Sungkyunkwan Uni, Suwon-440 746, Email: syoon@skku.edu) : Cooperative transmission scheme based on symbol constellation expansion over multipath fading channels. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2013, 20(3), 157-64.

In this paper, we propose a novel cooperative transmission scheme based on a symbol constellation expansion over Rayleigh and Rician multipath fading channels. The proposed scheme expands the symbol constellation through a unique combination of the original symbols, thus increasing the minimum distance among the single points. Also analyze the bit error rate (BER) performance showing that the proposed scheme achieves the fourth order diversity. Numerical results demonstrate that the proposed scheme not only achieves the fourth order cooperative diversity, but also has a better BER performance than those of the conventional schemes.

4 illus, 16 ref

009302   Pandi A (Blast Furnace (W), Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited, Visakhapatnam Steel, , Visakhapatnam-530 031, Andhra Pradesh, Email: apandi@vizagsteel.com) : Reclamation and fabrication jobs in pig casting machine of blast furnace department - Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. Indian Weld J 2011, 44(4), 48-52.

Necessity of the study is to improve the machine reliability by doing the reclamation and fabrication jobs of equipment and structures, since the area is bound to have the heat, water and steam, the connected equipment and structures are getting damaged easily. To improve the machine hours and increase the production, there is a need to strengthen the equipment. Some of the machines, components and its structure were identified as corroded, eroded and deformed. To repair these items, a lot of spares and time is required, but at the same time, production should not be lost. Therefore, reclamation and fabrication becomes a vital role for strengthening. The components required for reclamation are drive sprockets, chain links, rollers and pig guards. The important fabricated items are columns, floor beams, cooling headers, pipe lines and chutes, etc. The condition of the machine parts were critically analyzed and cost benefit analysis was done to do the reclamation work. The reclamation work involved cleaning, pre heating, cutting, welding and machining. A lot of built up was done on eroded items by Arc welding method. Selection of electrodes; method of welding and fabrication are main parts to improve the reliability of the pig casting machine and increase the production. Fabrication of the items within the specified norms through cutting, and welding of structures reduces the wastages, and saves cost. The outcome of this study is to save cost by reducing the wastage and improvethe machine availability and productivity by means of reclamation and fabrication jobs.

4 illus, 2 tables

009301   Ou C M;Hwang W J;Yang S M (Electronics Engineering Dep, Chien Hsin Science and Technology Univ, Zhongli, 320, Taiwan, R.O.C., Email: whwang@csie.ntnu.edu.tw) : FPGA-based online learning hardware architecture for kernel fuzzy c-means algorithm. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2013, 20(3), 225-31.

This paper presents a novel embedded system for the online training of kernel fuzzy c-means (KFCM) algorithm. A hardware architecture capable of accelerating the KFCM training process is proposed. The architecture is used as a coprocessor in the embedded system. It consists of efficient circuits for the computation of kernel functions, membership coefficients and cluster centers. In addition, the usual iterative operations for updating the membership matrix and cluster centers are merged into one single updating process to evade the large storage requirement. Experimental results show that the proposed solution is an effective alternative for image segmentation with low computational cost and low segmentation error rate.

11 illus, 3 tables, 14 ref