000803   Thakare S H;Deshmukh M M (Fram Power and Machinery Dep, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Dr. Panjabrao Desh, Akola, Maharashtra) : Fuel consumption of different tractor operated agricultural operations. Int J Agric Engng 2009, 2(1), 110-2.

The main mechanical expensive operation is the land preparation with tillage implements and large amount of fuel consumed by it. Therefore, the economical machinery and power selections is a way to maximize the profit and minimize the total energy requirements and consequently the cost of production. The field trials of tractor operated implement were carried out using specially fabricated auxiliary fuel tank on the farm of the Department of Farm Power and Machinery, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola. The implements like mould board plough, offset disc harrow and nine-tyne cultivator were used in vertisol soils to find the fuel consumption. The fuel consumption of mould board plough, offset disc harrow and nine-tyne cultivator was found to be 18.32 lit/ha, 4.99 lit/ha and 4.91 lit/ha, respectively, where as actual field capacities were 0.122 ha/hr at L-II gear, 0.44 ha/hr at L-III gear and 0.59 ha/hr at L-III gear at 1400 rpm, respectively. The field efficiencies of all above three implements were found to be 75.13 per cent, 69.21 per cent and 65.06 per cent, respectively

5 illus, 1 table, 3 ref

000802   Suryawanshi S L;Bhutada S H;Bombale V T;Abuj M D (Soil and Water Conservation Dep, Aditya College of Agriculture Engineering and Technology, Beed, Maharasthra) : Automatic generation of land capability map using remote sensing and geographic information system techniques. Int J Agric Engng 2009, 2(2), 191-6.

The research study area covers Malegaon watershed of Nasik District. This study was undertaken to generate thematic maps and to design and develop a package in Geographic Information System (GIS) for automatic generation of land capability map using Arc Macro Language (AML). The satellite data of IRS-1B (LISS-II) of 11 * November 1993,30th January 1994 and 8th May 1994 of the study area were used for generating various thematic maps such as landuse/land cover, soil, hydrogeomorphology and slope. The land capability map was developed automatically in GIS using AML by assuming and standardizing the soil parameters. On the basis of standardization, the parameters of the soil were assigned with the appropriate weightages by program. The spatial and non-spatial data of the soil were taken into consideration for generation of the layer.

5 illus, 6 tables, 6 ref

000801   Subash N;Sikka A K;Abdul Haris A (ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region, ICAR Parisar, Bihar Veterinary College, P.O. Patna-800 014) : Markov Chain approach - dry and wet spell rainfall robabilities for rice-wheat planning. Indian J Soil Conserv 2009, 37(2), 91-9.

Among different weather variables, rainfall is the major determinant and deciding factor for success or failure of rainfed agriculture. For agricultural planning and farming operations, information about occurrence of dry and wet periods is important and will have dominating effect on the crop yield and thereby influence the livelihoods of rural community. The success or failure of crop closely linked with the rainfall patterns. Even in high rainfall regions, the occurrence of dry and wet spell during the different phenophases of the crop decides the yield. In this study Markov chain model has been employed to know the initial and conditional probability of having a dry or a wet week and also the occurrence of consecutive dry or wet periods of 2 or 3 weeks for selected stations of Bihar State representing different agro-ecological zones. Average annual rainfall of 1222.4,1538.0,1162.7 and 1134.5 mm were received at Pusa, Purnia, Bhagalpur and Patna districts, respectively. This indicates that among the different zones, zone-II gets more annual rainfall followed by zone I, but the annual variability is lower for zone-IIIB followed by zone-I. The initial probability of occurrence of dry week is high (more than 60%) upto 23rd standard meteorological week for zones-I, IIIA and IIIB while it is upto 18th week for zone-11. The probability occurrence of two consecutive wet weeks-is high (more than 60%) from 28th to 34th weeks, but it is fluctuating and in the case of probability of occurrence of three consecutive weeks, it is never above 60% even in the peak monsoon months of July and August for zone-I. However, the probability occurrence of three consecutive wet weeks is high (more than 50%) during the 29th week only and all other weeks between 26th to 39th weeks are below 50 per cent for zone-IIIA. Based on the rainfall pattern and its distribution, different crop management strategies as well as remedies are suggested to explore maximum rainfall received during the season to maximize the production and minimize the existing gap between the potential and actual production.

2 illus, 5 tables, 21 ref

000800   Shirsat B;Kulkarni S D;Patel S (Soybean Processing and Utilization Centre, Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Nabibagah, Bhopal, Madhy Pradesh) : Effect of premilling treatments on colour analysis of kodo (Paspalum scrobiculatum L.) millet. Int J Agric Engng 2009, 2(1), 153-6.

The pre-milling treatments viz., soaking for 60-300 min at 60,70,80°C, steaming for 30 min prior to milling and roasting for 15 min prior to milling were given to the samples. Pre-treatment helped to improve head yield recovery and processing quality. The yellow index (YI) of untreated kodo grains is 47.61 while the whiteness index is -144.74. Upon applying the different treatments the roasted sample showed a slight decrease in YI and increase in WI while with the other two treatments soaking and steaming the WI decreased the YI slightly increased or remain unchanged. Looking at the WI and YI of shelled kernels it can be stated that the WI of roasted milled kernels was highest (-78.36) followed by steamed milled kernels (-110.73) and the soaked milled kernels had the poorest (-140.78) WI. Similarly, the YI of the roasted milled sample was observed to be minimum (34.98) followed by steamed milled sample (41.19) and the soaked milled sample had highest value of YI i.e., 46.36. This indicated that the soaking imparted the yellowish colour to the grains, which in turn resulted in dullness. Roasting improve the brightness as indicated by WI and YI. The roasting of grains also improve the colour of puffed kernels as can be seen that the minimum value of YI and highest value of WI for puffed product. In cooking also similar was the observation and it can be depicted that the minimum YI (16.81) and maximum WI (-35.87) were recorded for the roasted cooked samples whereas the poorest whiteness and yellowness indices were recorded for soaked cooked samples. From the above findings it can be concluded that among all the treatments the roasted resulted the superior product from the point of view of colour.

1 illus, 1 table, 4 rf

000799   Shirsat B;Kulkarni S D;Patel S (Soybean Processing and Utilization Centre, Gentral Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Nabibagh, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh) : Hydration characteristics and saturation moisture content of kodo (Paspalum scrobiculatum L.) millet. Int J Agric Engng 2009, 2(1), 98-102.

Soaking studies were conducted at different soaking temperatures viz., ambient (30-35), 40,50,60,70 and 80°C and for different soaking durations of 30,60,90,120,180,240,300 and 360min. The rate of moisture absorption in the initial stage of soaking was found to be maximum for all the sets of experimental conditions. It was found that the saturation moisture content for all the soaking temperatures except 80°C, was 71 per cent within the limit of this study. At 80°C gelatinization of starch took place at longer duration. Data obtained is useful in deciding the parameters for processing of 'kodo' millet.

3 illus, 1 table, 6 ref

000798   Sharma P K;Kolhe K P;Datta C K (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Delhi College of Engineering, Delhi) : Process optimization in joining aluminium alloy 7039 using TIG arc welding process. Int J Agric Engng 2009, 2(2), 202-6.

Depicts an application of GTA Welding for Aluminium alloy 7039 (AA7039) using pure argon gas as a shielding agent with sinusoidal AC wave. Variations of microhardness of AA7039 from weld zone to unaffected base metal were studied at various currents and frequencies. Microstructural changes of welded AA7039 were also studied. AA7039 is a heat treatable and weldable Aluminium-4.5%, Zinc-2.5% magnesium alloy. Magnesium is alloyed with aluminium far increasing mechanical properties, corrosion resistance and easy machinability. Zinc is usually added to improve mechanical properties through formation of hard intermediate phase, such as Mg₂Zn. Gas Tungsten Arc Welding process (GTAW) was found to be the the best preferred welding process for high strength Aluminium alloy due to easier adaptability and better economy.

8 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

000797   Rathina Kumar M;Suganesh R (Electrical and Electronics Engineering Dep, SCSVMV Univ, Ennathur, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, Email: rathinamari@rediffmail.com) : Intelligent under voltage load shedding using fuzzy expert systems. Int J Comp Applic 2009, 4(2), 227-32.

Deals with the analysis of the effect of using Fuzzy expert system to improve voltage security. In this the Load center operating conditions are analysed using active participation factor [APF] and based on its result, expert system will suggest a rank table of the buses where load to be shed for particular voltage violation. The fuzzy expert system which is used to be determining amount of load to be shed with the voltage violation and with the particular time delay The test system used in this study is IEEE-14 bus system.

2 illus, 4 tables, 6 ref

000796   Patil S B;Salunkhe R C;Pawar D A;Paymal A B; Mali R M;Pawar K R;Talwar G M (Farm Machinery and Power Engineering Dep, Padmashree Dr. D.Y. Patil College of Agricultural Engineering and Tech, Talsande, Kolhapur, Maharashtra) : Design, farbrication and field testing of sand filing system to the mole plough. Int J Agric Engng 2009, 2(2), 289-92.

The subsurface drainage system is highly expensive and may not be affordable to the small, medium size farmers, whereas the wastage of land, maintenance are the big problems with the surface drainage system. Keeping these points in view, a mole plough was designed and then further modified with the additional sand filling system. The field tests were conducted in the heavy clay soil with 1.5% slope. A 60 Hp tractor was selected and operated with modified mole plough in 1-L gear. The speed of operation was 0.75 Km/hr. The mole channels were formed as 3 m wide spacing and to a depth of 55 cm. The rate of coverage was calculated on the basis of length of mole channel. An auxiliary fuel supply system was utilized for the measurement of fuel consumption. The cost of formation of mole channels was calculated by straight line method. The result of the tests were collected, analyzed and reveled that, the sand' filling system designed works suitably with a fuel consumption of 0.3 lit/100 m length of mole channel. The cost of operation was Rs. 9450 /ha while operating at 3 m spacing of mole drains the% filling of mole channels was 77.59 per cent.

3 illus, 1 table, 2 ref

000795   Patil P D;Gorantiwar S D (Irrigation and Drainage Engineering Dep, Dr. A.S. College of Agricultural Engineering, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vid, Rahuri, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra) : Probability analysis of weekly crop evapotranspiration of Rahuri region. Int J Agric Engng 2009, 2(1), 68-71.

Probability analysis of reference evapotranspiration (ETr) and crop evapotranspiration (ETc) of different crops was carried out to know the ETr and ETc values at different probability levels. It was found that for ETr by Penman-Monteith method, Gamma distribution function fits to maximum number of weeks. For ETr by modified Penman and Hargreaves-Samani method, normal distribution function fits to maximum number of weeks. Normal distribution fit to maximum number of weeks for ETr by FAO pan evaporation method. The weekly ETr values by different methods at different probability levels were then estimated using the probability distribution of the best fit. Values obtained by Penman-Monteith method were considered for the probability distribution of crop evapotranspiration of different crops. It was observed from the probability distribution analysis of ETc of different crops that more than one probability distribution was found suitable for the ETc values for many weeks. However, it was also observed that there are instances where none of the probability distributions under consideration are found suitable. The ETc values at different probability levels for the crops under consideration were obtained from the probability distribution function that gave best fit.

2 tables, 6 ref

000794   Naskar S K (NO, Curriculum Developmnet, National Institute of Technical Teacheres Training and Research, Kolkata, Email: sukanta_naskar@yahoo.com) : TQM and its effectiveness in technical education. Indian Sci Cruiser 2009, 23(1), 12-6.

In late 1950's the concept of Total Quality Management (TQM) was first espoused by Dr. Edward Deming was basically confined to industrial sectors. Now it has been found across the world, Total Quality Management is also effective in the educational sector in general and technical and engineering education in particular. In respect of technical education and training we have seen, most of the states in our country by and large have shown keen interest to motivate private entrepreneurs to invest. Many of such private establishments along with some government-controlled institutions have achieved excellence and competitive advantages by implementing Total Quality Management Policy. Most of the principles suggested by "Quality Gurus" can advantageously be applied in Teaching-Learning (TL) Process of technical education and training. This paper has attempted to highlight some of the issues in technical education and its correlations with TQM principles, which can suitably be applied in technical education along with some barriers of implementation. A holistic approach in customer-focused education is also discussed.

1 illus, 8 ref

000793   Munde P A;Nadre R G;Sawant B P (Farm Machinery and Power Dep, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Marathwada Agricul, Parbhani, (M.S.)) : Deveopment and performance evaluation of bullock drawn turmeric digger. Int J Agric Engng 2009, 2(1), 14-7.

Bullock operated turmeric digger was developed in the Department of Farm Machinery and Power, college of Agril. Engg. and Technology. It consist of various parts Frame, Shank, Blade, Handle. The prototype was developed considering spacing and varieties used in Parbhani and Nanded districts. The newly developed bullock drawn turmeric digger was evaluated for its field performance. The field trails were conducted as per IS code (11235, 1981). The machine had shown better performance for turmeric harvesting in terms of rhizomes damage percentage, digging efficiency, field efficiency, draft requirement over existing machine and manual methods, respectively. The rhizome damage was less 10.7 per cent for V blade with 70°angle. The digging efficiency was found about average 86-95% V blade with 70° angle. The field efficiency was found to be 71 -88% V blade with 70° angle. Draft requirement of bullock drawn turmeric digger was found to be 108 kgf.

2 tables, 3 ref

000792   Mokashi D D;Bavadekar V R;Desai S S;Jadhav J D;Yadav S T (NO, Zonal Agricultural Station, Solapur, Maharashtra) : ITK rainfall analysis in drought prone areas. Int J Agric Engng 2009, 2(1), 103-6.

The Nakshtrawise analysis (ITK) for Drought Prone Areas of Maharashtra was carried out during the year 1947-2005. The rainfall data as per the availability was analysed for study. In southern part, the initial probability of getting >50% rainfall was in Mrugashira nakshtra at Mohol in kharif season only. While, it was in Uttara and Hasta nakshtra at Jeur and Padegaon, Purva, Uttara and Hasta nakshtra at Mohol and Solapur and Purva and Hasta nakshtra at Pandharpur indicating that rabi cropping can be under taken in these nakshtras. Further, it is interesting to note that the mid season correction or contingent crop planning can be under taken in Pushya and Aashlesha nakshtra at Solapur. In northern part at Dhule, >50 mm rainfall was received in Mrugashira to Magha nakshtra with less variability (CV. < 100). In central part, the rainfall in Mrugashira nakshtra at Kopergaon and Rahuri and Aaridra nakshtra at Kopergaon have less variability (CV. < 100) in kharif season. Whereas, Purva, Uttara and Hasta nakshtra in rabi season has less variability at Rahuri and Chas (CV. < 100). In southern part, at all the selected places the Mrugashira nakshtra has less variability (CV. <100%). Whereas, Punarvasu and Pushya nakshtra at Mohol, Aaridra nakshtra at Pandharpur, Aaridra, Punarvasu and Aashelsha at Padegaon and Aaridra to Pushya nakshtra at Solapur has less variability. In norhtern part at Dhule, Mrugashira to Purva nakshtras have the highest probability (>50%) while, Purva nakshtra has the highest initial probability (73%).In central part, the highest initial probability (<50%) of rainfall in Mrugashira nakshtra was only at Rahuri, whereas the probability of rainfall in Purva to Hasta nakshtra at Rahuri and Chas indicated rabi cropping can be under taken at Rahuri and Chas.

8 ref

000791   Khobragade C B;Jain S;Sengar S H (Electrical and Other Energy Sources Dep, College of Agricultrural Engineering and Technology, Dapoli, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra) : Performance and evaluation of heat exchanger for hot water generation. Int J Agric Engng 2009, 2(2), 304-9.

A wood based batch type heat exchanger based on natural draft gasifier system has been developed at College of Technology and Engineering (CTAE), Udaipur (Rajasthan). The system was designed to produce 180 litre of hot water per batch for thermal application. The average efficiency of the heat exchanger system worked out to around 25.65 per cent for single trial in a day and 35.56 per cent for four batches in a day. The performance of the system was evaluated in terms of heat exchanger efficiency, benefit cost ratio and pay back period.

3 illus, 7 tables, 6 ref

000790   Keshri R;Kothari M;Jain S K (NO, Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Nabibagh, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh) : Assessment of drought in southern Rajasthan using meterological indicator. Int J Agric Engng 2009, 2(1), 133-9.

Drought is one of the important phenomena of climatic variable situation. Drought haunts the agriculture and economy of the country. The monthly precipitation data were used to calculate the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) for the drought assessment in the southern part of Rajasthan. The SPI were calculated for the multi time series of 1,2,3,6,9 and 12 month to identify the drought year and duration of drought. The SPI analysis showed that the year 2002 was the worst affected by the drought condition in all the stations. The SPI-1 and SPI-3 can be used for short and medium term drought monitoring, respectively, while the SPI-12 was good for the longer ten drought assessment in the study area.

1 illus, 2 table, 13 ref

000789   Keshri R;Jain S K;Kothari M;Mishra A K (Water Technology Centre, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi) : Remote sensing satellite (NOAA AVHRR) based drought assessment and monitoring in southern Rajasthan. Int J Agric Engng 2009, 2(1), 50-7.

Drought is the major natural hazard affecting large area and millions of people every year. Monitoring drought is of considerable important for water resource planning and management. This study was carried out to monitor drought condition in southern part of Rajasthan using satellite data. The Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) onboard the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) series of satellite was used for the duration of four year (2002-2005) to derive Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the Brightness Temperature (BT). Water Supplying Vegetation Index (WSVI) was derived using the NDVI and fourth channel Brightness Temperature to detect drought conditions. On the basis of WSVI the study area was classified in to five categories of drought viz., extreme, severe, moderate, slight and normal. The result showed that the 2002 was the year worst affected by the greater severity of drought, while the year 2005 was about normal. Years 2003 and 2004 were also affected by drought, but of a lesser intensity as compared to the year 2002. The zone wise analysis showed that the area under zone 1 (Transitional plain of Luni basin) was affected by the greater intensity of drought in all the years followed by the zone 4 (humid south eastern plain). Zone 2 (sub humid southern plain) and zone 3 (humid southern plain) were least affected by drought condition next to the zone 4.1.

10 illus, 3 tables, 12 ref

000788   Karhale S S;Das D K;Nadre R G (NO, College of Agriculture, Badnapur, Jalna, Maharashra) : Effect of temperature and injectin pressure on brake thermal efficiency of CI engine by biodiesel blends. Int J Agric Engng 2009, 2(1), 92-4.

Presents the results of investigations carried out on performance of Karanja methyl ester and its blends with diesel from 20%, 40%, and 60% by volume for running a diesel engine. Performance tests were carried out to evaluate and compute exhaust gas temperature. The engine was tested with the above test fuels and at two injection pressures i. e. 180 kg/cm² and 245 kg/cm² and temperatures of 30,50 and 70°C. Statistical analysis was done by using Factorial Completely Randomized Design (FCRD). The increase in power output, brake thermal efficiency and reduction in brake specific fuel consumption were observed. Injection pressure and fuel temperature were found to have significant effects on engine performance parameters. Brake thermal efficiency decreased with the increase in the concentration of karanja methyl ester in diesel and increased with the increase in fuel temperature and injection pressure. Blend of karanja esterified oil (B₂₀ ) was found a suitable alternative fuel for diesel.

2 illus, 5 ref

000787   Kadale A S;Pendke M S;Deshmukh H G;Payal S D (Soil and Water Conservation Engineering Dep, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Marthwada Agricult, Parbhani, Maharashtra) : Hydraulics of rainfall simulator. Int J Agric Engng 2009, 2(1), 46-9.

A rainfall simulator was designed and its hydraulics parameters such as rainfall intensity, uniformity coefficient, raindrop size and terminal velocity were studied under different operating pressures. Rainfall intensity was found to be decreased with increasing the operating pressure. The values of uniformity coefficient were found to be more than 80%. The raindrop size of simulated rainfall ranged between 2.48-3.25 mm. Maximum and minimum terminal velocity was observed when raindrop size was 2.48 mm and 3.25 mm, respectively.

3 tables, 2 ref

000786   Jothilakshmi G;Pushpalatha A P;Suganthi S; Swaminathan V (NO, Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Madurai-625 015, Email: gilmat@tce.edu) : (k, r)-Coloring. Int J Math Analysis 2009, 1(1), 13-24.

Let G = (V, E) be a graph and k, r be positive integers ≥ 1. A (k, r)-coloring of G is an assignment of colors to the vertices of G such that utmost k-1 vertices of the r neighbourhood of every vertex v can receive the same color as that of v. A (k, r)-chromatic number X_(k,r) (G) is the minimum number of colors needed in (k, r)-coloring. In this paper, properties of (k, r)-coloring and results involving X_(k,r) (G) are developed.

12 ref

000785   Jadhav S B;Khodke U M;Bhagyawant R G;Raut D V (Irrigation and Drainage Engineering Dep, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Marathwada Agricul, Parbhani, Maharashtra) : Water quality analysis. Int J Agric Engng 2009, 2(1), 33-8.

An experiment was conducted in College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, M.A.U. Parbhani to determine physico-chemical properties of water such as electrical conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen TDS (Total dissolved solids), SAR (sodium absorption ratio), cations, anions etc.Water samples of 20 open/bore wells located in M.A.U. campus were selected for the study. A micro controller based instrument (water analyzer) equipped with user-friendly software and various titrating agents were used to determine physico-chemical properties of water samples. The pH of well water samples before monsoon ranged from 7.92 to 9.72 and after monsoon ranged from 7.32 to 9.01. The average per cent reduction of 7.25% in pH values was observed in post monsoon season. The average per cent reduction of 18.62% hi electrical conductivity value was observed in post monsoon season. Based on EC(Electrical Conductivity) and SAR values, the water samples were grouped under pre monsoon and post monsoon season and accordingly, suitability of irrigation water was suggested. Calcium (Ca⁺⁺), Magnesium (Mg⁺⁺) concentration in groundwater was within the low range before and after monsoon. Dissolved oxygen, Total dissolved solids, sodium absorption ratio (SAR), RSC and chloride content values before and after monsoon showed that the water samples collected are of good quality and can be safely used through drip irrigation system. All the collected water samples need chemical treatment before being used through drip irrigation as the values in respect of pH, EC, CO₃-, HCO₃- were found to be on higher side.

4 tables, 3 ref

000784   Jadhao V G;Tripathi M P (Agricultural Engineering Dep, Maharashtra Institute of Technology, Aurangabad, Maharashtra) : Evaluation of the SWAT model for predicting the daily surface runoff and sediment yield from a small watershed. Int J Agric Engng 2009, 2(1), 39-45.

A distributed parameter model, Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) has been tested for estimating the daily surface runoff and sediment yield from Nagwan watershed in eastern India. Hydrological and meteorological data for 12 years (1991-2002) observed at the outlet of the watershed were used in this study. The watershed and sub-watershed boundaries, drainage networks, slope, soil series and texture maps were generated using CIS utility of EASI-PACE. Supervised classification method was used for land use classification from a satellite image. The standard curve number table for the Indian conditions was referred and sub-watershed wise AMC-II curve numbers for the year 1996 were estimated and used for calibration and validation of the SWAT model. Most of the input data for the model were extracted from various maps using GIS technique. Model calibration and validation performance have been evaluated on the basis of various test criterion. Manning's roughness coefficient 'n' for overland flow and channel flow, and initial soil water storage were calibrated for monsoon season of the year 1996. The model was validated for monsoon season of the year 1997. Test results showed that the observed and simulated means of runoff and sediment yield were not significantly different at 95% level of confidence. The Dv values for runoff and sediment yield were found to be -6.2 and -8.6%, respectively during calibration and 9.2 and -5.7%, respectively during validation, indicated that the model was predicting daily surface runoff and sediment yield satisfactorily. Similarly, lvalues for runoff and sediment yield were found to be 0.94 and 0.98, respectively during calibration and 0.89 and 0.80, respectively during validation indicated a good agreement between observed and simulated values of daily surface runoff and sediment yield. Above results indicated that the SWAT model is capable of predicting daily runoff and sediment yield adequately for the Nagwan watershed. On the basis of these results it can be concluded that the model can be used for estimation of daily surface runoff and sediment yield from the Nagwan watershed for multiple years.

5 illus, 3 tables, 15 ref

000783   Jadhao B U;Shinde R V (NO, Shri Shivaji College, Parbhani, Maharashtra) : New method for the determination of dielectric constant at microwave frequency using double ridge wave-guide. Int J Agric Engng 2009, 2(2), 182-5.

Deals with introduction of the method of measurement of dielectric constant at microwave frequency. The variation of cutoff frequency of Step Ridge wave-guide was taken as a parameter for calibration of dielectric constant and a new method of dielectric constant is suggested. By placing the material sample at various locations, theoretically the changes in cutoff frequency of fundamental and first overtone are worked out and the location of maximum change was selected for further calculations. Using Finite Element Method (FEM) and sample of different dielectric constant located at the selected place, the variations in cutoff frequencies were calculated. Using these variations, a calibration curve was established and a new method of measurement of dielectric constant was suggested.

2 illus, 2 tables, 8 ref

000782   Ghosal M K;Mishra J N (Farm Machinery Power Dep, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Orissa Univ of Agr, Bhubaneswar, Orissa) : Performance evaluation of an earth to air heat exchanger integrated greenhouse during winter period. Int J Agric Engng 2009, 2(2), 216-21.

Describes the analytical approach and experimental findings for utilization of stored thermal energy of ground in space heating by an earth air heat exchanger system. The appropriate thermal model has been developed for solar greenhouse combined with earth air heat exchanger. The same concepts can be applied for the feasibility of using earth air heat exchanger not only for greenhouse heating but also for thermal heating of a residential building, poultry farming, goat rearing, aquaculture pond etc. by exploring the immense thermal energy of ground. A complete numerical model has been developed to investigate the potential of using the stored thermal energy of ground for space heating with the help of an earth to air heat exchanger (EAHE) system integrated with the greenhouse located in the premises of IIT, Delhi, India. The analysis was based on quasi-steady state condition. Experiments were conducted extensively during winter period from November 2002 to March 2003, but the model, developed, was validated against the clear and sunny days. The performance of the system was evaluated in terms of total heating potential obtained from EAHE, coefficient of performance (COP) and thermal load leveling. The heating potential of the system has also been standardized by the characteristic curve for greenhouse similar to that of flat plate collector. Temperatures of greenhouse air were found to be on an average 7-8° C more than the same greenhouse when operating without earth air heat exchanger. The temperature fluctuations of greenhouse air were also less when operated with EAHE as compared to without EAHE. Predicted and measured values of greenhouse air temperature in the model developed, exhibited fair agreement.

9 ref

000781   Driscoll K O (Chemical Engineering Dep, Waterloo Univ, Waterloo, ON, Canda) : Three laws we must live by. Indian Sci Cruiser 2009, 23(1), 54-7.

The starting point for most thermodynamic considerations are the laws of thermodynamics, which postulate that energy can be exchanged between physical systems as heat or work. They also postulate the existence of a quantity named entropy, which can be defined for any system. With these tools, thermodynamics describes how systems respond to changes in their surroundings.

000780   Dhakane A D;Kale K M;Turbatmath P A (Agricultural Engineering Dep, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra) : Comparative study of aonla drying by natural, solar and mechanical methods. Int J Agric Engng 2009, 2(2), 315-21.

Aonla (Phyllanthus emblica, L. Or Emblica officinalis, G.) is important tropical and subtropical deciduous tree of commercial importance. Total area of this crop under cultivation throughout india is 49.62 thousand ha while total production of Aonla is 111.10 thousand metric tonns. Aonla is valued for nutritional and medicinal properties. It is also useful in ayurvedic and unani system of Indian medicines. The local variety of Aonla was selected for studies of drying characteristics. The drying of Aonla was undertaken in the form of slices and shreds. Three difference treatment used were natural drying, solar drying and mechanical drying (at 50°C, at 55°C, at 60°C). The different drying curves were analyzed and value of drying constant for each treatment was calculated. Different engineering properties were analysed before and after drying. Bulk density was found obe 1368.93 kg/m^{3 and 324.86 Kg/m3, True density was 2747.46 Kg/m3and 1444 Kg/m3 and porosity was found to be 50.72% and 78.72% before and after drying. Heat utilization factor for solar drying was 0.6568 and for mechanical drying it was 0.2808. The value of drying constant was found 1.0247 hr-1 for mechanical drying of Aonla slices at 50° C and 0.9556 hr-1 for solar drying of Anola shreds. Organoleptic evaluation was undertaken to evaluate the effect of different drying methods and temperature combination for Aonla slices and shreds considering all aspects such as colour, texture and test}

18 illus, 7 ref

000779   Darbari M;Medhavi S;Srivastava A K (Information Technology Dep, BBDNITM.A-649, Indira Nagar, Lucknow) : Resolving traffic management crisis through behavioral issues in the upcoming metro-cities like Lucknow, (India). Int J Comp Applic 2009, 4(2), 233-41.

The fast rate of urban traffic growth has always posed a serious problem to the public transport system. Unless immediate attention for designing and enhancement of capacity is done the public transport will not be able to keep pace with growing Demand. The paper focuses on Urban Traffic management by categorizing into two basic areas like Hard factors and Soft factors. The Hard factors highlights the issues relating to Infrastructure problems while Soft factors are related to psychological factors [1, 3, 5] and the policies which are required to be enforced for effective Urban Planning.

1 illus, 5 ref

000778   Changade N M;Chavan M L;Jadhav S B;Bhagyawant R G (Soil and Water Conservation Engineering Dep, Dr. Budhajirao Mulik College of Agricultural Engineering and Technolog, Mandki Palvan, Tq. Chiplun, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra) : Determination of emission uniformity of emitter in gravity fed drip irrigation system. Int J Agric Engng 2009, 2(1), 88-91.

The field experiment was performed to study the performance evaluation of gravity fed drip irrigation system for cucumber crop during the year 2007 - 2008 at Research Farm, Department of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, Dr. Budhajirao Mulik College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Mandki - Palvan, Tq. Chiplun, Distt. - Ratnagiri (Maharashtra). The study was carried out for determination of emission uniformity (EU), manufacturers coefficient of variation (cv) and cost economics of gravity fed drip irrigation system with a field area of 10 m x 5 m under the cucumber crop. The emitters, which were used in gravity fed drip irrigation system having average discharge of 2.6 Iph. The diameter of mainline and sub main was 25.4 mm and that of lateral was 16 mm. The emission uniformity of system was found to be 90.58% and was good as compared with ASAE interpretation. The manufactures coefficient of emitter was 0.0428, which was good as per ASAE interpretation and cost of the gravity fed drip irrigation system for experimental field was Rs. 1095 whereas the cost of the gravity fed drip irrigation system per -hectare was Rs. 74520.

6 tables, 8 ref

000777   Biradar A D;Bharadiya P S;Jadhav H T (Food Engineering Dep, MAU, OK. S.K. College of Food Technology, BEED, Maharashtra) : Effect of intermittent drying technique on quality of anardana. Int J Agric Engng 2009, 2(1), 75-8.

Pomegranate arils with 2,3 and 4 per cent citric acid treatment were dried by using intermittent drying cycles viz., 1:0.5, 1:1,1.5:0.5 and 1.5:1 attemperature 50°C and 60°C. Cabinettray drier is used for drying purpose. The pomegranate arils were dried from intial 400% (D.B) m.c. to final 6.75 to 7.50% (D.B) m.c. The arils without pretreatment were taken as control. The T.S.S., acidity, reducing sugar,non reducing sugar, total sugar were found in the range of 32-1.6 to 36.98,1.18 to 5.28% 12.72 to 16.21%, 1.86 to 2.27%, 14.87 to 18.14%, respectively. The maximum acceptability of anardana was found in case of 3% citric acid treatment dried at 60° C for intermittent drying cycle 1.5 to 0.5h.

6 tables

000776   Bhor P P;Khandetod Y P;Mohod A G;Sengar S H (Electrical and Other Energy Sources Dep, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, De. B.S. Konkan Kr, Dapoli, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra) : Performance study of solar tunnel dryer for drying of fish variety Dhoma. Int J Agric Engng 2009, 2(2), 222-7.

Locally available fish variety Dhoraa was selected for evaluation of solar tunnel dryer. These selected fish were treated with salt and without salt before drying in solar tunnel dryer and open sun drying. Drying rate was higher in solar tunnel dryer compared to open sun drying due to higher temperature (53.5°C) attained. Time required to reach safe moisture content was observed. Drying time required for salted fishes was more compared to unsalted fish. In case of the fish sample with salt treatment moisture content reduced upto 19.29% (d.b.) within 35 hours for upper tray, 19.63% (d.b.) within 37 hours for lower tray and 19.41% (d.b.) within 39 hours for open sun drying. While for the fish sample without salt treatment moisture content reduced upto 19.05% (d.b.) within 32 hours for upper tray, 19.90% (d.b.) within 35 hours for lower tray and 23.73.% (d.b.) within 37 hours for open sun drying. In open sun drying method, moisture absorption during night was higher than solar tunnel dryer. In solar tunnel dryer contamination due to insects, birds, wind and the animals were not found as in case with open sun drying.

8 illus, 3 tables, 1 ref

000775   Aggarwal R;Kaur S;Miglani P (Soil and Water Engineering Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana, Punjab) : Assessment of block-wise availability and demand of water resources in Hoshiarpur district of Punjab. Indian J Soil Conserv 2009, 37(2), 106-11.

Water is the most vital input in agriculture and has made a significant contribution in providing stability to food grain production and self-sufficiency. This resource can be optimally used and sustained only when quantity of water is assessed at micro level. The present study was aimed to estimate the gap in demand and supply of water resources at the block level during kharif and rabi season in Hoshiarpur district and it was calculated that the average annual water demand exceeded average annual evapotranspiration requirements by 77352 ha-m and out of which the deficit was 45699 ha-m (59%) in kharif and 31653 ha-m (41%) in rabi. The maximum average annual water deficit of 732 mm in Mukerain and a minimum deficit of 32 mm in Bhunga blocks were observed. An annual water deficit of about 400 mm or more was observed in Tanda, Dasuya, Mukerian and Hazipur blocks. In Garhshankar and Talwara blocks, the average annual water deficit was in the range of 100- 200 mm. However, the average annual water deficit was less than 100 mm in Hoshairpur, Bhunga and Mahilpur blocks. The analysis revealed that the existing cropping pattern is the major factor responsible for higher water demand leading to water deficit in the Hoshiarpur district, and there is need to adopt crops which have lesser water requirement like maize, kharif pulses etc., adopt efficient methods of irrigation and water conservation techniques to minimize gap between demand and supply.

3 illus, 3 tables, 10 ref

020567   Vishwakarma K;Ramrakhiani M;Vishwakarma D O P (Post Graduate Studies and Research in Physics and Electronics Dep, Rani Durgavati Univ, Jabalpur-482 001, Email: ksharmaop@yahoo.com) : Nanotechnology : a boon for medical science. Int J Nanotechnol Applic 2008, 2(1), 71-5.

As the twenty first century unfolds nano-technology's impact on the health, wealth and security of the people and it is expected to be at least as significant as the combined influences in the century of antibiotics the integrated cricket and human made polymers. Nanotechnology engineering is a multi-disciplinary engineering field, which simultaneously draws from and benefits areas such as material science and engineering, chemistry, physics and biology. Indeed, it is all about generating new solutions based on atomic- and molecular-scale manipulations. Nanotechnology most commonly refers to the fabrication, study and manipulation of structures having sizes in the range from one to one hundred nanometers (a nanometer is a billionth of a meter). This length scale bridges the important gap between atoms and molecules (which are less than one nanometer in size) and bulk materials; requiring fundamental chemistry and quantum physics. Clusters, fullerenes, nanotubes, macromolecules, nanorobots, and nanosystems, are the examples of Nano-technology system. [1] Nanotechnology is an emerging interdisciplinary technology that has been booming in many areas during the recent decade, including material science, mechanics, electronics, optics, medicine, plastics, energy electronics and aerospace. Its profound societal impact has been considered as the huge momentum to usher in a second industrial revolution. The "nano" in Nanotechnology comes from the Grek work "nanos" that means dwarf. Scientists use this prefix to indicate 10^{-9 or one-billionth. One nanometer is one-billionth meter that is about 100,00 times smaller than the diameter of a single human hair. Nano-technology endeavors are aimed at manipulating atoms, molecules and nano- size particles in a precise and controlled manner in order to build materials with a fundamentally new organization and novel properties. The embryo of Nanotechnology is "atomic assembly" which was first publicly articulated in 1959 by physicist Richard Feynman. Nanotechnology is called a "bottom up" technology by which bulk materials can be built precisely in tiny building blocks, different from the traditional manufacture; "top down" technology. Therefore, resultant materials have fewer defects and higher quality. [2] The fundamentals of Nanotechnology lie in the fact that properties of substances dramatically change when their size is reduced to the nanometer range. When a bulk material is divided into small size particles with one or more dimension (length, width or thickness) in the nanometer range or even smaller, the individual particles exhibit unexpected properties, different from those of the bulk materials. It is known that atoms and molecules possess totally different behaviors than those of bulk materials; while the properties of the former are described by quantum mechanics, the properties of the latter are governed by classical mechanics. The field is loosely divided into four subareas: micro and nanoinstruments, nanoelectronics, nano-biosystems, and nanoengineered materials: The first addresses some of the most far-reaching yet practical applications of miniature instruments for measuring atoms or molecules in chemical, clinical, or biochemical analysis; in biotechnology for agent detection; and environmental analysis. The second category, nanoelectronics concerns the development of systems and materials required for the electronics industry to go beyond current technological limits producing even finer details than features in a high-performance microprocessor chip. Also in this category is a new generation of electronics based on plastics, which is expected to create new markets with applications ranging from smart cards to tube-like computers. The third class, nano-biosystems can be described as molecular manipulation of biomaterials and the associated miniaturization of analytical devices such as DNA, peptide, protein, and cell chips. The last subarea, nanoengineered materials looks at several classes of advanced materials including nanocrystalline materials and nanopowders used in electronics and photonics applications, as catalysts in automobiles, in the food and pharmaceutical industries, as membranes for fuel cells, and for industrial-scale polymers.}

7 ref

020566   Vimala R;Sakthikumar S;Subramanian M (Physics Dep, Govt College of Engineering, Salem, Tamil Nadu-636 011, Email: sripadmanarayana@gmail.com) : Dielectric properties of Sr (Sm_0.5 Nb_0.5)O₃ ceramics. Int J Mater Sci 2009, 4(3), 323-7.

Strontium Samarium Niobate Sr (Sm_0.5 Nb_0.5) O₃ ceramic is prepared by high temperature solid state reaction technique and it is characterized using XRD and SEM. The dielectric properties of the synthesized sample are studied over a frequency range of 100 Hz to 5 MHz and over a temperature range of 300K to 700K. The material is found to have a moderate dielectric constant, low dielectric loss and low values of ac and dc conductivities.

8 illus, 9 ref

020565   Verma U;Koehler W (Mathematics & Statistics Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar, Email: vermas21@hotmail.com) : Agrometerological yield modelling for different crops in Germany principal component analysis. Envir Ecol 2009, 27(4A), 1821-3.

Reliable, accurate and timely information on types of crop grown and their acreages, crop yield and crop growth conditions are vital components for planning efficient management of natural resources. This involves formulating and implementing appropriate prices of agricultural commodities and import/export of these commodities from time to time. Forecasts can be formed in many different ways. The method chosen depends on the purpose and importance of the forecasts as well as the costs of alternative forecasting methods. Keeping in view the importance of the subject matter, an attempt was made to develop agrometeorological yield models for different crops in Germany using principal component analysis. Yield data for maize, rapeseed, sugarbeet, winter barley and winter wheat from Marienborn (Germany) were dealt for the development of crop models.

020564   Vasu V;Rama Krishna K;Kumar A C S (Mechanical Engineering Dep, V R Siddharthe Engineering College, Vijayawada-520 002, Email: vvvasu@rediffmail.com) : Appication of nanofluids in thermal design of compact heat exchanger. Int J Nanotechnol Applic 2008, 2(1), 77-89.

Compact heat exchangers have been widely used in various applications in thermal fluid systems including automotive thermal fluid systems. Radiators for engine cooling systems, evaporators and condensers for HVAC systems, oil coolers and inter coolers are typical examples that can be found in ground vehicles. Recent development of Nanotechnology brings out a new heat transfer coolant called 'Nanofluids' these fluids exhibit larger thermal properties than conventional coolants (water, Ethylene glycol, Engine oil etc.) due to the presence of suspended nanosized particles in then such as A1₂O₃, Cu,CuO,TiO₂ etc. In this paper a theoretical analysis was carried with 8 -NTU rating method by using A1₂O₃s + H₂O Nanofluid as coolant on automobile flat rube plain fin compact heat exchanger and different characteristics are graphically presented.

10 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

020563   Sivagami S M;Murugan N;Punita Rani K (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Coimbatore Institute of Technilogy, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu-641 014, Email: smshivagami@gmail.com) : Residual stress analysis of hardfaced gate valve using contour method. Int J Mater Sci 2009, 4(3), 339-47.

Residual stress analysis plays a vital role in determining the service life of a component subjected to adverse conditions like high temperature, high pressure and heavy load application. In this paper, residual stresses developed in the gate valve by depositing a stellite-6 hardfacing material were analyzed by Finite element simulation using contour method. The simulated values were verified by the experimental results measured at the surface of the hardfaced gate valve using X-Ray Diffraction technique. It was found that the residual stress values obtained by contour method had good agreement with the experimental XRD values. Also the developed residual stresses are less than the yield strength of stellite-6.

7 illus, 3 tables, 16 ref

020562   Shirdam R;Zand A D;Nabibidhendi G;Mehrdadi N (Environmental Engineering Dep, Faculty of Environment, Tehran Univ, P.O. Box 14155-6135, Tehran, Iran, Email: adzand@ut.ac.ir) : Enhanced biodegradation of hydrocarbons in the rhizosphere of plant species in semi-arid regions. Asian J Chem 2009, 21(3), 2357-68.

High amounts of industrial activities related to oil extraction, purification and transportation in Iran, as an important oil producing country in the world, have caused serious forms of pollution with oil products, particularly near oil refineries. To date, many developing countries like Iran have almost completely relinquished remediation of oil-polluted soils due to the high costs of conventional (physical/chemical) soil remediation methods. Phytoremediation is an emerging green technology that can be a promising solution to remediate hydrocarbon-polluted soils. Screening native tolerant plant species for growing on aged, petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated soils is a key factor for successful phytoremediation. This study investigated the effect of hydrocarbon pollution with initial concentration of 40000 ppm on growth characteristics of burningbush [Kochia scoparia (L.) Schard] and flax (Linum usitatissumum L.). At the end of the experiment, soil samples in which plant species grown well were analyzed for total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) removal by GC-FID. Heterotrophic bacteria and hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria in the samples were determined as well. In the current research, burningbush was used for the first time in the history of phytoremediation in the world. Burningbush and flax showed promising remediation efficiency in highly contaminated soil. However, petroleum hydrocarbon contamination depressed growth of surveyed plants significantly. Flax reduced TPHs concentration by 35000 mg/kg.

2 illus, 5 tables, 26 ref

020561   Sekhar Babu P;Rajendran P;Rao K N (NO, Vijaya Krishna Institute of Technolog & Sciences, Palamakula-501 218) : Augmentation of wear resistance in T₁ steel by cold and cryogenic treatment. Int J Mater Sci 2009, 4(3), 329-38.

Cryogenic treatment has been identified to enhance the properties of Tools steels. Cryogenic treatment can improve the tool life and eliminate early damage of tools. Cryogenic treatment results in a complete transformation of retained austenite to martensite with some additional formation of fine-carbide particles. The tool steel T1 (AISI) is selected for the study and experimentally investigated for improvement in wear resistance, improvement in specific wear resistance and enhancement of tool life after cold treatment (233K & 193K) as well as cryogenic treatment (123K & 83K) by Pin-on-Disk method. The results are compared with normal treatment and it is found that cryogenic treatment at 123K improves equivalent wear resistance of 83 K cryogenic treatment.

4 illus, 3 tables, 7 ref

020560   Rao C S;Eswara Reddy C (Mechanical Engineering Dep, PVP Siddhartha Institute of Technology, Kanuru, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, Email: chepuri_srao@yahoo.co.in) : FEM approach into nanoindentation on linear elastic and visco elastic characterization of soft living cells. Int J Nanotechnol Applic 2008, 2(1), 55-70.

The smallest functional unit of all living organisms is the individual cell. The properties like young's modulus, Stress relaxation modulus and creep compliance of living cells play a key role in determining cell shape and changes during essential functions such as contraction, crawling and migration. Human platelets are relatively small cells, which play an important role in blood clotting and wound healing. In the bloodstream they are in their resting state, exhibiting a discoid shape. In this paper, an attempt has been made to extract elastic properties such as Elastic modulus and visco elastic (time dependant) characteristics like Stress relaxation modulus and creep compliance of soft living cells (human platelets) by finite element modeling of nanoindentation using a spherical indenter. Simulation has been carried out with the elastic modulus available from the literature as input in which an Atomic Force Microscope is used to indent the human platelets. The elastic and visco elastic properties calculated with the data obtained by finite element simulation are compared with the analytical results and a good agreement is found between the two. Indentation has been done to analyze the time dependent deformation of the cells as a function of stress, strain and with in the 10% of thickness of the sample to avoid substrate influence.

14 illus, 19 ref

020559   Rajanna S;Shivanand H K (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Hannabasaweshwara Institute of Technology, Gubbi, Karnaataka) : Impovement in mechanical response of thermite welded rail steel using expulsion with heat treatment. Int J Mater Sci 2009, 4(3), 313-22.

Thermite welding is mainly used in world. The reasons why the thermite welding method is widely used are that the equipment has good mobility and total working time of that is shorter than that of the enclosed arc welding method on site. Moreover, the operating skill, which required for thermite welding, is less than that of for enclosed arc welding. In the present research work, heat treatment and combined 'expulsion and heat treatment' techniques were used improve the mechanical properties and weldment structure. The specimens were cut in the transverse direction from expulsion with Heat treated and heat treated Thermite Welded rails. Specimens were prepared according to AWS standard and subjected to tensile test, Impact test and hardness and their results were tabulated. Microstructural analysis was carried out with the help of SEM. Then analyze to effect of heat treated and 'expulsion with heat treated' with the properties of their thermite welded rails. Compare the mechanical and microstructural properties of thermite welded rails between heat expulsion with heat treated and heat treated. Mechanical and microstructural response expulsion with heat treated thermite welded rail is higher value as compared to heat treatment.

4 illus, 3 tables, 6 ref

020558   Pratikno H;Ariffin A K;Ghazali M J B (Ocean Engineering Dep, ITS, Surabaya, Indonesia, Email: hemanp@oe.its.ac.id) : Influence of injection DC current and seawater salinity to performance several anodes on impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) in marine environment. Int J Mater Sci 2009, 4(3), 177-89.

Impressed current cathodic protection is corrosion mitigation use Injection current for controlling electron transfer from metal to be protected and anode. This research purposed is to know some anode ability for impressed current cathodic protection and to know the influence of Injection current for anode ability at marine environment. Solution salinity for marine environment substitute is 33%, 35%, 37%. Anode that used is magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn) and graphite. Steel ASTM A53 as material that protected (cathode). The ability that measured is cathode and anode corrosion rate, DC current that injected to anode and cathode connection. The DC current to be injected for one connection anode and cathode as long as 1 x 24 hour. The result tell that graphite as better anode (low corrosion rate), Mg and Zn have high corrosion rate. The Injection current as like as DC current had measure at 37% salinity (most corrosive environment), corrosion rate of graphite = = 0 mm/year, Zn = 63.53996 mm/year, Mg = 844.0917 mm/year, because graphite have potential more positive and Mg more negative.

19 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

020557   Poomari A;Mohan B;Senthilkumar A;Rajadurai A; Sornakumar T (Production Technology Dep, MIT, Anna Univ, Chennai, Email: poovu@rediffmail.com) : Effectivness of cryogenic treatment on the performance of cermet cutting tool while machining AISI 4340 steel. Int J Mater Sci 2009, 4(3), 215-28.

The major needs in machining are high material removal rate, good surface finish and better tool life. These objectives can be achieved by reducing tool wear during machining. Cryogenic treatment is being used for the purpose of extending tool life, toughness, and wear resistance and it is one of the effective secondary processes to improve the performance of cutting tool. Cermet cutting tools have a balanced combination of hardness and toughness, excellent thermal crack resistance and wear resistance and it is widely used for machining cast iron and steels. Cryogenic treatment was carried out on Ti(C,N) based cermet cutting tool to analyse its effect on the performance of cermet cutting tool. Machining studies were carried out on AISI 4340 steel hardened to 45 HRC in a precision lathe at different cutting speeds and at constant feed and depth of cut. Flank wear, crater wear of the cutting tool and surface roughness of the machined surface were observed to comparatively analyse the performance between cryogenically treated cermet tool and untreated cermet tool. Cryogenically treated cermet cutting tool exhibited better wear resistance and produced lower surface roughness than the untreated cermet tool.

9 illus, 4 tables, 20 ref

020556   Pandu R;Ravinder Reddy P R;Gupta A V S S K S; Rao G K M (Mechanical Engineering Dep, M J College of Engineering and Technology, Road No 3, Banjara Hills,Hyderabad-32, Email: panduratnakar@yahoo.co.in) : Simulation studies on dyanamic response of singlewalled carbon nanotubes under bending-buckling loads-an FEA approach. Int J Nanotechnol Applic 2008, 3(3), 49-60.

An FE approach has been presented for the elastic bending and buckling behaviors of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT_s). Finite element simulations are carried out to investigate the bending deformations and buckling behaviors of SWCNT_s under various conditions. Both axial compression and bending loading conditions are considered. The computed results for SWCNT_s agree well with atomistic simulations in the literature and the FE approach is confirmed successfully. In this work, the modal and harmonic analyses have been performed to know the natural frequencies and frequency responses of the CNT_s using shell element (Shell93 from ANSYS10.0 library. For analyses, SWCNT_s have been considered as cantilever beams and loaded at the free end. SWCNT_s with different lengths (in nm), and different thicknesses (nm) under various conditions have been studied. In modal analysis, the natural frequencies and corresponding mode shapes are drawn. Further, under harmonic analysis the system response is plotted and reported.

6 illus, 6 tables, 8 ref

020555   Pandey P;Anil Kumar (Dairy Cattle Nutrition Div, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal-132 001, Email: poonamkarnal@gmail.com) : Urea treatment effect on straw of different paddy cultivars grown in Tarai region of Uttarakhand. Indian J Anim Sci 2009, 79(11), 1149-52.

Experiment was planned to study the response of urea treatment in different paddy straw cultivars. In study, samples of 18 cultivars were collected and half of the sample was treated with 4% urea (35% moisture) and kept for 4 weeks in air-tight polythene bags. Chemical composition and degradability of these paddy straw cultivars for DM, NDF, ADF, CP, HC and cellulose content were determined by using nylon bag technique. Three rumen fistulated animals were used to incubate nylon bags for 72 h. These animals were fed with green oat ad lib, just after feeding of concentrate mixture prepared from 30 parts of GNC, 32 parts of deoiled rice bran, 35 parts of wheat grain, 2 parts of mineral mixture and 1 part of common salt. After urea treatment, the mean CP content increased significantly while DM, NDF, ADF, HC and cellulose content decreased significantly. Significant urea treatment effect was seen as enhanced degradability of all parameters. Some low nutritive value paddy straw cultivars responded more due to urea treatment in comparison to the paddy straw cultivars of higher nutritive value.

13 ref

020554   Lingaraju D;Ramji K;Promila Devi;Rajya Lakshmi U (GVP College of Engineering, Madurawada, Vishakapatnam, Email: dlraju@gmail.com) : Characterization and tribological behavioral studies of polymer-halloysite HNT clay nanocomposites. Int J Mater Sci 2009, 4(3), 267-82.

The effects of Halloysite Nano clay Hallow Nano Tublar (HNT) particles as fillers in glass-epoxy composite systems on the mechanical and tribological properties have been discussed in the present investigation. The composites employed in the study have been fabricated using hand lay-up technique. The mechanical properties such as tensile strength, impact strength, flexural strength, and hardness have been investigated in accordance with ASTM standards. This paper deals with the effect of clay addition on improving the mechanical properties of epoxy polymer and glass fiber-reinforced epoxy-clay hybrid composites. The clays used in the present system were treated with 3-amino propyltriethoxysilane. The effect of variants in sliding speed, time and applied load on the wear behavior of polymer nanocomposites is studied by measuring the weight changes and observing the surface features using Scanning Electron Microscope. Sliding speed, time and loads in the range of 640-1000RPM, 300-900sec and 5-25N respectively were used in the experiments with wear test pin having flat face in contact with hardening rotating steel disc. It is observed that wear rate increases with the increasing applied load, time and sliding speeds.

15 illus, 35 ref

020553   Lim D H;Lee Y J;Ko Y S (Environmental Engineering Dep, Cheongju Univ, 36, Naedok-dong, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 360-764, Republic of Korea, Email: yjlee@cju.ac.kr) : Implication of biological activated carbon process performance and microbial growth on granular activated carbon for the removal of dissolved organic carbon in water purification. Asian J Chem 2009, 21(3), 2301-16.

The research was performed to choose a suitable activated carbon when a biological activated carbon process was applied and the removal efficiency of organic carbon with biological activated carbon was assessed. Samples of different origin, such as river, lake water and humic acid, using four different types of activated carbon were investigated. The highest removal of dissolved organic carbon was obtained with Cargon and Norit activated carbon for a sample of Han river water and humic acid, respectively. Powder activated carbon appeared to be more efficient at removing dissolved organic carbon than was granular activated carbon for the sample of Han river water. Examination of the apparent molecular weight distribution showed that organic material over 10,000 daltons was removed, while low molecular weight distribution under 1,000 daltons increased after treatment with activated carbon of the sample of Han river water. The breakthrough point for Picabiol and Norit activated carbon was reached faster than was that for Cargon and Samchully activated carbon. An increasing order for biomass formation on activated carbon was shown for Cargon, Picabiol, Samchully and Norit activated carbon, respectively.

10 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

020552   Lee Y J (Environmental Engineering Dep, Cheongju Univ, 36, Naedok-dong, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 360-764, Republic of Korea, Email: yjlee@ciu.ac.kr) : Investigation of chemical and bacterial quality in Korean public bath facilities. Asian J Chem 2009, 21(3), 2321-30.

Investigations of water quality concerning the occurrence of total coliforrn, heterotropic plate count and Legionella from taps, hot tubs and cold tubs were conducted at public bath facilities. The prevalence of total coliforms and heterotropic plate count were shown in tap water samples as well as tub water in bathing facilities. The results obtained showed a correlation (at the level of p < 0.01) between heterotropic plate count and turbidity in hot bath tubs. The spearman rank correlation results shows that the occurrence of total coliforms were related to the level of dissolved organic carbon. Present investigation has demonstrated that the suitable measures should be taken to more effectively assess bathing water quality and hygiene conditions in public bathing facilities.

4 illus, 3 tables, 23 ref

020551   Kursun I (Mining Engineering Dep, Istanbul Univ, Avcilar, Turkey, Email: ilginkur@istanbul.edu.tr) : Hydrochloric acid leachability of the Sakarya-Karasu ilmenite concentrate. Asian J Chem 2009, 21(3), 2013-19.

Hydrochloric acid is used for upgrading ilmenite into synthetic rutile and in some instances to titania pigment. The quality of the titania pigment produced via this route is often inferior quality to those produced from sulphate and chlorination routes. The literature on hydrochloric acid leaching reports mainly 2 types of processing methods. Direct leaching without any further treatment is known to be ineffective as most ilmenites are highly insoluble in all strengths of hydrochloric acid. Therefore a pre-treatment in the form of both reduction and oxidation prior to reduction is applied to improve the solubility of ilmenite. Further improvement in ilmenite solubility was seeked by adding catalysts to the hydrochloric acid leach. In this study, the experimental details, analytical results and interpretations of the hydrochloric acid leachability of the Sakarya-Karasu ilmenite concentrate are discussed.

6 illus, 4 tables, 3 ref

020550   Kurian L V;Prabha L;Suganya Devi P (Dr Mahalingam Center for Research and Development, N G M College, Pollachi, Tamil Nadu, Email: liyasmiles@yahoo.co.in) : Rubisco, a target to protein engineering to enhance photorespiration in plants. Indian J multidiscipl Res 2009, 5(1), 103-8.

Review is made of the published investigations concerning the structure and confomation as dynamic changes in the key photosynthetic and photo respiratory enzyme-Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) of higher plants. Recent data on tie basis of X-ray crystallography, site-directed mutagenesis and other techniques are analyzed. The structure of Rubisco is described in detail emphasizing the active and regulatory sites of the enzyme. The possibility if increasing the activity of the enzyme in plants is discussed.

20 ref

020549   Kumaran S S;Senthil Kujmaresh Babu S P; Natarajan S;Siva Prasad K (Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Dep, National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli-620 015, Email: senthilkumaram@ymail.com) : High temperature sliding wear behavior of AI 4032-ZrB₂ in situ composite. Int J Mater Sci 2009, 4(3), 283-98.

Aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) reinforced by ZrB2 particles were fabricated from Al 4032- x wt% ZrB₂ (x=5, 10, 15, 20) by in situ reaction from mixtures of K₂ZrF₆ and KBF₄ with molten Al alloy. The sliding wear behavior of these composites were analyzed at high temperatures (200°C & 400°C) using a high temperature pin on disc apparatus according to ASTM G99-95a standards. The results indicate that the volumetric wear rate is decreased with the increase in the weight percentage of ZrB₂, while it is increased with the increase of the applied load. Higher wear rates were registered at 400°C than at 200°C. The SEM analysis of the wear scar indicates the fragmentation of ZrB2 particles into smaller ones orienting themselves along the sliding direction. The phenomenon of ploughing of the metal was found at lower temperature, while presence of oxides and fine micro cracks were found at higher temperature. The results indicate that particles markedly improve the wear performance of the Al 4032 alloy.

10 illus, 28 ref

020548   Jinu G R;Sathiya P;Ravichandran G;Rathinam A (Production Engineering Dep, National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli-620 015, Email: psathiya@nitt.edu) : Failre analysis of ASTM A 213 grade T-22 weld tube subjected to short-term over heating. Int J Mater Sci 2009, 4(3), 365-80.

Steels for high temperature service are a vital part of the construction of power stations. For a long time the T22 grade has been in use world wide in high capacity power stations with excellent operating behavior. T22 is low alloyed steel contains 2.25% Cr and addition of 1% Mo. These super heater tubes are subjected to alternate heating and cooling in power plants causes crack and eventually fail. This phenomenon is termed as thermal fatigue. Thermal shock loading of operating pressure equipment is a common occurrence, particularly in thermal power stations. These tubes subjected to the temperature of 800°C and producing steam at a temperature of 540°C and a pressure of 320 Kg/cm^{2.Apart from the thermal fatigue failures, short -term and long-term over heating failures will also occur. A short term over heating failure is one in which a single incident or a small number of incidents exposes the component to an excessively high temperature (hundreds of degrees above normal), to the point where deformation or yielding occurs. Overheating results from abnormal conditions such as loss of coolant flow and excessive temperature excursion. In this paper a laboratory simulation for reproducing short term over heating phenomenon were developed. The tests were conducted in a TIG welded tube which was passed in non-destructive tests. The tube is subjected to thermal cycles from 800 °C to room temperature. Oxy-acetylene torch was utilized as a heating source, whereas a water bath was utilized for quenching purpose. The tests are carried out until open cracks were identified. After 4 cycles bursting of the tube in the weld region was occurred with great sound. A knife edge rupture failure is identified in the weld region. The length and width of the crack opening is about 6.5 mm and 8.5 mm respectively. The tubes are then sectioned and subjected to optical microscoov. Cracks and cavities are observed in the failed weld tube. The causes of the failures were thoroughly investigated using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). This study revealed that short -term over heating is the cause for the failure of the tube.}

16 illus, 3 tables, 17 ref

020547   Jinu G R;Sathiya P;Ravichandran G;Rathinam A (Production Engineering Dep, Naational Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli-620 015, Email: sathiya@nitt.edu) : Comparison of thermal fatigue behaviour of ASTM A 213 grade T-23 tubes under free expansion and constrained condition. Int J Mater Sci 2009, 4(3), 349-64.

Steels for high temperature service are a vital part of the construction of power stations. These super heater tubes are subjected to alternate heating and cooling in power plants causes crack and eventually fail. This phenomenon is termed as thermal fatigue. Super heater tubes are subjected to the temperature of 600°C and producing steam at a temperature of 540°C and a pressure of 160 bar. In this paper a laboratory simulation for reproducing thermal fatigue phenomenon were developed to determine the number of cycles to failure occurs in tubes. Thermal fatigue tests were conducted in the base tube under free expansion and constrained conditions. Since some super heater, tubes are subjected to constrained conditions where external constraints hinder its expansion during thermal cycle and the thermal stresses developed in this condition is more when compared to the free expansion condition. Two healthy base tubes passed in non-destructive tests are subjected to thermal cycles from 800°C (accelerating temperature) to room temperature. Oxy-acetylene torch was utilized as a heating source, whereas a water bath was utilized for quenching purpose. The tests are carried out until open cracks were identified. Surface cracks are identified in the free expansion and constrained base tube after 140 and 120 cycles respectively. Dye penetrant test was carried out in the failed tubes to identify the surface cracks. In both the tubes, longitudinal and transverse cracks are identified in the heating zone. The tubes are then sectioned and subjected to optical microscopy. Cracks and cavities are observed in both tubes. This study revealed that localised heating and cooling causes thermal fatigue, which initiates cracks in the tubes. In the constrained base tube cracks are developed 20 cycles earlier when compared to the free expansion base tube. The crack length is more in the constrained base tube. This shows that the constrained condition is more severe, where the thermal stresses developed is more.

23 illus, 4 tables, 12 ref