022820   Laxmikant R;Nagabhushana K;Sudheer L S; Bhaskar P;Parvathi C S;Nagabhushan R (Instrumentation Technology Dep, Gulbarga Univ, P.G. Centre, Raichur-584 133) : Performance of PID controller for angular position control of a DC motor in presence of load and noise. J Instrum Soc India 2007, 37(3), 189-98.

The present study investigates the performance of PID controller for angular position control of a permanent magnet dc (PMDC) motor in the presence of load and noise. A computer has been employed for measurement and control of angular position. The-hardware scheme developed consists of a position sensor, data acquisition card (DAS), digital to analog (D/A) converter and an actuator. Program is written in 'C' language to realize PID algorithm and a user interface is also provided to change the set point and tune the PID parameters. The system provides high accuracy, reliability, flexibility and good user interface. The experimental results show that an accuracy of ± 1% is achieved in measurement and control.

6 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

022819   Kumar A;Manjunath D (Electrical Communication Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560 012, Email: anurag@ece.iisc.ernet.in) : Tutorial survey of topics in wireless networking: part II. Sadhana 2007, 32(6), 645-81.

Provides an overview of the area of wireless networking as that of dealing with problems of resource allocation so that the various connections that utilise the network achieve their desired performance objectives. Provides overview of the evolution of random access networks from Aloha to the currently popular 802-11 (Wi-Fi) networks. Performance of the 802-11 random access protocol is analysed. The problem of optimal association of nodes to Wi-Fi access points is discussed. Considers topics in ad hoc multihop wireless networks. Topology and cross layer control. Important maximum weight link scheduling algorithm, The connectivity and capacity of randomly deployed networks are then analysed. An overview of the technical issues in the emerging area of wireless sensor networks is provided.

15 illus, 97 ref

022818   Kumar A;Manjunath D (Electrical Communication Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560 012, Email: anurag@ece.iise.ernet.in) : A tutorial survey of topics in wireless networking: part I. Sadhana 2007, 32(6), 619-43.

Provide a survey of recent and emerging topics in wireless networking. Authors view the area of wireless networking as dealing with problems of resource allocation so that the various connections that utilise the network achieve their desired performance objectives. Authors first survey the area by providing a taxonomy of wireless networks as they have been deployed. Provides a quick tutorial on the main issues in the wireless 'physical' layer, which is concerned with transporting bits over the radio frequency spectrum. Discusses some resource allocation formulations in CDMA (code division multiple access) cellular networks and OFDMA (orthogonal frequency division multiple access) networks.

2 illus, 20 ref

022817   Kumanan S;Edwin Raja Dhas J;Gowthaman K (Production Engineering Dep, National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli-620 015, Email: kumanan@nitt.edu) : Determination of submerged arc welding parameters using Taguchi method and regression analysis. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2007, 14(3), 177-83.

Details the application of Taguchi technique and regression analysis to determine the optimal process parameters for submcrged are welding (SAW). The planned experiments are conducted in the semiautomatic submerged arc welding machine and the signal-to-noisc ratios arc computed to determine the optimum parameters. The percentage contribution of each factor is validated by analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique. Multiple regression analysis (MRA) is conducted using statistical package for social science (SPSS) software and the mathematical model is build to predict the bead geometry for any given welding conditions.

7 illus, 5 tables, 22 ref

022816   Khanna V K;Ahmad S;Jain Y K;Jayalakshmi M; Vanaja S;Madhavendra S S;Manorama S V;Lakshmi Kantam M (NO, MEMS & Microsensors, Central Electronics Engineering Research Institu, Pilani-333 031, Email: vkk@ceeri.ernet.in) : Development of potassium-selective ion-sensitive field-effect transistor (ISFET) by depositing ionophoric crown ether membrane on the gate dielectric, and its application to the determination of K<. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2007, 14(2), 112-18.

Reports the fabrication and characterization of potassium ISFET (ion-sensitive field-effect transistor) by deposition of a crown ether layer on the gate. This ISFET is referred to as potassium MEMFET (membrane field-effect transistor) or potassium-selective MEMFET device. Calibration of ISFET in standard KC1 solutions has shown that the sensitivity of crown ether-ISFET towards potassium (2.3 mV/mg/L) was approximately double that of the nitride-gate ISFET (1 mV/mg/L) in the 100-400 mg/L range. The mechanism of ISFET potassium sensitivity enhancement by the ionophoric crown ether layer on the gate has been explained. Use of the device for potassium concentration measurements in human blood serum has been demonstrated. The distribution of potassium ion concentrations (151-210 mg/L) in a series of human blood serum samples has been determined from the reference value obtained by atomic absorption spectroscopy and the ISFET sensitivity measured with KC1 solutions. These diluted samples showed a constant pH <126> 7.0-7.1, confirming the maintenance of pH within close tolerance by the human body; therefore any errors due to pH variation amongst the samples were eliminated. Sensitivity of the ISFET with/without crown ether coating on the gate towards sodium ions (0.34 mV/mg/L) has been found to be comparatively less than that of the crown ether ISFET for potassium, showing that sodium ions in blood serum do not interfere with the measurements.

1 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

022815   Khan A;Demirboga R (Civil Engineering Dep, Erzurum Vocational College, Construction Program, 25240 Erzurum, Turkey, Email: ramazan@atauni.edu.tr) : Effect of cement and EPS beads ratios on compressive strength and density of lightweight concrete. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2007, 14(2), 158-62.

The compressive strengths and slump values of concretes made up of mixtures of expanded polystyrene (EPS) beads and cement were investigated. To determine the effect of Portland cement (PC)/EPS ratio, on the compressive strength of EPS concrete, 1/0 (control sample), 1:4, 1:2, 3:4 and 1:1 mix proportion by volume were used. EPS beads content for the mixtures were kept constant at 0.05 m³. The analysis of the test results leads to the conclusion that with the increase of cement to EPS beads ratio in the mixes, both density and compressive strength of concretes increased up to 4 and 350 times respectively, when compared to the control sample. Hardened concrete densities and compressive strength varied from 464 to 1940 kg/m³, and 0.11 to 38.50 MPa, respectively. Slump values of the mixes were changed from 8 to 43 mm.

4 illus, 4 tables, 17 ref

022814   Keshavarz M H (Chemistry Dep, Malek-ashtar University of Technology, Shahin-Shahr P.O. Box 83145/115, Islamic Republic of Iran, Email: mhkir@yahoo.com) : Predicting heats of detonation of explosives via specified detonation products and elemental composition. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2007, 14(4), 324-30.

Heats of detonation of C_aH_bN_cO_d explosives are predicted using H₂O-CO₂ arbitrary as detonation products as well as ratios of oxygen to carbon (Ro/c) and hydrogen to oxygen (Rn/o). The methodology at first assumes that the heat of detonation of explosive compound can be approximated as the difference between heats of formation of the assumed detonation products and that of the explosive, divided by the formula weight of the explosive; then may be corrected by R_o/c and R_H/o. For the calculations in which only H₂O-CO₂ arbitrary were used, predicted heats of detonation for 27 non-aromatic and 31 aromatic energetic compounds have a root mean square (rms) deviation from experiment of 1.21 and 2.08 kJ/g, respectively. The corrected heats of detonation using R_O/C and R_H/O for both non-aromatic and aromatic energetic compounds have a rms deviation of 0.49 kJ/g from experiment, which show good agreement with respect to measured values. The new method is also applied to four new explosives, i.e., CL-20. FOX-7, ONC and NTO. which gives comparable results as compared to measured values.

2 illus, 1 table, 22 ref

022813   Kayalvizhi R;Natarajan S P (Annamalai Univ, , Chidambaram) : Design, simulation and TMS320F2407 DSP based implementation of controllers for positive output Re-lift Luo converter. J Instrum Soc India 2007, 37(3), 182-8.

DC-DC converters are widely used in applications such as computer peripheral power supplies, car auxiliary power supplies, servo - motor drives and medical equipments. Luo converter is a recently developed DC-DC converter. Positive output Luo converter performs the conversion from positive source voltage to positive load voltage. Re-lift Luo converter (a boost converter) is highly non- linear and time - variant and shows complex behavior patterns as it works in switch mode. Hence the objective of this work is to design, simulate and implement PI, fuzzy logic and neuro controllers for positive output re-lift Luo converter using MATLAB software and TMS320F2407 DSP. The simulation and experimental results of the closed loop performance of the chosen converter under line and load disturbances are presented and evaluated. They validate the controls developed.

9 illus, 3 tables, 8 ref

022812   Kapur P;Mittal S K;Shamshi M A (Geo-Scientific Instruments Div, CSIO, Chandigarh) : Design and development of data acquisition system for landslides monitoring using virtual instrumentation. J Instrum Soc India 2007, 37(3), 222-30.

Landslides are a major threat to human settlement and infrastructure. The surface of the earth is very dynamic and constantly adjusting to storms, earthquakes, and volcanic eruption. Landslides are a regional and site specific problem which presents challenges in the development of an Early Warning Systems. Attempts are being continuously made to develop application specific instruments for the monitoring of various parameters of soil and rock with the idea to predict the occurrence of possible landslide. Highlights the application of Virtual Instrumentation under the LabVIEW environment to tackle a landslide case based on the simultaneous measurement of multiple parameters such as crack formation, inclination, stress developed, tilt in rock surface, rainfall and water pore pressure. Signal from various sensors are processed through signal conditioning modules and interfaced to the computer through data acquisition module. This software is developed in two main parts - the first one deals with the acquisition of sensor data, while the second one runs on remote PC connected through optical fiber link to data acquisition module for data analysis to issue an early warning.

5 illus, 7 ref

022811   Jiang L;Mark Spearing S (Engineering Materials Research Group, School of Engineering Sciences, Univ Southampton, Highfield Southampton, S017 1BJ, United Kingdom) : Reassessment of materials issues in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). J Indian Inst Sci 2007, 87(3), 363-85.

Over the past 7 years there has been an explosion of research activity into materials for MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS). This paper reviews the current issues associated with materials for MEMS. Five topical areas are addressed: the effect of lengthscale, the selection of materials and processes, the MEMS material set, microfabrication processes and material characterization. Each of these areas is examined, with particular emphasis on the potential impact of materials solutions. The paper concludes with an assessment of the progress in MEMS materials made since 2000.

13 illus, 182 ref

022810   Jesudas T;Arunachalam R M;Jayakumar K S; Thiraviam R (Mechanical Engg, Sona College of Technology, , Email: arunrm@sonatech.ac.in) : Parameter optimization of wire EDM - a Taguchi approach. Mfg Technol Today 2007, 6(8), 9-12.

Investigation on the optimization of machining parameters in WEDM of bronze-alumina MMC is presented. The main objective is to find the optimum cutting parameters to achieve a low value of surface roughness and higher material removal rate (MRR). The cutting parameters considered in this experimental study are, pulse on time, pulse off time and wire feed rate. The settings of cutting parameters were determined by using Taguchi experimental design method. An L₉ orthogonal array was chosen. Signal to Noise ratio (SIN) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the effect of the parameters on surface roughness and higher material removal rate to identify the optimum cutting parameters. The contribution of each cutting parameters towards the surface roughness and material removal rate is also identified. The study shows that the Taguchi method is suitable to solve the stated problem with minimum number of trials.

4 illus, 5 tables, 7 ref

022809   Haider S A;Noori K (Electrical Engineering DepmiMilitary College of Signals, National Univ, , Pakistan, Email: sami@mcs.ed.pk) : Adaptive turbo coded OFDM. J Digital Inf Mgmt 2007, 5(6), 364-7.

System throughput of an OFDM system is enhanced by adding turbo coding and adaptive modulation (AD). Simulation is done over a time varying Raleigh fading channel. Each OFDM block is individually modulated according to channel state information acquired during the previous burst. The system automatically switches from higher to lower order modulation in order to maintain a constant bit error rate. Turbo codes are added for forward error correction, in addition to adaptive modulation. The end goal is to increase the system throughput while maintaining a bit error rate (BER) of 10^-2.

9 illus, 10 ref

022808   Gurung R P (Submarine Training School, INS Satavahana, Naval Base, Visakhapatnam-530 014) : Design of simple automated metrology quality control employing intensity modulated fiber optics approach for industrial application. J Instrum Soc India 2007, 37(3), 218-21.

The precision manufacturing has always required a great deal of dimensional accuracy. They are evolving from traditional engineering metrology dominated by the skills of quality inspectors at the end of production lines, to automatic off-line, in-cycle and inline inspection methods utilizing computer (hardware and software). A very simple design for non contact high accuracy, automated dimensional tolerances measurement system by using fiber optic approach has been presented The proposed design is useful in wide range of application such as quality control of high precision components on a production line, process optimization and reverse engineering.

4 illus, 4 ref

022807   Gupta R;Kailash K (Statistics Dep, C.C.S. Univ, Meerut-250 005) : Two unit complex system with correlated failure and repair times. Pure appl Math Sci 2008, 67(1-2), 23-34.

Deals with the cost benefit analysis of a two unit complex system with correlated failure and repair times. The system consists of two subsystems, say A & B, connected in series. Each subsystem consists of two identical units. The operation of only one unit of each subsystem is sufficient to do the job. The joint distributions of failure and repair times are taken bivariate exponential. Each repaired unit works as good as new. Various measures of system effectiveness of interest to system designers and operation managers are obtained by using regenerative point technique. The graphical behaviour of MTSF and profit function have also been studied.

3 illus, 7 ref

022806   Goswami P N;Khan M;Moinuddin (NO, Shobhit Univ, Biomedical Engineering School, Modipuram, Meerut) : Bio-impedance analysis, its merits, recent advances and clinical applications. Pure appl Math Sci 2008, 67(1-2), 35-52.

Provides an over view of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA). Merits of BIA over other body composition methods and its validation have also been discussed. Some advances over BIA like Bioelectrical Impedance Spectroscopy (BIS), Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis (BIVA) and Bioelectrical Impedance Phase Angle (BIPA) have also been highlighted which are emerging as strong clinical tools besides being a good and practical in-vivo method for estimation of human body composition. Based on these developments, current as well as future clinical applications of BIA are discussed and possible directions of BIA research are highlighted.

6 illus, 2 tables, 47 ref

022805   Girish Krishnan;Kshirsagar C U;Ananthasures G K;Bhat N (Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Email: suresh@mecheng.iisc.ernet.in) : Micromachined high-resolution acclerometers. J Indian Inst Sci 2007, 87(3), 333-61.

High-resolution, micromachined accelerometers by enunciating the development of their mechanical components, the electronic circuitry and the microfabrication processes, A survey of the literature suggests that the research in this area is mostly focused on improving microfabrication and electronic circuitry. The resolution of the accelerometers is dependent on the sensitivity of the mechanical components as well as the ability of the electronic circuitry in suppressing the noise. The noise comes from mechanical components as well as electronic circuitry and plays a detrimental role in achieving high resolution. This is reviewed in this paper after explaining the working principles of selected high-resolution micromachined accelerometers. Sensing acceleration by measuring the change in capacitance is widely used but it has many complications. These are discussed in detail by presenting various techniques for sensing capacitance. The microfabrication processes that dictate the design are reviewed by tracking the evolution of high-resolution accelerometers found in the literature and comparing their sensitivities and resolutions. Account of the significant accomplishments, some challenges for the future, and a few novel concepts in achieving high resolution of the order of a millionth of g, the acceleration due to gravity.

30 illus, 2 tables, 80 ref

022804   Gavgali M;Dikici B;Bedir F (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Ataturk Univ, 25240 Erzurum, Turkey, Email: mgavgali@atauni.edu.tr) : Corrosion susceptiblities of Al-Cu/TiC MMCs fabricated by conventional hot pressing. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2007, 14(4), 303-8.

The effect of TiC particle volume fraction on the electrochemical behaviours of metal matrix composites (MMCs), which is Al-Cu based reinforced with TiC_p has been investigated in both aerated and deaerated 1.0 N H₂SO₂ aqueous solutions. Composites reinforced with TiC particles at volume fractions of 20, 30 and 40% have been produced by conventional hot pressing method and then, artificially aged (T6). The corrosion susceptibilities of the composites have been analyzed by using the cyclic potentiodynamic polarization technique. The surface morphology of the composites has been determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that the corrosion susceptibilities of the composites increase with increased TiC particle content but decreases with T6 heat treatment performed on the composites.

6 illus, 1 table, 46 ref

022803   Ganesan K;Rajagopal K;Thangavel K (NO, Algappa Chettiar College of Engineering and Technology, Karaikudi-630 004, Email: ganesanhari@yahoo.com) : Chloride resisting concrete containing ash and bagasse ash. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2007, 14(3), 257-65.

The effects of rice husk ash (RHA) and bagasse ash (BA) as cement replacement materials on the chloride resisting properties, important to durability of concrete structures have been studied. RHA and BA have been used up to 30% replacement by weight of cement with fixed water to binder ratio of 0.55. The properties of concrete investigated include water absorption, permeability, sorptivity, resistance to chloride ion penetration in terms of total charge passed in coulombs and chloride diffusion coefficient. The compressive strength of concretes containing RHA and BA were also supplemented. The specimens incorporating RHA or BA, when exposed to chloride solution exhibit significantly lower charge passed value and lesser chloride diffusion for all cement replacement levels (CRL). Overall results indicate that RHA (25-30% CRL) and BA (15-20% CRL) blended concretes showed superior durability properties.

5 illus, 4 tables, 30 ref

022802   Felix Prasad C;Jayabal S;Natarajan U (Mechanical Engineering Dep, A.C. College of Engineering and Technology, Karaikudi-630 004) : Optimization of tool wear in turning using genetic algorithm. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2007, 14(6), 403-7.

Optimization has significant practical importance particularly for operating in machines. In order to increase the accuracy of finishing product the tool must be in good condition always as much as possible. To achieve good condition of tool the machining parameters like speed, feed and depth of cut should be optimized^2-4. This paper aims to increase the condition of tool, i.e., minimization of tool wear by applying the optimized input parameters using Genetic Algorithm technique. For solving the machining problems various traditional techniques such as Integer programming. Quadratic programming and Simplex method have been used so far. But results of these various methods vary to some extent. Genetic Algorithm helps in obtaining better results than of traditional methods available.

1 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

022801   Elango N;Marappanun R (Mechanical Engg Dep, Sona College of Technology, Salem, Tamil Nadu, Email: cad_elango_n@yahoo.com) : Contact models and grasping manipulation of multifingered robot hands. Mfg Technol Today 2007, 6(8), 24-31.

For the past twenty years, extensive research in robotic grasping and dexterous manipulation has been established for applications from household, mobile service robot that helps old and disabled people to space applications and undersea exploration. The trend in robot hand design has been focused towards devices inspiring biological models in particular a human hand. Anthropomorphic hands with multiple fingers have been developed for stable grasping and to improve the dexterity to achieve the fine manipulation. Dexterous hands have the ability to impart arbitrary motions and forces upon its environment. Complex remote operations are possible in a very flexible way using such dexterous hands. Using multifingered hands, a much wider class of objects even very complicated geometries can be stably grasped. It may also be used to determine the product data like geometry, shape of the grasped object and the environment through dexterous motions and sensors attached to it. There are several issues in relation to the design of an articulated hand. Researches have been done on many areas such as design, analysis and control of dexterous hand, grasp planning, grasp manipulation strategies and tactile sensing. This review paper mainly focuses on contact models and the implementation of stable grasping. Synthesis of contact model and kinematic structures are also discussed, and finally optimization of contact forces is briefly discussed.

^iia4 illus, 49 ref

022800   Dhand V;Prasad J S;Venkateswara Rao M;Mahesh K Naga;Anupama L;Himabindu V;Anjaneyulu Y;Raju V S;Sukumar A (Center for Enviromental, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological Univ, Kukatpally, Hyderabad-500 085, Email: drvhimabindu@gmail.com) : Design and development of flame reactor unit for carbon nanorods (CNRs) production. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2007, 14(3), 235-9.

A pilot scale flame reactor has been designed and developed successfully for producing carbon nanorods by using methane, acetylene as the source of carbon in the oxygen atmosphere under atmospheric conditions without catalyst. The paper discuses the designing of the flame reactor and the studies carried out on the flame reactor for producing carbon nanorods using methane, acetylene and oxygen gas-system. The carbon nanorods produced using this reactor are in the range of 150-600 nm.

9 illus, 19 ref

022799   Chen Z X;Liu C Y;Wang G Y;Liu J G (NO, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Institute of Pattern Recognition & Artificial Intelligence, Wuhan 430074, China, Email: chenzhenxue@163.com) : Automatic license plate location and recognition. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2007, 14(5), 337-45.

Automatic license plate recognition (LPR), which plays an important role in intelligent transport system has been proposed. In this study, a novel method to recognize license plates is presented. The proposed LPR technique consists of ihrec main.phases. Firstly, a segmentation phase contains the one-dimension cycle clear method locates the license plate within the image. Then, a procedure based upon feature projection separates the license plate into seven single-characters. Finally, the character recognizer extracts some feature points and uses the multi-stage classifier to get a robust solution under multiple acquisition conditions. Experiments have been conducted for the respective modules. Combining the above all rates, the overall rate of success algorithm is 92.5%'. Our experiments show that the proposed method for LPR is correct and efficient.

8 illus, 3 tables, 23 ref

022798   Charles Jeeva J;Nikita Gopal;Unnithan G R; Raghu Prakash R (Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, , Visakhapatnam-530 003) : Mechanized crafts of north Andhra coast - a study on status, operation and economic evaluation. Fish Technol 2008, 45(1), 103-8.

Results of studies conducted on two categories of mechanized vessels viz., mini-trawlers and sona boats operated at Visakhapatnam base are presented. A general description of the technical parameters and an economic analysis including revenue, investments, operational expenditure, operational profits or loss etc. are described. The expenditure on fuel has been observed to be the largest component of the total operational expenditure to the tune of 66% in mini-trawlers and 62% in sona boats. To harvest one kg of shrimp, mini-trawlers consumed 7.89 litres of fuel and incurred an operational expenditure (including fuel) of Rs. 213.61, and sona boats consumed 8.97 litres of fuel with an operational expenditure of Rs. 260.35. Both the types of crafts are observed to be economically viable with profit percentages of 24.5% and 17.2 % respectively during the period under report.

6 tables, 7 ref

022797   Chander Malik S (Statistics Dep, M.D. Univ, Rohtak-124 001, Email: sc_malik@rediffmail.com) : Reliability modeling and profit analysis of a single-unit system with inspection by a server who appears and disappears randomly. Pure appl Math Sci 2008, 67(1-2), 135-46.

The aim of this paper is to develop a reliability model for a single unit system in which unit may fail completely either directly from normal mode or via partial failure. There is a single server who appears and disappears randomly from the system with some probabilities. The server inspects the unit at its partial failure to find out the possibility of its on-line repair. In the case of complete failure it examines the need of repair/replacement. If on-line repair of the partially failed unit is not possible, its repair is done in down-sate. Further, if repair of the completely failed unit is not beneficial to the system, it is replaced by new one to avoid unnecessary expanses on its repair. The failure, repair and inspection times of the unit are independent and uncorrelated random variables. The distributions of failure time of the unit, time of appearance and disappearance of the server follow negative exponential while that of repair and inspection times are taken as arbitrary with different probability density functions (p.d.f.). Various reliability measures of system effectiveness are obtained by using semi-Markov process and regenerative point technique. Graphical study is also made to show the behavior of MTSF, availability and profit for a particular case.

5 illus, 10 ref

022796   Chakraborty S;Samanta B (Production Engg Dep, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, Email: s_chakraborty00@yahoo.co.in) : Literature review on the applications of simulated annealing in production engineering. Mfg Technol Today 2007, 6(8), 32-41.

Effort is made to give a brief overview on Simulated Annealing (SA) technique based on the review of past research works. The review is primarily done to search out the applications of this heuristic technique in various optimization related problems of Production Engineering. For this, more than hundred research papers published in different reputed international journals during the year 2000-2005 are selected to critically analyze the role of Simulated Annealing as an improved optimization tool in present day manufacturing environment. Moreover, the published papers are categorized according to various application areas of Production Engineering, to highlight the specific area where this non-conventional optimization technique has been widely used to provide optimal solutions. Lastly, it is shown that this hybrid optimization technique is rapidly gaining its popularity with respect to time as well as geographical boundaries.

^iia2 illus, 122 ref

022795   Burnstein R A;Lederman L M (NO, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicagio, Il-60616, USA) : Wireless keypads-A new classroom technology using enhanced multiple-choice questions. Phys Educ 2007, 24(3), 189-96.

Discusses the advantages of using wireless keypads in the lecture/classroom. This new technology requires multiple-choice (MC) questions to mate with the keypad entry features of these devices. The format of the traditional MC response is constrained to five choices and only one 'best' response is allowed. For this reason, we propose enhancements to the traditional MC question. This enhanced MC question allows as many as ten answers. The answers can vary in their degree of correctness and can be assigned partial credit. By combining wireless keys and multiple-choice questions, we can readily perform both formative and summative assessments of student learning. Examples and classroom applications are presented.

2 tables, 20 ref

022794   Basu A;Srivatsa K M K;Chakraborty T K; Bhattacharya T K (Electronic Materials Div, National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi-110 012, Email: abasu@mail.nplindia.ernet.in) : Fabrication of narrow bandpass filters for wavelength division multiplexing applications-A feasibility study. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2007, 14(2), 125-32.

Thin film multilayer narrow bandpass interference filters are widely used in wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) applications in fibre optic communication systems. These filters must have sharp cut-on and cut-off on either side of the passband and practically zero transmittance outside the passband, over the wavelength range of the application. In an effort to demonstrate the feasibility of fabrication of WDM filters, the simpler designs for these filters (involving deposition of multilayers with 30-35 layers) have been examined and their fabrication has been demonstrated using a vacuum coating system with limited capabilities, at several wavelengths in the range of interest. This experience has shown that with the use of modern vacuum coating plants equipped with sophisticated coating and monitoring facilities, the fabrication of WDM filters with more complex designs and meeting commercial specifications [at least coarse WDM (CWDM) filters with somewhat less stringent specifications] can be a feasible proposition.

8 illus, 21 ref

022793   Balahai M M;Badawy A A M;Lashish M (Engineering Materials Dep, Faculty of Engineering, Zagazig Univ, Egypt) : Effect of using ground waste tire rubber as fine aggregate on the behaviour of concrete mixes. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2007, 14(6), 427-35.

The development of environmentally accepted methods of used tire disposal is one of the greatest challenges that waste management experts face today. Using of wastes and by-products as concrete aggregate has attained great potential in the last lew years. The aim of this work is to investigate (he possibility of the usage of ground waste lire rubber (GVVTR) in the civil construction as a partial replacement for fine aggregates and the influence of these wastes on the properties of ordinary concrete. The cement content for concrete mixes is 300. 400. and 500 kg/m³. The total fine aggregate (TFA) in all mixes is sand, which is partially replaced by GWTR particles. The percentages by volume of GWTR/TFA are 5%, 10%. 15% and 20%. The physical and mechanical properties of rubberized concrete arc compared with those of ordinary concrete mixes. Also, three treated materials, polyvinyl acetate, silica fume and sodium hydroxide (PVA, SF and NaOH) arc used lor treatment the ground waste tire rubber to improve the interface friction between rubber particles and cement matrix. The results show that the mass density (bulk density) of hardened rubberized concrete decreases with increasing rubber content, this is an advantage for that concrete application. Also concrete specimens containing rubber particles arc much tougher than those without rubber particles. The damping ratio of the rubberized concrete containing 20% rubber is much higher than those of normal concrete by about 63.2%. Rubberized concrete incorporating treated rubber particles gives belter results than concrete incorporating normal rubber.

14 illus, 3 tables, 27 ref

022792   Bagchi R K;Sehgal R;Dhiman S (NO, National Institute of Secondary Steel Technology, Mandi, Gobindgarhi, Email: rsehgal@nitham.ac.in) : Development of micro alloyed structural steels in secondary steel sector using induction melting furnace and controlled rolling route. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2007, 14(3), 193-201.

Micro alloyed steels with mild steel base were produced through induction furnace and controlled rolling route to produce ribbed bars used in constructions. The aim was to introduce micro alloyed steels in the secondary steel sector to produce all sections of structural steels, thus countering the limitation of TMT process which is considered to be suitable only lor round sections. Mainly. % vanadium and % niobium were varied in trial heats. Combinations of vanadium-nitrogen were also tried. Total 12 heats were made using induction melting furnace. Castings in the form of ingots of 88x112x1400 mm were made which were further rolled to 12 mm bars with different cooling parameters. Commonly, 12 mm CTD bars result on 450 N-mm^-2 UTS and 15% EL. while standard 12 mm TMT bar produces 650 N-mm ^-2 UTS and 25%EL. Micro alloyed steels with vanadium and niobium employing conventional air cooling on bed produced better results lor strength and ductility values as compared to TMT bars. Neither twisting nor water cooling/quenching was required. The best cost effective combination of 790 N-mm^-2 UTS. 590 N-mm^-2 YS. 23% EL and 59% RA was obtained with low % vanadium.

4 illus, 10 tables, 16 ref

022791   Badr A (School of Built Enviromental and Engineering, Bolton Univ, UK, Email: atebadr@hotmail.com) : Fatigue of high-strength fibre-reinforced concrete. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2007, 14(5), 352-7.

Reports the results of an experimental research that has been conducted to investigate the fatigue behaviour of high-strength Fibre-reinforced concrete (HS-FRC), produced using silica fume (SF) and reinforced with steel fibre. Silica fume is an essential ingredient for the production of high strength concrete (HSC). It modifies the microstruclure of the cement paste and produces high-strength concrete with desirable performance characteristics. However, modifying the microstructure of the cement paste could impair the ability of concrete to resist dynamic loading, a property that can be restored using steel fibre reinforcement. Five different mixes were investigated. The control mix was produced without fibre or silica fume. The other four mixes were reinforced with 1% (by volume) steel fibre. The effect of silica fume was investigated using three different replacement percentages at 5, 10 and 15 % by weight. The results suggested that the effect of steel fibre on the flexural fatigue strength was more significant than the effect of silica fume. The fatigue strength of mixes containing silica fume was slightly higher than that of the Portland cement HS-FRC. The reduction in flexural fatigue strength, due to increasing the number of loading cycles from 100,000 to 1,000,000, was negligible compared to the damage produced by the first 100,000 cycles. This outcome could have important technical and economical implications, as it would be sufficient to perform fatigue tests up to 100,000 cycles to rank several concrete mixes.

4 illus, 2 tables, 25 ref

022790   Atis C D (Civil Engineering Dep, Engineering and Architecture Faculty, Cukurova Univ, 01330 Balcali, Adana, Turkey, Email: cengiz@cu.edu.tr) : Strength prediction of silica fume concrete by accelerated warm-water curing method. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2007, 14(3), 266-70.

The results of a laboratory work predicting the compressive strength of silica fume (SF) concrete by accelerated warm-water curing method (WWM) have been presented. A parametric study has been carried out by producing a total of 48 concrete mixtures with three different cement dosages (350 kg/m³, 400 kg/m³. 450 kg/m³), four different watcr-cement ratios (0.3, 0.4. 0.5, 0.6) and four SF replacement ratios with cement (0%, 10%. 15%, 20%) on mass basis. Control normal Portland cement (NPC) concrete and SF concrete are cured with accelerated WWM in accordance with ASTM ami Turkish standards. The linear relations have been established between accelerated WWM compressive strength and 28-day compressive strength for NPC concrete and SF concrete, separately. Although, the inclusion of SF influences the parameter of prediction equation when compared to NPC concrete, the analyses of the results indicate that prediction of SF concrete compressive strength by accelerated warm-water curing is possible with correlation coefficient (R²) higher than 90%.

6 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

022789   Anjan Kumar M;Prasada Raju G V R (NO, , GIET, Rajahmundry, Email: anajan_mantri@yahoo.com) : Use of lime-cement stabilized flyash layer as subbase course in flexible pavement construction on different subgrades. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(1), 69-74.

Expansive clay is a primary source of heave induced structural distress. Expansive soils are a major geologic hazard and cause extensive damage world wide every year. Many research organizations are working on waste materials concerning the feasibility and environmental suitability. Flyash, a waste byproduct from coal-burning in thermal power stations is abundant in India causing severe health, environmental and disposal problems. It is the need of the hour to utilize the waste materials effectively with technical development in each field. Attempts are made to investigate the stabilization process with model test tracks over expansive sub-grade. Cyclic plate load tests were carried out on the tracks with chemicals like lime and cement introduced in flyash sub-base laid on expansive sub-grade. Test results show that maximum load carrying capacity is obtained for stabilised flyash sub-base compared to untreated flyash sub-base.

4 illus, 3 tables, 17 ref

022788   Anantharaman K;Lakshmanan L M;Sathish Kumar S (Mechanical Engg Dep, P S G College of Technology, Coimbatore, Email: undalananth@yahoo.com) : Practical approach for implementation of six sigma in a small manufacturing enterprise. Mfg Technol Today 2007, 6(8), 13-16.

Effect is made to enable everyone to understand Six Sigma does not rely on complex or confusing high tech statistical techniques but rather on tried and true methods and tools that have been around us for decades. Its efficacy has been justified through a case study. The case study is taken to demonstrate how Six Sigma methodologies can be harnessed to reduce the rejection level of Lever Control assembly. This case study was done at a Small Scale Indian industry; DMAIC procedure is applied to remove the causes of variations among the Lever Control Assembly. In this paper enough emphasis is also given on the fundamentals of Six Sigma, so the paper can help the manufacturer in reducing the defects in the manufactured product to Six Sigma level.

4 illus, 2 tables, 7 ref

022787   Altun F;Metin Kose M;Yilmaz C;Ari K;Durmus A (Civil Engineering Dep, Faculty of Engineering, The Erciyes Univ, Kayseri, Turkey, Email: faltun@erciyes.edu.tr) : Experimental investigation of reinforced concrete beams with and without steel fiber under explosive loading. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2007, 14(6), 419-26.

The aim of this study is to determine the energy absorption capacities of the reinforced concrete (RC) beams of the same concrete class and to obtain the performances of the steel-fiber added beams according to the damage characteristics obtained by the explosive loading. In this paper, effects of blast load on the RC beams samples with and without steel fiber have been investigated. First, the comprcssive strength of concrete made with and without steel fiber have been measured. Second, the load carrying capasities of the RC beams produced with and without steel fiber are determined by two point loading test. Lust, the damage levels under explosive loading applied on the RC beams produced with and without steel fiber have been observed. The results show that RC beams made with steel fiber is damaged less in blast loading than that of conventional RC beams. The results also show that the expression used in calculating the amount of the explosive material needs to be revised.

6 illus, 3 tables, 23 ref

022786   Altinbalik T (Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Trakya Univ, 22030, Edirne, Turkey, Email: tahira@trakya.edu.tr) : Study of barreling profile and effect of aspect ratio on material flow in lateral extrusion of gear-like forms. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2007, 14(3), 184-92.

Investigations the lateral extrusion of tapered in terms of die filling and barrel formation at the front of tooth. A series of experiments has been carried out using solid lead billets with two different billet diameters and three different billet heights of each diameter. Metal flow in the tooth region is not uniform and barreling occurs due to frictional resistance between the workplace and the die gap surface. The barrel profile is assumed as a second order polynomial and a simple empirical relationship between the tooth dimensions and the barrel profile has been given using experimental data. Bulging profile of the tooth was measured and simulated by CAD/CAM software. Load-stroke relations and die filling ratios are obtained. In addition, Microsoft Visual Basic was coded and also magnitude and the position of the maximum stresses in the die chamber were determined by using CATIA.

17 illus, 2 tables, 23 ref

022785   Aktas M;Karakuzu R (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Dokuz Eylul Univ, 35100, Izmir, Turkey, Email: mehmet.aktas@deu.edu.tr) : Effect of orientation angle of elliptical hole on residual stresses and expansion of plastic zone in thermoplastic composite plates under in-plane loading. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2007, 14(2), 103-11.

In this study, residual stress variations and expansion of plastic zone of woven steel fiber reinforced laminated thermoplastic composite plates with central elliptical hole which is subjected to in-plane loading are investigated for different loads. Numerical simulation is performed using a commercial packet programme ANSYS. To investigate the effects of orientation angle of elliptical hole in the composite laminated plate under various in-plane loads, elliptical hole is rotated from 0° to 90° by 15° increments counterclockwise. The in-plane loads are chosen as 5.5 MPa, 6.0 MPa and 6.5 MPa. Laminated plates are composed of [0/±30/±45/90]₂ fiber orientation in symmetric and antisymmetric manner.

7 illus, 3 tables, 28 ref

022784   Ahmedzade P;Geckil T (Civil Engineering Dep, Firat Univ, Elazig, Turkey,) : Influence of carbon black on the mechanical and electrical properties of asphalt mixture. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2007, 14(5), 358-64.

The effect of carbon black used as a filler on the mechanical and electrically conductive properties of two types of asphalt mixtures was investigated. The asphalt mixtures in which carbon black and limestone fillers having the same aggregate gradation were prepared and optimum bitumen content was determined by Marshall stability test. Mechanical characteristics of the carbon black and control mixtures were evaluated by Marshall stability, indirect tensile stiffness modulus, creep stiffness, and indirect tensile strength tests. Based on these tests values it is clear that the best results were obtained from mixtures with carbon black filler. Obtained volume resistivity values of the all mixtures indicate that mixtures with carbon black filler have higher electrical conductivity than that of the control mixtures. The results of investigation showed that carbon black improves both mechanical and electrically conductive properties of the asphalt mixtures.

2 illus, 7 tables, 16 ref

022783   Aggarwal M L;Chawla P S (Mechanical Engineering Dep, YMCA Institute of Engineering, Faridabad-121 006, Email: aggarwalml@rediffmail.com) : Issue in fretting design of shot peened leaf springs. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2007, 14(6), 414-18.

Shot peening has long been widely used as a low cost and simple method for increasing fatigue strength of the leaf springs. During a survey, it has been found that fretting fatigue failure of semi-elliptical leaf springs in commercial vehicles occur between 3-6 years. Recently, fretting fatigue between leaves has been reduced by careful control of shot peening parameters and with the application of double shot peening. In the present work, the bending fatigue strength of EN45A spring steel parabolic leaf springs is found to be much higher as compared to semi-elliptical leaf springs. The paper discusses the elimination of fretting fatigue between leaves of EN45A spring steel shot peened leaf springs by using taper leaves and rubber pads.

3 illus, 4 tables, 10 ref

022782   Acar M H (Civil Engineering Dep, Akdeniz Univ, 07058 Kampus-Antalya, Turkey, Email: mhacar@akdeniz.edu.tr) : Evalution of creep coefficient on concrete-filled steel tubular columns. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2007, 14(4), 295-302.

Presents the evaluation of creep coefficient on concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) sustained loaded columns. A test or the long-term behaviour of CFST columns has been carried out. Shrinkage and creep of CFST columns are measured. A comparison of results calculated using three prediction models proposed by CEB-FIP, BAZANT-PANULA, and ACI have shown a good agreement with test results. The study also showed that the shrinkage effect of the concrete core in CFST columns is negligible. The creep coefficient measured and calculated by those recommanded C'EB-FIP, BAZANT-PANULA. and ACI during 200 days were in agreement for CFST columns.The creep coefficient ultimate calculated for CFST columns has been found 2. At the beginning of test, the percentage of load taken by steel section was 38% and at the end of test, it was 56%. This is a stress transfer from the concrete section to the steel section due to the creep. This creep coefficient ultimate evaluated is proposed for long-term behaviour calculation of CFST columns. In order to take the effect of creep into account, applied sustained load must be multiplied by the value of (1+φ_ultimated).

12 illus, 17 ref

021781   Venkata Reddy K;Eldho T I;Rao E P (Civil Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, Powai Mumbai-400 076) : Simulation of runoff from watershed using finite element based Kinematic wave model. ISH J Hydraul Engng 2007, 13(2), 15-30.

Rainfall-runoff modeling is very important in the planning and management of available water resources in a watershed. In this paper, a finite element method (FEM) based two dimensional overland flow model for runoff simulation using kinematic wave equation and its application to a hypothetical watershed has been presented. The model has been simulated using rectangular and triangular elements for two dimensional overland flow problem and verified with the results of analytical solution. Further a one dimensional channel flow model based on FEM has been developed and it is coupled with the two dimensional overland flow model. The coupled model also has been applied to a hypothetical watershed. In this study, though the model developed has been applied to a hypothetical watershed, it can be extended to natural watershed.

9 illus, 2 table, 13 ref

021780   Vengadesan S;Nithiarasu P (Applied Mechanics Dep, Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai-600 036, Email: vengades@iitm.ac.in) : Hybrid LES - review and assessment. Sadhana 2007, 32(5), 501-11.

In the late eighties and up to the beginning of nineties computation of turbulent flows is mostly dominated by RANS (Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes Simulation) type modelling. During the last few years URANS (Unsteady RANS) and LES (Large Eddy Simulation) type of approaches have been attempted with some success. Yet, there have been many difficulties when LES is applied to practical engineering problems and to high Reynolds number flows as energy dissipating eddies become really small and mesh resolution required for a reasonably resolved LES approaches that of DNS (Direct Numerical Simulation). An alternative solution suggested was to combine RANS and LES, which in general referred to as Hybrid LES. There have been many proposals for combining RANS and LES in different ways. In this article, some of the issues involved in performing hybrid LES reported in the recent literature is briefly reviewed.

2 illus, 47 ref

021779   Sukanesh R;Harikumar R (ECE Dep, Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Madurai-625 015, Email: rshece@tce.edu ) : Analysis of fuzzy techniques and neural networks (RBF&MLP) in classification of epilepsy risk levels from EEG signals. IETE J Res 2007, 53(5), 465-74.

Most research to date using hybrid systems (Fuzzy-Neuro) focused on the Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP). Alternative neural network approaches such as the Radial Basis Function (RBF) network, and their representations appear to have received relatively little attention. Focuses on RBF network as an optimizer for classification of epilepsy risk level obtained from the fuzzy techniques using the EEG signals parameters. The obtained risk level patterns from fuzzy techniques are found to have low values of Performance Index (PI) and Quality Value (QV). These neural networks are trained and tested with 480 patterns extracted from three epochs of sixteen channel EEG signals often known epilepsy patients. Different architectures of MLP and RBF networks are compared based on the minimum Mean Square Error (MSE), the better networks in MLP (16-16-1) and RBF (1-16-1) are selected. RBF out performs the MLP network and fuzzy techniques with the high Quality Value of 23.98 when compared to the Quality Values of 16.92 and 6.25.

3 illus, 4 tables, 24 ref

021778   Sudha N;Prasanna C S S;Kamakoti V (Computer Engineering School, Nanyang Technological Univ, Singapore-639 798, Email: sudha@ntu.edu.sg) : An efficient digital architecture for principal component neural network and its FPGA implementation. IETE J Res 2007, 53(5), 425-31.

Principal Component Analysis (PCA) finds wide applications in machine vision. The neural network that performs PCA is called Principal Component Neural Network (PCNN). Presents a digital hardware design for principal component neural network. The design is efficient in the sense that the learning rule is implemented with a reusable circuit. Results of FPGA implementation of the design show that as many as 500 input vectors can be processed during training phase and 700 input vectors during retrieval phase in a second. Such results are valuable for high-speed applications.

4 illus, 8 ref

021777   Sudarsana Rao H;Ramesh Babu B (Civil Engineering Dep, J.N.T.U. College of Engineering, Anantapur-515 002, Email: hachate123@yahoo.co.in) : Hybrid neural network model for the design of beam subjected to bending and shear. Sadhana 2007, 32(5), 577-86.

There is no direct method for design of beams. In general the dimensions of the beam and reinforcement are initially assumed and then the interaction formula is used to verify the suitability of chosen dimensions. This approach necessitates few trials for coming up with an economical and safe design. This paper demonstrates the applicability of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and Genetic Algorithms (GA) for the design of beams subjected to moment and shear. A hybrid neural network model which combines the features of feed forward neural networks and genetic algorithms has been developed for the design of beam subjected to moment and shear. The network has been trained with design data obtained from design experts in the field. The hybrid neural network model learned the design of beam in just 1000 training cycles. After successful learning, the model predicted the depth of the beam, area of steel, spacing of stirrups required for new problems with accuracy satisfying all design constraints. The various stages involved in the development of a genetic algorithm based neural network model are addressed at length in this paper.

7 illus, 5 tables, 24 ref

021776   Saxena J;Rai C S;Bansal P K (Electronics and Communication Engineering Dep, G Z S College of Engineering and Technology, Dabwali Road, Bathinda-151 001, Email: jyotianupam@yahoo.com) : ICA based blind multi user detection for DS-CDMA systems. IETE J Res 2007, 53(5), 417-23.

Independent Component Analysis (ICA) based detection approach for Direct Sequence Code Division Multiple Access (DS-CDMA) systems. Similar to conventional matched filter receivers, the proposed receiver is based on only the spreading code and timing information of the desired user. However, its performance is much better than the conventional receiver and it is comparable to other multiuser detection techniques based on training sequences or knowledge of spreading codes, delays and amplitudes of all the interfering users. In a practical DS-CDMA system, the interfering users keep on changing. This makes the wireless environment highly dynamic. Therefore, the multiuser detection techniques requiring complete information about interfering users are not spectrum efficient. The proposed technique does not require information about the interfering users and thus can handle changing wireless conditions. Illustrate the comparison of Bit Error Rate (BER) of the proposed approach with conventional matched filter receiver and other multiuser detection approaches. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed approach.

4 illus, 19 ref

021775   Sasidhar M;Prasad A M K;Srinivasa Rao A B (Indl & Production Engg Dep, K L Coll of Engg, Vaddeswaram) : Experimental setup obviating longitudinal force distribution in friction stir welding. Mfg Technol Today 2007, 6(11), 4-11.

Friction Stir Welding (FSW) was invented and patented by The Welding Institute (TWI) in 1991 [1]. The FSW process involves forcing a rotating tool consisting of a protruding pin and larger shoulder into a material, and traversing the tool along the work piece joint. The rotating tool generates frictional heat which causes the material to plastically flow around the tool. The shoulder usually contains a concavity which allows material to flow and produces a forging pressure on the trailing end of the weld. A lot of work is being carried out to measure the most important and substantial longitudinal forces thus generated, being a critical component for proper tool design. In the present experiment an attempt was made to invent a new technique to measure the longitudinal force distribution on a friction stir weld pin tool.

18 illus, 4 tables, 8 ref

021774   Sarker L K;Hossain M M;Haque M A (Laxmipur O & M Div, Bangladesh Water Development Board, Laxmipur, Bangladesh, Email: liton_bwdb@yahoo.com) : Incipient motion of different size fractions in Nonuniform sediments of smaller grain sizes. ISH J Hydraul Engng 2007, 13(2), 66-92.

An experimental study on the incipient motion of different fractions in case of nonuniform sediments of smaller grain sizes is studied in the paper. Four sediment mixtures with different gradations are used in the experiment. A reference transport method is used to define the beginning of bed material movement. The experimental results show some limitations of the available relationships for incipient motion of nonuniform sediment mixtures of smaller grain sizes used in the experiment. The experimental results also demonstrate that the incipient motion of individual size fractions within a mixture is largely controlled by their relative size with respect to median size. It may be inferred that all fractions move predominantly at the same shear stress. A new relationship has been developed for the calculation of critical shear stress at incipient motion of different size fractions in nonuniform sediment mixtures accounting hiding and exposure effects of such sediments.

15 illus, 7 table, 22 ref

021773   Saravanan R;Ramabalan S;Balamurugan C;Subash A (Mechatronics Engg Dep, Kumaraguru Coll of Technol, Coimbatore, Email: Saradharani@hotmail.com) : Evolutionary optimal trajectory planning of an industrial robot in the presence of moving obstacles. Mfg Technol Today 2007, 6(12), 4-11.

New general method for computing the optimal motions of industrial robot manipulators in the presence of fixed and moving obstacles is presented. The mathematical model considers the nonlinear manipulator dynamics, actuator constraints, joint limits and obstacle avoidance. The problem considered has 5 objective functions, 88 variables and 21 constraints. Two evolutionary algorithms such as Elitist Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II) and Differential Evolution (DE) techniques have been used for the optimization. Given the initial and final configurations, the trajectory is defined using B-spline function and is obtained through off-line computation for on-line operation. The obstacles are considered as objects sharing the same workspace performed by the robot. The obstacle avoidance is expressed in terms of the distances between potentially colliding parts and the motion is represented using translation and rotational matrices. Numerical application involving an industrial manipulator (Adeptone XL robot) is presented. The results obtained from NSGA-II and DE are compared and analyzed. A comprehensive user-friendly general-purpose software package has been developed for the DE algorithm using VC++ to obtain the optimal solutions.

7 illus, 5 tables, 8 ref

021772   Saravabab R;Ramabalan S;Sasikumar P;Sriram P (Mechatronics Engg Dep, Kumaraguru Coll of Technol, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, Email: saradharani@hotmail.com) : Design optimization of robot gripper using intelligent techniques (GA & DE). Mfg Technol Today 2007, 6(11), 24-9.

Describes the use of intelligent techniques such as Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Differential Evolution (DE) to find optimum geometrical dimensions of a robot gripper. The problem is finding a combined objective function, which has five objectives, seven constraints and five variables. The objective functions are difference between maximum and minimum griping forces, force transmission ratio between gripper actuator and gripper ends, shift transmission ratio between gripper actuator and gripper ends, length of all elements of gripper and efficiency of gripper mechanism. The problem is dealt with three cases. A very original, new optimization model is derived and used. Also, a comprehensive user-friendly general-purpose software package has been developed to obtain the optimal parameters using the proposed DE algorithm.

9 illus, 9 tables, 11 ref

021771   Reddy Babu C;Sudarsana Rao H;Raman Reddy I V (Assiatant Professor, Civil Engineering Dep, SKIT, Srikalahasti-517 640) : Influence of metal ions in industrial wastewater on the cement setting, strength development and hardening. Ultra Scient phys Sci 2007, 19(3), 409-18.

The feasibility of treated industrial wastewater as mixing water and the effect of its constituents on cement mortar were experimentally evaluated Cement mortar specimens were cast using. Deionised Water (DW), Tap Watei (TW), Treated Wastewater of Inorganic Chemical Industry (TWWICI), Zinc (Zn), Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu), Cadmium (Cd), Nickel (Ni). Chromium (Cr). Mercury (Hg) and Manganese (Mn). The results, when compared with the results of reference specimen made with deionised water, showed that TWWICI significantly and TW insignificantly increased the setting times and were made indistinguishable strength variations. Compressivc and flexural strength increased as the concentration of metal was increased, when compared with reference specimens made of DW. Therefore. TWWICI is found to be suitable for mixing water in cement mortar with no adverse effects and it is found that metal ions interacted friendlv with cement mortar.

9 illus, 3 tables, 26 ref