017319   Sivaraj S;Arunachalam N (NO, School of Civil Engng, Karunya Inst of Technol and Sci, Coimbatore-641 114) : Ultimate strength of a rectangular slab with an opening tangential to an edge. J Struct Engng 2006, 33(4), 363-9.

4 illus, 4 tables, 17 ref

017318   Sivakumar R;Babu V (NO, IIT Madras, Chennai-600 036) : Numerical simulations of flow in a 3-D supersonic intake at high mach numbers. Def Sci J 2006, 56(4), 465-76.

Numerical simulations of the compressible, 3-D non reacting flow in the engine inlet section of a concept hypersonic air-breathing vehicle have been presented. These simulations have been carried out using FLUENT. For all the results reported, the mesh has been refined to achieve area-averaged wall y+ about 105. Mass flow rate through the intake and stagnation pressure recovery are used to compare the performance at various angles of attack. The calculations are able to predict the mode of air-intake operation (critical and subcritical) for different angles of attack. Flow distortion at the intake for various angles of attack is also calculated and discussed. The numerical results are validated by simulating the flow through a 2-D mixed compression hypersonic intake model and comparing with the experimental data.

12 illus, 3 tables, 10 ref

017317   Sinha S (Foundation and Structure Div, Central Water and Power Res Station, Khadakwasala, Pune-411 024) : Application of reinforced shotcrete layer to unreinforced brick masonry panels. J Struct Engng 2006, 33(4), 355-62.

12 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

017316   Sinha A K;Mishra A P;Kishor N (NO, College of Agric Engng, R.A.U., Pusa, Samastipur-848 125) : Performance evaluationo of propeller pump. J Res-Birsa Agric Univ 2006, 18(1), 75-9.

Propeller pumps are useful for drainage of waterlogged areas and suitable under low head operations. Testing and evaluation of PAU make of propeller pump was done under field situations. Pump was installed and operated with the help of a 5 hp diesel engine. During field testing the speed of the pump varied in the range of 1-1.75 m. The data on discharge and energy consumptions were collected. Discharge Variation due to head and speed was found to be highly significant, but there was no significant variation of hourly fuel consumption or specific fuel consumption of diesel engine for operation of propeller pump.

6 tables

017315   Shobha Rekh;Subha Rani S;Shanmugam A;Joshua J K (NO, PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore) : Punctured turbo codes for bandwidth efficient transmission. Def Sci J 2006, 56(4), 585-90.

Turbo codes are the error-coding schemes applied nowadays in wireless networks. In naval applications, the informationis mostly sent through wireles networks and the data is more prone to noise. Since very important data has to be communiceated, it is necessary to get back the original data in the receiver. In military application also, the soldiers were electronic jackets which are connected by wireless networks. In such applications, the data loss is not affordable and there is also a need to utilise the bandwidth efficiently through puncturing by means of which certain bits are deleted before transmission from the output of encoder. By means of the punctured turbo codes, bandwidth-efficient conding has been achieved. Hence, it is necessary to design turbo codes with an efficient puncturing pattern so that the performance of the punctured code is also improved in spite of deletion of few bits before transmission. Deals in choosing the puncturing patterns that lead to systematic rate-compatible punctured turbo codes (RCPTCs) which also give a reduction in bit-error rate. The design criterion for choosing the best puncturing patterns is based on the minimum weight of code words and their multiplicities. The best puncturing pattern chosen is tested for its performance by simulating turbo codes for an additive white Gausian noise (AWGN) channel. Compared with the existing puncturing pattern, the pattern proposed is able to achieve a gain of 0.5 dB at a bit-error rate of 10^-3.

1 illus, 1 table, 5 ref

017314   Shivapur A V;Shesha Prakash M N (Civil Engineering Dep, S.D.M. College of Engineering and Technology, Dharwad-580 032) : Discharge characteristics of sharp crest inclined trapezoidal notch. ISH J Hydraul Engng 2006, 12(2), 118-29.

Various sharp crested weirs have been in use as normal weirs, for flow measurement and control in the field as well as laboratory. The characteristics of these weirs have been extensively studied by researchers. Majority of these investigators have expressed discharge coefficient of weirs in terms of flow and fluid properties. However, the study on inclined weirs has attracted very little attention of the researchers. It is also concerned with the experimental study and theoretical analysis conducted by the authors on inclined trapezoidal weir. The general discharge equation for the inclined trapezoidal weir in terms of the angle of inclination of the plane of the weir with respect to the plane normal to the flow axis (vertical plane) has been developed. Further, an advantage of inclination in reducing the free board requirement on upstream of the weir in the channel is also highlighted.

6 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

017313   Shailendra Kumar (Civil Engng Dep, National Inst of Technology, Jharkhand-831 014) : Application of ANN for predicting the shear strength of RC beams without web reinforcement. J Struct Engng 2006, 33(4), 339-48.

14 illus, 4 tables, 23 ref

017312   Seth S;Sundaram S S (NO, Wilbur Smith Associates Pvt. Ltd., 9-B, Ballygunge Station Road, Kolkata, Email: sethmail@vsnl.com) : Induced travel. Indian Highw 2006, 34(4), 63-7.

Traffic congestion especially during peak hours has become a part of everyday life in almost all large cities across the world. There has been wide range of policies formulated and solutions tried to deal with this problem. One of the solutions has been widening of existing roads. Transport planners and traffic engineers often undergo criticism for their efforts that can be summarised as "widening of roads to ease congestion is like trying to cure obesity by loosing one' s belt ". Whether wider roads are built in anticipation of growing traffic or wider roads generate extra traffic has been a contentious issue for transport planners. Considerable amount of research has been carried out in this direction mainly in the USA and the UK. Induced Travel is a concept that has been coined as a part of this research. Often this word has been used in different connotations and has lead to some confusion among the frontiers in this area. Reviews the concepts related to induced travel and brings out some of the salient features of the same.

^iia2 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

017311   Satyanarayana V V;Reddy G M;Mohandas T (Mechanical Engng Dep, Vasavi Coll of Engng, Hyderabad-500 034) : Effect of surface roughness on the friction welded austenitic-ferritic stainless steel dissimilar joints. J Instn Engrs-Pt MM 2007, 88(Apr), 3-7.

In certain engineering applications austenitic-ferritic stainless steel dissimilar joints are preferred because austenitic stainless steels provide good ductility and toughness even in cryogenic conditions while ferritic stainless steel exhibits better aqueous corrosion resistance. Friction welding a process in which fine grain size and better mechanical properties is obtained due to the thermo-mechanical working of the weld, is chosen for welding of such dissimilar metal combinations. The effect of roughness on faying surfaces of austenitic stainless steel on friction welded dissimilar joints has been studied. It has been observed that improvement in strength and toughness was observed up to a roughness value of Ra of 5.0 μm in austenitic stainless steel. However, roughness value beyond this resulted in layered structure on the ferritic stainless steel leading to lower toughness. Further more, the interface contains delamination defects preferably due to the differences in thermal conductivity; strength and ductility between the two materials.

12 illus, 12 refm

017310   Satish Kumar S R (Structural Engng Lab, Civil Engng Dep, Indian Institute of Technol Madras, Chennai-600 036) : Design of stainless steel tubular members. J Struct Engng 2006, 33(3), 231-5.

5 illus, 20 ref

017309   Reddy T S;Jalihal S A;Nataraju J (NO, Central Road Res Instit, New Delhi-110 020) : Traffic management plan for Chandni Chowk, Delhi. Indian Highw 2006, 34(4), 37-50.

Growing urban developments have intensified the activities resulting in densification of land use. This phenomena has resulted in serious congestion in traffic operations and culminating in environmental pollution and diseconomy. This has become more serious in commercial districts of mega cities. In order to improve the traffic circulation in commercial area of Delhi, a study was taken up for Chandni Chowk area. An account of the various traffic studies carried out along with the methodology. The traffic characteristics within the study area are analyzed to understand the traffic flows in and around the study area. Based on the scientific data collected, an efficient and smooth traffic management plan is prepared and discussed. An exercise has been carried out to analyze the costs and benefits arising out of the proposed traffic management plan, details of which are also presented.

10 illus, 5 tables

017308   Rastogi R (Civil Engng Dep, M.N.N.I.T., Allahabad-211 004, Email: rrastogi_in@yahoo.com) : Accidents in and around Kota city. Indian Highw 2006, 34(4), 5-16.

The occurrence of an accident not only causes immediate loss in terms of property and life but may also cause a long term pain or grief. Amarco level analysis of accidents occurred on different categories of roads in and around Kota City, the accident models developed and procedure used the identification of accident prone locations within the city has been presented. The data was collected in two parts, one from police records and other from personal interviews conducted in various parts of the city. The accident information recording was found to be non-elaborative and with less stress on causative factors. In fact, information like accident location and type of injury was found missing from many records. In the absence of any traffic management plan, the accidents were observed to be increasing till late 90s. Higher fatality rates were observed on highways or their sections passing through the city. Main vehicles involved in the accidents were trucks and three wheelers. Accident models were developed for the city and the district. Accident prone locations were identified based on various methods along with the causative factors. Location wise corrective measures were suggested. Simple traffic management measures, education measures and enforcement measures are indicated, which have positive effect on reducing the accidents in the city.

15 tables, 23 ref

017307   Rao B N (Structural Engng Div, Civil Engng Dep, Indian Inst of Technology, Madras, Chennai-600 036) : Shape sensitivity method for computation of stress intensity factors sensitivity in functionally graded materials. J Struct Engng 2006, 33(4), 319-32.

Presents a method for computing the derivatives of stress intensity factors of a crack in an isotropic, 1inear-elastic functionally graded material. The work is based on nonequilibrium formulation. The proposed method involves the material derivative concept from continuum mechanics, domain integral representation of interaction integrals, known as the M-integral, and direct differentiation. Unlike virtual crack extension techniques, no mesh perturbation is needed to calculate the sensitivity of stress-intensity factors. Since the governing variational equation is differentiated prior to the process of discretization, the resulting sensitivity equations are independent of approximate numerical techniques, such as the meshless method, finite element method, boundary element method, or others. Three numerical examples are presented to calculate the first-order derivative of the stress-intensity factors. The results show that first-order sensitivities of stress intensity factors obtained using the proposed method are in excellent agreement with the reference solutions obtained using the finite-difference method for the structural and crack geometries considered.

5 illus, 8 tables, 34 ref

017306   Ranjan R;Ahmad Z;Asawa G L (Civil Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee-247 667) : Effect of spacing of submerged vanes on bed scour around river bends. ISH J Hydraul Engng 2006, 12(2), 49-65.

Performance of single array submerged vanes related to bed scour around the river bends has been dealt with. Experiments were carried out in a curved channel having two consecutive meanders with vanes arranged in a single array fashion for different spacings of vanes, i.e., stream-wise centre-to-centre spacing and vaneª-to-bank distances. This experimental study reveals that the strength of the secondary circulation induced due to bend flow is reduced with the placement of vanes. This results in less bed scour around the bends. A predictor for the estimation of maximum depth of flow at the outer banks for both the upstream and downstream meanders has been proposed. The estimated maximum flow depths using the proposed predictor compare well with the observed one.

11 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

017305   Ramakrishna Rao A;Sreenivasulu G (Civil Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560 012) : Design of plane sediment bed channels at critical condition. ISH J Hydraul Engng 2006, 12(2), 94-117.

Resistance equation relating average velocity in terms of bed shear velocity, shear velocity Reynolds number, particle size and kinematic viscosity is developed for plane sediment bed channels with little or no transport condition. In addition to that, an equation governing the Shields' curve is also presented. These two equations are developed by using laboratory experimental data on non-cohesive uniform material under fairly uniform flow conditions. Various researchers' experimental data is also used to cover a wide range of shear Reynolds number while developing those equations. The bed material size varies from very fine sands of 0.0 15 mm to gravel of 12 mm. By using such equations, a rational procedure to design plane sediment bed channels at incipient condition is developed. In this procedure any two of the four design variables viz., water discharge, flow depth, energy slope of channel and bed material size; are sufficient to evaluate the remaining two variables in such a way that the bed particles are stable against erosion such that they are at incipient/critical condition. With the help of such relations, the use of Manning's equation, thus the ambiguity of estimating Manning's roughness coefficient, is avoided while computing the average velocity in the channel. However, a generalized equation to predict the Manning's roughness coefficient is also presented. The validity of the proposed method is established by the experimental data from various other sources also.

8 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

017304   Rajendran M G;Raja Murugadoss J;Justin S (Civil Engng Dep, Karunya Inst of Technol and Sci, Coimbatore-641 114) : Optimal design of space truss usign ant colony metaphor and genetic algorithm. J Struct Engng 2006, 33(3), 215-24.

Powerful optimization engine "Domain-Based Multiple Ant Colony Optimization (DB-MACO)" is developed by blending the Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) algorithm with Tabu Search (TS) and Elitist Ant Strategy (EAS) for the minimum weight design of space truss. The cross-sectional areas of members are taken as discrete design variables. The DB-MACO is coded through an Object Oriented Programming (OOP) design approach using Java. The viability of DB-MACO is strongly proved by comparing the optimal design of a 25-bar space truss, a standard benchmark problem, with the results of other soft-computing methodologies available in the literature. From the numerical investigation it is found that, DB-MACO yields the global optimal solution, that is found to be the minimum weight. DB-MACO is also applied to find the optimal designs of 56-, 128- and 244-bar space trusses and the weights are compared with those of the Genetic Algorithm, available in literature. Hence, it undoubtedly proves and portraits the novel features of DB-MACO over other heuristics in achieving better quality structural designs.

6 illus, 10 ref, 45 ref

017303   Raghu Prasad B K;Vidya Sagar R (Civil Engng Dep, Indian Institute of Sci, Bangalore-560 012) : Use of singular fractal functions to generate constitutive laws of quasi-brittle materials. J Struct Engng 2006, 33(3), 181-6.

Reports on use of singular fractal functions to generate constitutive laws of quasi-brittle materials like concrete. Singular Fractal Functions belong to a class of monotonically increasing functions which are differentiable almost everywhere, possessing zero derivative, throughout their domain. Fracture surfaces of quasi-brittle materials like concrete and also crack pattern are considered as irregular objects called as natural fractals. The results of simulations obtained in the study are compared with existing experimental results and it is encouraging to use that the results match closely.

13 illus, 22 ref

017302   Prasad B N;Kumar S;Das S (Mechanical Engng Dep, National Inst of Technol, Jamshedpur) : Preliminary applications of voronoi cell technique to the microstructural modelling of single and two phase steels. J Instn Engrs-Pt MM 2007, 88(Apr), 8-13.

Implementation of the voronoi algorithm to approximate single and two phase microstructure of ferrito-pearlitic steels has been presented. This approximated microstructure is that of grains separated by grain boundaries for single phase and the volume fraction of pearlite in ferrite for two phase steels. In both cases, the model employs the voronoi cell technique to construct polygons with straight lines to represent the different microstructural features. Variations in the polygonal shapes are due to the choice in number and position of initial nuclei. Also outlines a strategy evolving a mechanical equation of state to predict the flow stress using the information of the grain sizes and volume fractions. The model is developed on a MS-Visual Basic 6. 0 platform. The flow stress predicted by the present model is in close agreement with other published data.

5 illus, 15 ref

017301   Pant M;Murty C V R (Civil Engng Dep, Indian Inst of Technol Kanpur, Kanpur) : Improved welded beam-to-column connections in earthquake-resistant steel structures. J Struct Engng 2006, 33(3), 187-95.

Past experimental investigations conducted on beam-to-column connections of steel MRFs show that welded connections designed in accordance with the classical Bernoulli Beam Theory (wherein flanges primarily carry bending and web the shear) sustained fractures of welds at the column face. The current practice of method of connection design as mentioned in the Indian Standard Handbook is insufficient for seismic applications. Presents experimental evidence of improved performance of welded connections designed by a new approach; these new connections can sustain large inelastic deformations and develop expected strength of beams without premature weld fracture.

12 illus, 2 tables, 33 ref

017300   Pant L M;Ganju A (NO, Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE), Manali-175 103) : Application of neural networks for avalanche forecasting. Def Sci J 2006, 56(4), 559-67.

Application of neural networks has been investigated for the prediction of avalanches on Chowkibal-Tangdhar road axis in Jammu and Kashmir. The networks are developed and trained monthwise using the past snow and weather parameters recorded at the Stage-II Observatory on the axis to generate an assessment of avalanche and non-avalanche activities. Two approaches have been considered for training the network. In the first approach, only avalanche activities observed in the axis were taken for training, and in the second approach, along with the observed activities, the opinion of expert forecasters were also considered. The performance of the networks varies from 67 to 82 per cent for correct predictions. Winter data for 2001-2002 has been used to validate the network performance.

7 illus, 4 tables, 15 ref

017299   Nyamathi S J;Vittal Hegde A (Applied Mechanics and Hydraulics Dep, National Institute of Technology, Surathkal, Karnataka) : Evaluation of in-situ saturated hydraulic conductivity in a coastal humid tropical wetland. ISH J Hydraul Engng 2006, 12(2), 78-93.

Measurement of groundwater-stream interactions is increasingly recognised as important to understand hydrological behaviour of wetlands. Hydraulic conductivity (K) of saturated soil is an important parameter in modelling the hydrological processes in wetlands. Aims at estimating the hydraulic conductivity of the coastal humid tropical wetland near National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK) Surathkal, Mangalore, India. Describes the technique and method used to estimate the hydraulic conductivity of the coastal humid tropical wetlands. Standard measurement techniques are often available, but feasible only in small fields, in areas with easy access, or on laboratory samples of substrata. A technique to obtain the estimates of hydraulic conductivity has been used by installing four Piezometers of 2.5 cm diameter at three different average depths (<126>45, <126>70 and <126>95 cm) of 15 cm screen opening and another (at -70 cm) of 30 cm screen opening within a meter depth of strata. Water level recovery measurements were made in these Piezometers and were found consistent with respect to time of recovery and show the correlation coefficient, R² in between 0.9289 to 0.9955. Based on the best fit line (regression equation), the hydraulic conductivity of the wetland were computed for each site and the K values were found to be in the range of 3.1 434x10^-5 cm/s to 36.07x 10^-5 cm/s in the study area. The hydraulic conductivity as estimated was found to be varied over several orders of magnitude in each of the compartments but the deeper wetland soil was clearly the most permeable due to high sand content in the study area. It has been also observed that, K values at top and middle substrata were of same order in each site and then increased with increasing soil depth from middle to bottom substrata.

5 illus, 3 tables, 35 ref

017298   Narasimha Prasad N B;Abdul Hameed E;Sivakumar B;Michael S (NO, Centre for Water Resources Development and Management, Kozhikode-673 571, Email: nbnprasad@hotmail.com) : Groundwater development status in Lakshadweep. ISH J Hydraul Engng 2006, 12(2), 25-36.

Groundwater is the only source of fresh water for the Islanders in Lakshadweep. A proper understanding of the groundwater status is important in order to meet the increasing demand due to growing population and urbanization, and to formulate future development and management strategies. In this context, principal hydrogeologic units, water table fluctuation pattern, general groundwater potential, existing groundwater withdrawal structures and draft, water quality, etc., have been studied in one of the inhabited islands namely, Agatti Island. Groundwater occurs under phreatic condition and seawater is in hydraulic continuity with the groundwater as evidenced by the tidal influence in almost all the wells. Groundwater level fluctuation due to tidal influence varies from O.15m to O.26m depending on the distance of the well from the coast. The stage of groundwater development is found to have reached more than 77%. As the area has reached 'semi-critical' level of groundwater development, various management strategies have been suggested.

5 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

017297   Naidu V P S;Girija G;Raol J R (National Aerospace Lasboratories, , Bangalore-560 017) : Estimation of launch and impact points of a flight trajectory using U-D kalman filter/smoother. Def Sci J 2006, 56(4), 451-63.

Launch and impact points of a flight trajectory are estimated using U-D Kalman filter and Rauch-Tung-Striebel (R-T-S) smoother. Algorithms are implemented in PC MATLAB and validated using simulated data. The filter performance is evaluated in terms of state error, innovation sequence, and autocorrelation of residuals along with their theoretical bounds. The R-T-S smoother was found to generate accurate state estimates, which led to better launch point estimation. Launch and impact point prediction from real data of a guided target in ballistic mode is also evaluated.

8 illus, 3 tables, 6 ref

017296   Murugappan A;Sudarsan J S;Manoharan A (Civil Engineering Dep, annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Tamil Nadu) : Effects of using lignite mine drainage for irrigation of soils - a case study of Perumal tank command area in Tamil Nadu State. J Ind Pollut Control 2006, 22(1), 149-60.

Excess groundwater pumped out during mining operation in Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited (NLC Ltd.) located at Neyve1i township in Tami1nadu State is let through the stream called Paravanar into the irrigation tank namely, Perumal tank. This water is found to carry with it a lot of suspended particles mainly as coal dust and small amounts of fly ash too. Presents the effects on the quality of soil as a result of using this water for irrigation in the Perumal tank command area. Also suggests suitable measures for the enhancement of soil quality, soil fertility and crop yield in the study area.

8 tables, 6 ref

017295   Murty D S R;Venkata Ramesh K;Swarna Kumar P (Civil Engng Dep, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam) : Conservation of concrete-making materials. J Struct Engng 2006, 33(3), 237-41.

3 illus, 8 tables, 13 ref

017294   Mitra Mazumder S;Bhattacharya S;Tripathi P K; Parthasarathi L (Res and Dev Centre for Iron and Steel, Steel Authority of India Limited, PO: Doranda, Ranchi-834 002) : Development of internal and external infrastrucutre for steel industry competitiveness. J Instn Engrs-Pt MM 2007, 88(Apr), 19-42.

Steel industry is vital to Nation's economic prosperity. In the era of globalisation, global competitiveness of an industry is not only key ingredient of growth, but virtual recipe for survival. India competes in the global arena in steel industry on the basis of few advantages like labour cost, raw material availability etc but so few competitive advantages are unlikely to be sustained in the long run. One of the reasons the industrial revolution succeeded to a greater degree in developed countries than in other economies was the investment in infrastructure, whereas, internal infrastructure (namely, technological) helps an organisation to stay ahead by enhancing inherent competitiveness, external infrastructure helps to gain maximum mileage out of internal infrastructure. Basic objective of infrastructural enhancement be it traditional like roads, ports, bridge, canal, rails or modern (like IT) is to reduce cost and improve quality and. efficiency, the basic cornerstones of cost-effectiveness. Discusses development needs of internal and external infrastructure for enhancing steel industry competitiveness.

12 illus, 34 tables, 29 ref

017293   Mazumder B S;Pal D K;Ghoshal K;Ojha S P (Fluvial Mechanics Lab, Physics and Applied Mathematics Unit, Indian Statistical Institute, Calcutta-700 108) : Contributions of burst-sweep cycles to the Reynolds shear stress over the waveform structures. ISH J Hydraul Engng 2006, 12(2), 66-77.

Investigates the contributions of turbulent events to the total Reynolds shear stress over artificial waveforms and to make a comparative study of turbulence between two types of isolated wave geometries: the scalene triangular shape (STS) and the isosceles triangular shape (ITS). All three components of velocity with fluctuations have been measured using 3-D MicroªAcoustic Doppler Velocimeter (ADV) at the Indian Statistical Institute's (ISI) flume, Calcutta. Determines the spatial changes of flow and turbulent events, and to gain better understanding of the physics of flow, which are responsible for the transport of sediment.

5 illus, 15 ref

017292   Masood A;Abbas H;Arif M;Khan S A;Haquie M (Civil Engng Dep, Aligrh Muslim Univ, Aligarh-202 002) : Waste utilization in recycled concrete. J Struct Engng 2006, 33(3), 243-6.

6 illus, 4 tables, 15 ref

017291   Manogaran S;Chitravel M (Chemical Engineering Dep, Anjalai Ammal Mahalingam Engineering College, Kovilvenni-614 403) : Uptake of dyes from aqueous solution by using Operculina turpethum-abiomatewal. J Ind Pollut Control 2006, 22(1), 133-7.

Carbonaceous sorbent prepared from an indigenous agricultural waste Opercuuna turpethum (Convolvulaceae), by acid treatment was tested for its efficiency in removing basic dyes (Auramine-O, Methylene Blue and Rhodamine B) from aqueous solution. Preliminary studies have shown that the removal was faster with less time and less adsorbent dose required for maximum removal. Thermodynamic parameters obtained from the temperatures studies revealed that uptake process is endothermic and spontaneous.

2 tables, 12 ref

017290   Lakshminarasamma N;Ramanarayanan V (Power Electronics Group, Electrical Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560 012, Email: lakshmin@ee.iisc.ernet.in) : Unified model for ZVS DC-DC converters with active clamp. J Indian Inst Sci 2006, 86(2), 99-112.

Active-clamp DC-DC converters belong to the family of two-switch pulse-width modulated converters featuring zero-voltage switching. The topological structure of these converters in relation to their hard-switched PWM conveners is highlighted. With proper designation of the circuit variables (throw current I and the pole voltage V), all these conveners are seen to be governed by an identical set of equations. In this framework, these circuits exhibit 6 subperiods per cycle with identical current waveform in the resonant inductor. With idealized switches, steady-state performance is obtainable in an analytical form. This set of equations may be solved through a simple spreadsheet programme, which provides a design constraint on the normalized current. A generalized equivalent circuit emerges for all these converters from this steady-state conversion ratio. It also provides a dynamic model as well The circuit model proposed enables one to use familiar state-space averaged results of the standard PWM DC-DC converters (steady-state and dynamic) for their ZVS active-clamp counterparts. With these equivalent circuits, small-signal analysis of these converters is akin to that of hard-switched converters. As an extension of the work, a unified dynamic model for ZVS active-clamp converters is proposed. Small-signal transfer functions like audio-suceptibility, control gain, output impedance, input admittance of buck, boost. buck-boost active-clamp converters are derived. Simulation and experimental results showing the steady-state and dynamic performance of these family of converters are presented.

14 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

017289   Kurian N P;Shah S J (NO, , A4 Galaxy, Parsn Sesh Nestle, Nanjundapuram Road, Coimbatore-641 036) : Plates and shells on elastic foundations using a physically continuous spring model. J Struct Engng 2006, 33(3), 207-14.

The classical Winkler model is made up of an infinite number of elastic, independent springs, which in its discretised form consists ,of individual springs connected at the nodal points of the structure. Among the attempts made to account for the continuity of the soil medium, the most recent one is the `welded spring model' which is a physical model in which contiguously placed independent springs are welded at their common points of contact. It is a numerical model implemented in the finite element code. In this model, the percentage of number of points welded over the total, is made to reflect the continuity of the soil medium. The welded spring model has been used to study square and circular plates and conical shell on elastic foundations. The results of the analysis using this model have been compared with the 'continuum analysis' of the same systems in which the soil is modelled as an elastic continuum. The welded spring model used here has been implemented in the MSC.Patran and MSC.Nastran software.

19 illus, 13 ref

017288   Krishnamurthy V N;Talawar M B;Vyas S M; Kusurkar R S;Asthana S N (High Energy Materials Res Lab, , Pune-411 021) : Synthesis and characterisation of diaryl furoxans. Def Sci J 2006, 56(4), 551-7.

Discusses the synthesis, characterisation, and performance evaluation of diaryl furoxans namely, bis-phenyl-3,4-furoxan (5) and bis-(4'-nitrophenyl)-3,4-furoxan (6). The molecules have been synthesised on the lines of reported method by cyclodimerisation of the nitrile oxides generated from benzaldoxime and p-nitro benzaldoxime, respectively. The synthesised furoxans (5) and (6) were characterised by the elemental analysis, UV, IR, and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The hazard characteristics (impact and friction sensitivity) confirm that the compounds are safe to handle. The oxygen balance, velocity of detonation and detonation pressure have been computed. The detonation velocity and pressure along with oxygen balance increased with the substitution of nitro group in the benzene ring, as expected. The thermogravimetric studies on promising compound (6) brings out that maximum weight loss occurs at decomposition temperature of 259-260°C.

^ssc1 table, 11 ref

017287   King P;Prasanna Kumar Y;Prasad V S R K (Chemical Engineering Dep, A.U. College of Engineering, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam-503 003) : Removal of cadmium from aqueous solutions by non-conventional adsorbents. J Ind Pollut Control 2006, 22(1), 27-34.

Removal of cadmium from the aqueous solutions using activated carbon from coconut shells and used tea powder has studied. Brick powder has also been used as adsorbent for the removal of cadmium. Activated carbon is prepared by carbonization of coconut shell and used tea powder followed by activation with ZnCl₂. Batch experiments has been conducted to study the effect of contact time, initial concentration of cadmium in aqueous solution, adsorbent dosage and particle size of the adsorbent. The adsorption behavior of cadmium on these non-conventional adsorbents could be interpreted by Freundlich adsorption isotherms. The cadmium ion in the aqueous solution has been analysed using Atomic absorption spectrophotometer.

5 illus, 13 ref

017286   Kannan S R;Nagabhushana Rao B (NO, MNM Jain Engng College, Chennai, Email: fononsr@hotmail.com) : Linera scheduling method for road projects. Indian Highw 2006, 34(4), 25-35.

Trade and commerce of any growing nation have always depended on the construction industry to deliver the infrastructural facilities at the most appropriate time. Although every aspect of the construction industry is significant, planning and scheduling of the project is one such critical avenue which can determine the fate of the project well in advance. By appropriate and in-depth planning of construction projects, delays in execution can be avoided. Roads and highways are key components of any infrastructure. They help in transportation of men and material across the length and breadth of a country. Planning and scheduling of highway construction projects have been traditionally done with Bar charts, CPM and PERT. But for such projects, these methods are not suitable as they do not give all the required information. These types of projects are called linear projects which consists of activities spanning the entire length of the project and separated by a buffer distance. A recent innovative method for scheduling highway projects, called the Linear Scheduling Method (LSM) and its advantages over barcharts, CPM/PERT scheduling have been presented in this work.

14 illus, 5 tables, 8 ref

017285   Kannan G K;Kapoor J C (Centre for Fire, Explosives and Environment Safety, , Delhi-110 054) : Workplace air quality at explosive material manufacturing and handling units. Def Sci J 2006, 56(4), 637-47.

Worldwide, large quantities of explosives are manufactured for use in various types of ammunitions, arms, and mines. Toxic pollutants in the workplaces of three major activities, viz., explosive and solid propellant preparation facility, solid propellant shell assembling facility, and solid propellant shell proof firing facility, have been studied. The suspended particulate matter (SPM) concentration in grinding room (13.9 mg/m³) and sieving room (19.3 mg/m³) of solid propellant preparation facility had been observed to be two to threefold higher than the permissible limit. The SPM in the dentex preparation section was found to be significantly high (10.8 mg/m³). The personal exposure was fourfold higher (21 mg/m³) than the permissible limit. It was emerged that concentration of particulate is a major concern in all the processing sections. Since the chemical nature of these particulates is expected to be more toxic in nature, it requires greater attention. At firing point, carbon monoxide appeared to be a major concern.

2 illus, 5 tables, 30 ref

017284   Kandagal S B;Venkatraman K (NO, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560 012) : Piezo actuated vibration and flutter control. Def Sci J 2006, 56(4), 615-26.

Potential application of smart materials is being investigated by various researchers in the perspective of building intelligent systems. A smart structure consists of distributed actuators and sensors with associated processors to analyse and control the structure. Piezoceramics, magnetostrictive materials, electro-rheological fluids, magneto-rheological fluids, shape memory alloys, fibre optics are quite often used in realising a smart/intelligent system. Vibration and flutter control using piezoceramics has been reviewed. Various aspects covering relative merits of piezoceramics with other smart materials and application capabilities have been discussed.

6 illus, 3 tables, 49 ref

017283   Inamdar S S (Chemical Engineering Dep, S.D.M. College of Engineering and Technology, Dharwad-580 002) : BOD reduction using low cost adsorbents. J Ind Pollut Control 2006, 22(1), 111-20.

Dairy waste water is organic in nature and the bacteriological action on the organic material requires oxygen. BOD data obtained can have wide applications in the environmental engineering practice. The BOD test is the principal test applied to the domestic and the industrial wastewater to determine the strength in terms of oxygen required for the stabilization. It is the only test applied that gives a measure of the amount of biologically oxidizable organic matter present and that can be used to determine the rates at which the oxidation will occur or BOD shall be exerted in the receiving bodies of water. Focuses the attention on the usage of the low cost adsorbents for the reduction of BOD. Various parameters viz., effect of pH, effect of contact time, effect of adsorbent dose and the effect of particle size on the reduction of BOD are thoroughly studied and the results put forth.

5 illus, 5 tables, 4 ref

017282   Hora M (NO, Maulana Azad National Institute of Technolgy, (MANIT), Bhopal-462 007) : Nonlinear interaction analysis of infilled building frame-soil system. J Struct Engng 2006, 33(4), 309-18.

Building frame having infill walls is termed as infilled building frame. A proper physical modelling of infilled building frame-foundation beam-soil mass interaction system is needed to predict more realistic and accurate structural behaviour. This is achieved via finite element method considering the superstructure, foundation and soil mass as a single integral compatible structural unit. The physical modelling is achieved via use of finite element ,method, which requires the use of variety of isoparametric elements with different degrees of freedom. The unbounded domain of the soil mass has been discretized with coupled finite-infinite elements to achieve computational economy. The nonlinearity of soil mass plays an important role in the redistribution of forces in the superstructure. The nonlinear behaviour of the soil mass is modelled using hyperbolic model. The incremental-iterative nonlinear solution algorithm has been adopted for carrying out the nonlinear elastic interaction analysis of a two-bay two-storey infilled building frame. The frame and the infill have been considered to behave in linear elastic manner, whereas the subsoil in nonlinear elastic manner. The computational methodology adopted for nonlinear soil-structure interaction analysis of infilled frame-foundation-soil system has been presented.

8 illus, 7 tables, 15 ref

017281   Gupta U P;Ojha C S P;Sharma N (NO, Centraal Water Commission, New Delhi) : Decay of strength of vortex down stream of submerged vane. ISH J Hydraul Engng 2006, 12(2), 37-48.

For spacing of vane arrays, the information about strength of vortex downstream of a submerged vane is needed. A series of experiments were performed with rectangular submerged vane with and without a collar at Froude numbers 0.13 and 0.25. To define the strength of vortex, a new set of dimensionless parameters using moment of momentum are involved. Provides certain information on the decay of strength of vortex with downstream of vane. The decay of vane strength does not follow similar trend and appears sensitive to the location of center of vortex, Froude number, etc. The streamwise spacing of submerged vanes may be taken at least 40H at optimal angle of attack. Centre of vortex is also observed to change with the downstream of submerged vane.

7 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

017280   Gupta N;Sen S K (NO, National Institute of Foundry and Forge Technology, Ranchi-834 003) : Spheroidisation treatment for steels. Def Sci J 2006, 56(4), 665-76.

Materials used in components are now highly diversified with many applications historically reserved for steels now taken by plastics, composites, and ceramics. There are, of course many applications for which steels are still the most suitable material. Presently, it is simportant that the type of steel chosen for a given application and the heat treatment given to it be critically examined to justify its use. The selection of steels for spheroidisation treatments and their commercial uses has been highlighted.

^iia7 illus, 1 table, 31 ref

017279   Ganguly S (Adjunct Faculty, Univ of Detroit, Mercy, USA) : Design of a cross car seating tube for static and dynamic analysis. J Struct Engng 2006, 33(4), 333-7.

7 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

017278   Ganesan N;Sekar T (Civil Engng Dep, National Inst of Technol, Calicut-673 601) : Effect of micro-silica and steel fibres on the strength of high performance concrete composites. J Struct Engng 2006, 33(3), 225-9.

Presents the results of an experimental investigation carried out to study the combined effect of addition of micro silica and steel fibres on the mechanical properties of Steel Fibre Reinforced-High Performance Concrete (SFR-HPC) composites. The various mechanical properties considered include: cube compressive strength, cylinder compressive strength, split tensile strength, modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity of concrete. A high performance concrete (HPC) of M60 grade with a constant micro-silica dosage of 7.5% by weight of cement was considered. The main variables considered in this study are: (i) 3 different aspect ratios of steel fibres viz. 50, 75 and 100, and (ii) 3 different volume fractions of steel fibres viz. 0.5%, 0.75% and 1.0%. A total of 243 numbers of concrete specimens were cast using both micro-silica and steel fibres and tested as per IS: 516 and IS: 5816 specifications. Test results indicate that the addition of both micro-silica and steel fibres to HPC enhances its mechanical properties and strength-to-weight ratio markedly. For a constant fibre length, the strength of composites increases as the volume fraction of fibre increases.

6 illus, 2 tables, 13 ref

017277   Ganesan N;Indira P V;Abraham R (Civil Engng Dep, National Inst of Technol, Calicut, Kerala) : Design of high performance concrete mixes using factorial design. J Struct Engng 2006, 33(3), 247-50.

8 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

017276   Duraivelu K;Suryaprakasa Rao K (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Thandalam-602 105, Email: kduraivelu@yahoo.com) : `ProducQual' - a conceptual model for quality gap analysis across PLC. J Indian Inst Sci 2006, 86(2), 113-24.

Generic model has been attempted to explore the potential quality gaps across product life cycle. The need for measurement of quality gaps to improve product quality is discussed in brief. The probable reasons for the quality gaps at various stages of a product are explored. An attempt has been made to explain the conceptual framework on the tools and techniques that can be used to measure the quality gaps and to bridge the same.

1 illus, 4 tables, 16 ref

017275   Deka R K;Soundalgekar V M (NO, Gauhati Univ, Guwahati-781 014) : Gravity modulation effects on transient-free convection flow past an infinite vertical isothermal plate. Def Sci J 2006, 56(4), 477-83.

Exact solution to the free convection flow influenced by gravity modulation has been derived by the Laplace-transform technique. Velocity profiles, penetration distance from the leading edge, and the skin-friction expressions are derived. Velocity profiles and penetration distance are shown graphically, and the numerical values of the skin friction are tablulated. It was observed that the transient velocity decreased with increasing the frequency ω of gravity-modulation or the Prandtl number but increased with increasing time t. Also, transition from conduction to convection was delayed with increasing ωt, but it occured nearer the leading edge as the frequency ω or the Prandtl number increased.

4 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

017274   Deepak Kumar;Mishra R N (NO, , 948 AD Msl Regt (SP) Wksp, C/o 56 APO, Uttaranchal-247 667) : Angular steering for proportional navigation-commanded surface-to-air guided missile. Def Sci J 2006, 56(4), 437-49.

Briefly reviews the guidance laws and their implementation in surface-to-air missiles. The trajectories for the line-of-sight and proportional navigation guidance laws are discussed and the effect of steering on demand for increased lateral acceleration is appreciated. The mathematical model is then evolved to estimate the launch angle of the missile, ie, bearing and elevation, in the direction of the future position of the moving air target as well as the steering commands in pitch and yaw planes in accordance with the proportional navigation guidance law, to enable collision with the target.

6 illus, 6 tables, 6 ref

017273   D'Souza P M;Lawrence A K A;Tripathi A (Farm Machinery and Power Engineering Dep, Agric Engng and Technol Coll, Allahabad Agric Inst - Deemed Univ, Allahabad-221 007) : Effect of selected operating parameters of tractors at different loads on noise. Allahabad Fmr 2006, 61(1), 5-15.

Noise exposure level in farm tractors fluctuates due to various factors; that includes equipment load, draft load, gears and environmental conditions. Different tractors, equipments and environmental conditions were taken into consideration as sources of noise pollution. The influence of different load, engine speeds and transmission gears, on the noise levels were determined. The level of annoyance depends not only on the noise level, but also on the operator's position, and the duration of exposure. The level of noise when the tractor was stationary or neutral was also measured. The intensity of noise pollution was determined at the ear level of the operator, and at bystander level. A digital sound level meter was used to measure the noise of the two experimental tractors viz: Mahindra B 275 DI and John Deere 5103 S. The effects of different engine speeds (1000 rpm and 2000 rpm) on the noise level were studied. It was found that the tractor produced 5-8 dB(A) more noise as engine speed changed from 1000 rpm to 2000 rpm. Three different transmission gears (I^st High, 2^nd Low and 3^rd Low) were used and their effect on noise level was found not to be very significant, but a trend was observed that as we switch to higher gears, noise level increased. Four different load conditions viz: no load, MB plough, cultivator & seed drill were taken, and it was found that as the load increased, the noise level also increased. It was observed that the trend of increase of noise level was almost similar for both the experimental tractors i.e. noise levels increased linearly in both tractors when load increased or when rpm increased or when switched to higher gears. Combining all the factors, the maximum noise level was found on 1st High Gear, at 2000 rpm. for MB plough, which was 89.26 dB(A), and the maximum noise level at the bystander's ear level was found to be 73.33 dB(A) under same conditions. Thus, the study concluded that the noise level at the operator's ear level was on the higher side of the safety limits.

4 illus, 3 tables, 6 ref

017272   Chitale S V (NO, C.W.P.R.S., Pune) : Inter basin transfers by water grid caution and precaution. ISH J Hydraul Engng 2006, 12(2), 1-6.

Assessment is made of the NWDA plan of interlinking of rivers from the view point of a sedimentologist and river morphologist. It is emphasized that the design of the new storage reservoirs need to be guided by the requirement of conservation of storage capacity by periodical sediment flushing. Secondly, the aspect of minimal interference with the river regime is highlighted. For this purpose the morphological changes resulting from water - withdrawals from rivers need be estimated utilizing mathematical modelling techniques. Lastly, attention is drawn to the requirement of evolving appropriate design method for design of river link canals to meet the requirement of conveying water discharge of required sediment concentration with available variable slope.

11 ref

017271   Chauhan R S;Chaturvedi R;Gutch P K (Defence Research and Development Establishment, , Gwalior-474 002) : Polymer-clay nano composites. Def Sci J 2006, 56(4), 649-64.

Nano has now become a theme in almost all the established discipline. The confluence of innovatie methodologies, sophisticated characterisation techniques, and potential technological utility has resulted in intense research activity in the field of polymer nano composites. Polymer composites made out of nano materials display unique properties in terms of improved tensile strength, flexibility, and flexural endurance. Discusses the development of polymerclay nano composites, both from the conceptual point of view as well as practical methods for the synthesis of nano composites has been discussed. These are monomer intercalation, monomer modification, common solvent, and melt-intercalation methods. Various models have been discussed that describe improvements in mechanical and barriers properties due to the incorporation of nano materials. Ongoing R&D work in the two DRDO laboratories on the development of nano composites has been briefly mentioned. The emerging use of polymer-nano composites has also been described.

7 illus, 65 ref

017270   Chandrasekaran S;Srivastava A (Civil Engng Dep, Inst of Technol, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005) : Design aids for multi-barrel RC cylidrical shells. J Struct Engng 2006, 33(4), 287-96.

Shell structure fare widely used in the field of civil, mechanical, architectural, aeronautical, and marine engineering. Shell technology has been enhanced by the development of new materials and prefabrication schemes. Despite the mechanical advantages and aesthetic values offered by the shell structures, the relative degree of unacquaintance with shell behaviour and design is high. The construction of a reinforced concrete shell involves many problems, the design and construction of form work, reinforcement selection etc. More than almost any other structural system, shells depend upon the ability of the engineer to foresee the design problems. Most of the early shells built were single or multi-barrel cylindrical shells. Provides design aids for multi barrel cylindrical shells for varying r/t and r/l ratios. The design curves also provide the details of stress resultants at closer intervals of φ which is necessary for their reinforcement detailing.

10 illus, 11 tables, 9 ref