008128   Cheng C C (Chemical Engineering Dep, Qinghai Univ, Xining 810016, P.R. China, Email: 25452351@qq.com) : Effects of municipal sludge and wheat straw pyrolysis on changes of shapes of heavy metals. Asian J Chem 2014, 26(1), 21-4.

Conditions of municipal sludge and wheat straw pyrolysis, that was the temperature and proportioning, were changed by experiment. The five-step continuous extraction put forward by tessier was adopted to extract numbers of heavy metals including Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni and different kinds of shapes in the carbon powder by pyrolysis. Perkin elmer analyst 700 atomic absorption spectrometer was adopted to detect the content of extraction and the change regulation of different kinds of shapes under sludge and wheat straw pyrolysis was examined. The experimental results shown that the formation of carbon powdered by pyrolysis was compared with sludge before pyrolysis.

2 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

007029   Zubar H A;Visagavel K;Deepak Raja V;Arun Mohan (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Knowledge Institute of Technology, Salem, Tamil Nadu, Email: abdulzubar@gmail.com) : Occupational health and safety management in manufacturing industries. J scient ind Res 2014, 73(6), 381-6.

Study aims at analysing the occupational health and safety of Manufacturing Industries in South India by gathering information on health management, safety management, motivation, leadership and training, welfare facilities, accident statistics, policy, organization and administration, hazard control and risk analysis, monitoring, statistics and reporting. Data were collected by using questionnaires which were developed on health and safety management system. The data collected are analysed by using graphical and D&S method. The overall status shows that the performance on health and safety management system needs improvement in order to ensure a better working condition for the workers.

3 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

007028   Zhao C Z;Liu B;Fu D Y;Chen H;Li M;Xiu X Q;Xie Z L;Gu S L;Zheng Y D (School of Electronis and Information Engineering, Tianjin Polytechnics University, Tianjin-300 160, China, Email: as3262001@yahoo.com.cn) : Investigation of localization effect in GaN-rich InGaN alloys and modified band-tail model. Bull Mater Sci 2013, 36(4), 619-22.

The temperature-dependent PL properties of GaN-rich In_x Ga_1-x N alloys is investigated and S-shaped temperature dependence is observed in all InGaN samples. It is found that the origin of localization effect in samples A and B are different from that in sample C. For samples A and B, In content fluctuations should be the origin of localization effect, while the localization effect can be attributed to In-rich clusters and metallic indium inclusions for sample C. In addition, the band-tail model is modified and the modified band-tail model is used to investigate the degree of localization effect in the three samples.

3 illus, 1 table, 33 ref

007027   Zhang Y Y;Deng J Q;Ni S C (Electronics and Information Engineering Dep, Chuzhou University, Anhui, 239012, P. R. China, Email: yyzhan@hotmail.com) : Synthesis and up-conversion luminescence of Yb<. Bull Mater Sci 2013, 36(4), 513-16.

Presents the optical up-conversion (UC) study for Yb^{3+-Ho3+ co-doped Na(Y_1.5Na_0.5)F₆ nanorods synthesized by employing a facile hydrothermal method. Numbers of Ho3+ ion up-conversion emissions have been observed under 980 nm infrared diode laser excitation. Three UC emissions of interest, ultraviolet, violet and blue, are specially identified at 359, 387, 418 and 483 nm, corresponding to 5G'₅/3H₆→ 5I₈, 5G₄/3K₇→ 5I₈, 5G₅→ 5I₈ and 5F₃/5F₂/3K₈→5I₈ transitions, respectively. It is also found that the centre wavelength of blue UC emission shifts to 475 nm gradually as Ho3+ concentration decreases. Lastly, a brief analysis about UC mechanism is demonstrated according to the experimental results.}

5 illus, 24 ref

007026   Ye Q;Fu H (Communication and Transportation Engineering, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha 410004, China, Email: yequnshan@126.com) : Rheological properties of polyphosphoric acid modified asphalt binder. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2014, 21(2), 214-18.

The rheological properties of polyphosphoric acid (PPA) modified asphalt binder are investigated by the dynamic shear test. The composition change of modified asphalt is used to analyze the improvement mechanism of rheological characteristics. Test results indicate that the fractions of saturate and aromatic are decreased, while the fractions of resin and asphaltene are increased. The complex shear modulus of PPA modified asphalt binder decreases at lower temperatures, while the phase angle increases. At higher temperatures, the complex shear modulus of asphalt binder with PPA modifier increases while the phase angle decreases. The high temperature grade of PPA modified asphalt binder could be increased 1~2 levels when the content of PPA is up to 1.0~1.5%, which implied that the rutting resistance of PPA modified asphalt binder has improved significantly.

8 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

007025   Wang Z;Liang P;Guan Y;Liu Y;Jiang L (Key Laboratory for Liquid-Solid Structural Evolution and Processing of, Shandong University, Jinan, China, Email: guan_yanjin@sdu.edu.cn) : Experimental investigation of pure aluminum sheets processed by constrained groove pressing. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2014, 21(2), 121-7.

Recently, a new severe plastic deformation method named constrained groove pressing (CGP) has been invented for producing ultra-fine grained sheet metals. Here, a multi-pass CGP is carried out on 1060 commercially pure aluminum sheets. Through a series of experimental research, the evolutions of microstructure, tensile properties, forming load and surface residual stress during the process are investigated. The grain size is greatly refined from 29 μm of annealed samples to about 18 μm after pass four. Polygonized and dislocation-free substructures of submicron level with well-defined boundaries is obtained. The ultimate tensile strength and yield strength increase continuously until pass three and then decrease by further deformation. Residual tensile stress is observed on the surface of all pressed samples due to the unique stress-strain state, and it increases dramatically during the first pass. The results show that lubrication reduces the average residual tensile stress and its distribution homogeneity along the longitudinal direction.

8 illus, 10 tables, 24 ref

007024   Vimalan G;Ravichandran G;Muthupandi V (NO, Welding Research Institute, BHEL, Tiruchirappalli-620 014) : Effect of cooling rate on simulated heat affected zone (HAZ) on microstructure and toughnessof sa 106 grade c material. WRI Jl 2013, 34(2), 16-20.

This study investigates the correlation between cooling time (t_8/5) and microstructure, hardness and toughness of simulated coarse grain heat affected zone (CGHAZ) of a carbon steel SA106 Grade C using Gleeble simulation method. Microstructure and hardness were evaluated using optical microscopy (OM) and Vicker's hardness (HV₁₀) test respectively. Charpy impact toughness evaluated shows that a cooling time (t_8/5) less than 10 seconds is preferable for welding of low carbon steel SA106 Grade C. Impact toughness as low as 23J was obtained at CGHAZ for t_8/5 of more than 10 seconds. The microstructure of specimens showed that poor toughness in case of t_8/5 more than 10 seconds was due to the formation of aligned ferrite with carbide phase and grain boundary ferrite.

7 illus, 2 ref

007023   Verma D K;Raja A;Rajasekaran N (NO, Welding Research Institute, BHEL, Tiruchirappalli-620 014) : TIG welding with automated wire feeding for root pass welding of pipe. WRI Jl 2013, 34(2), 24-9.

High performance welding processes are being developed by the researchers, to enable even less skilled welders to achieve higher quality welds. Root pass welding of pipe is one such application where controlled and uniform penetration is the prime concern to ensure quality joint. The TIG welding process will be the first preference for such applications. However, the lower productivity associated with TIG welding act as a discouraging factor. For instance, a typical 500 MW boiler involves 30000 to 40000 butt joints between either pipe to pipe or tube to tube. In all these joints, the root pass welding is critical to the quality of the joint. TIG welding is generally used for root pass welding of all these joints. TIG with automated wire feeding is a novel high performance TIG welding process introduced recently into the fabrication industries. This process is called by different proprietary names such as TIP-TIG, TOP-TIG etc. WRI has recently procured one TIP-TIG equipment and with this facility a study was conducted to assess the efficiency of this process for root pass welding of pipes in 2G and 5G positions. The results are also compared with that of conventional TIG welding processes for root pass welding of pipes in different positions. The results of the study showed that the TIG welding with automated wire feeding gave higher productivity & better quality than conventional TIG welding in all pipe welding positions.

8 illus, 4 ref

007022   Velumani S;Navaneethakrishnan P;Jayabak S; Robinson Smart D S (Mechnical Engineering Dep, Velalar College of Engineering and Technlgy, Erode 638 012, Email: velumani2003@gmail.com) : Optimization of mechanical properties of non-woven short sisal fibre-reinforced vinyl ester composite using factorial design and GA method. Bull Mater Sci 2013, 36(4), 575-83.

This work presents a systematic approach to evaluate and study the effect of process parameters on tensile, flexural and impact strength of untreated short sisal fibre-reinforced vinyl ester polymer-based composites and predicts the optimum properties of random natural fibre-reinforced composites. The natural fibre of sisal at lengths of 10, 30 and 50 mm and vinyl ester resin at loadings of 15, 30 and 45 (wt%) were prepared. The composite panel was then fabricated using hand lay method in cold process of size 180x160 mm^{2. Samples were then cut from the panel and subjected to mechanical properties testing such as tensile, flexural and impact strengths. The average tensile strength ranges between 27.1 and 43.9 MPa. The flexural strength ranged between 26.9 and 49.5 MPa and the impact strength ranged between 16 and 93 J/m. The strength values were optimized using factorial design and genetic algorithm (GA) method. The predicted optimum process parameter values are in good agreement with the experimental results.}

9 illus, 6 tables, 14 ref

007021   Usha S;Shashi Kumar P V (NO, Central Manufacturing Technology Institute, Bangalore) : Machine vision for metrology applications. Mfg Technol Today 2014, 13(4), 26-9.

Conventional coordinate measuring machine posses problem for handling delicate components. Optical profile projectors require enormous time for manual cursor positioning to make measurements. A separate setup is called for inspecting the surface finish (microscope). These issues are addressed by a single setup using vision techniques for both precision measurements as well as to identify surface defects. This paper discusses about machine vision technique for metrology requirement and explain how Vision for Metrology' differs in terms of sensor requirement, lighting techniques^calibration methods and algorithm from a conventional vision system used for feature identification, recognition etc.

4 illus, ref

007020   Thangadurai K R;Asha A (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Jayaram College of Engineering and Technology, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu, Email: kthangam2010@gmail.com) : Synthesis and cold upsetting behavior of stir casted AA6061-B4Cp composites. J scient ind Res 2014, 73(6), 394-9.

Nowadays the aluminium based metal matrix is enormously used in automobiles, aerospace and structural member due to its proven mechanical properties. The present work focuses on the fabrication of aluminium (AA6061 -T6) reinforced with weight percentage (0%, 5%, 10% and 15%) of B4C particulates through stir casting process. The cold forming behavior of aluminium - B4Cp composites were investigated with the cold upsetting test in Universal Testing Machine using specially prepared to die setup under tri-axial stress state condition. SEM images were revealed the presence of B4Cpparticle in composites. With the increase amount of boron carbide, the hardness of the composite increased, whereas the density is decreased due to the lower value of density of boron carbide. The maximum true axial stress, true hoop stress and hydrostatic stress were obtained in the weight percentage of 15% B4Cp all the composites. In the end, it was concluded from the strain - strain curve, the boron carbide played a critical part in improving the compressive strength of aluminium - boron carbide composites.

4 illus, 3 tables, 25 ref

007019   Suyitno (Casting and Solidification Technology (CASTEC) Research Group, Mechani, Gadjah Mada University, Jl. Grafika No. 2, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia, Email: suyitno@ugm.ac.id) : Effect of temperature and displacement rate on behaviour of as-cast AA5182 and Al-3.3%Cu alloys under tensile loading near solidus temperature. Bull Mater Sci 2013, 36(4), 623-8.

Hot cracking develops in the still semi-solid casting during the last stages of solidification. The micro-mechanism of its origin is not generally accepted. There exists considerable doubt whether it is initiated by a void or develops as an instantaneous crack. The aim of this work is to study the mechanism of fracture behaviour of aluminum alloys around solidus temperature. Tensile tests were performed on notched specimens of as-cast AA5182 and Al-3.3%Cu alloys using a Gleeble 3500 ® thermomechanical simulator. The effect of temperature and strain rate on the propagation of fracture in the semi-solid state has been studied to establish fracture mechanism. The transition from ductile to brittle mode of fracture has been observed around the solidus temperature. The fracture is intergranular and propagates through interdendritic channels.

9 illus, 2 tables, 23 ref

007018   Sumathi S;Kirubakaran E;Bhuvaneswari N S (Anna University, , Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Email: sumsdurga@gmail.com ) : Wiener filter and gang scheduling algorithm for improving safety using gps signal. J scient ind Res 2014, 73(6), 400-6.

Global Positioning System (GPS) has developed essentially for the utilities of transportation, navigation, agriculture, medicine and surveying and nowadays particularly for safety concern such as aviation, medical field, public safety and disaster relief. Position information received from the standard GPS receivers includes time variant inaccuracies. For efficient use of GPS information for the applications, it is essential to model these errors. This paper recommends the use of a Wiener filter with gang scheduling algorithm to increase the accuracy in substitution of traditional GPS/INS fusion systems which needs expensive inertial systems. This approach is compared with positioning accuracy of Fuzzy, Neural, Neuro fuzzy, and Kalman networks in terms of accuracy and the processing time. The results of proposed Wiener scheme and gang scheduling algorithm give improved accuracy and good for the effective applications.

4 illus, 3 tables, 8 ref

007017   Sonia T S;Mini P A;Nandhini R;Sujith K; Avinash B;Nair S V;Subramanian K R V (Amrita Centre for Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine, , Ponekkara P.O. Kochi-682 041, Email: krvsubramanian@aims.amrita.edu) : Composite supercapacitor electrodes made of activated carbon/PEDOT:PSS and activated carbon/doped PEDOT. Bull Mater Sci 2013, 36(4), 547-51.

Reports on the high electrical storage capacity of composite electrodes made from nanoscale activated carbon combined with either poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) or PEDOT doped with multiple dopants such as ammonium persulfate (APS) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The composites were fabricated by electropolymerization of the conducting polymers (PEDOT:PSS, doped PEDOT) onto the nanoscale activated carbon backbone, wherein the nanoscale activated carbon was produced by ball-milling followed by chemical and thermal treatments. Activated carbon/PEDOT:PSS yielded capacitance values of 640 F g^{-1 and 26 mF cm-2, while activated carbon/doped PEDOT yielded capacitances of 1183 F g-1 and 42 mF cm-2 at 10 mV s-1. This is more than five times the storage capacity previously reported for activated carbon-PEDOT composites. Further, use of multiple dopants in PEDOT improved the storage performance of the composite electrode well over that of PEDOT:PSS. The composite electrodes were characterized for their electrochemical behaviour, structural and morphological details and electronic conductivity and showed promise as high-performance energy storage systems.}

7 illus, 21 ref

007016   Song M Y;Kwak Y J;Park H R;Kim B G (Advanced Materials Engineering Div, Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Research Cent, Engineering Research Institute, Chonbuk National University, 664-14 Deokjin-Dong IGa Deokjin-Gu Jeonju Jeonbuk, 561-756, South Korea, Email: songmy@jbu.ac.kr) : Hydriding and dehydriding rates and hydrogen-storage capacity of Mg-14Ni-3Fe₂O₃-3Ti prepared by reactive mechanical grinding. Bull Mater Sci 2013, 36(4), 661-6.

The magnesium prepared by mechanical grinding under H₂ (reactive mechanical grinding) with transition elements or oxides showed relatively high hydriding and dehydriding rates when the content of additives was about 20 wt%. Ni (expected to increase hydriding and dehydriding rates) was chosen as transition element to be added. Fe₂O₃ (expected to increase hydriding rate) was selected as an oxide to be added. Ti was also selected since, it was considered to increase the hydriding and dehydriding rates by forming Ti hydride. A sample, Mg-14Ni-3Fe₂O₃-3Ti, was prepared by reactive mechanical grinding and its hydrogen storage properties were investigated. This sample absorbed 4.02 wt% H for 5 min, 4.15 wt% H for 10 min and 4.42 wt% H for 60 min at n=2. It desorbed 2.46 wt% H for 10 min, 3.98 wt% H for 30 min and 4.20 wt% H for 60 min at n=2.

8 illus, 23 ref

007015   Solmaz H;Yamik H;I‡ingr Y;Calam A (Automotive Engineering Dep, Faculty of Technology, Gazi University, 06500, Teknikokullar, Ankara, Turkey, Email: hsolmaz@gazi.edu.tr) : Investigation of the effects of civil aviation fuel Jet A1 blends on diesel engine performance and emission characteristics. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2014, 21(2), 200-6.

Study on use of aviation fuels in the internal combustion engines in road vehicles has been conducted for a long time. After the JP-8 is accepted as a single fuel on land and in the air (single fuel concept) by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the majority of these studies have focused on JP-8. For this reason, there is hardly any study on using the Jet A1, which is structurally very similar to the JP-8, in the internal combustion engine. However, in obligatory cases such as in periods of war, using the Jet A1 in the same way as the JP-8 in internal combustion engines may be required. In cold climates especially, the Jet A1 may gain strategic importance due to its very low freezing point. In this study, both the effects of the diesel and Jet A1 blends on engine performance and exhaust emissions in both the single cylinder, and the direct injection diesel engine have been examined. As a result, it has been determined that use of Jet A1 reduces engine torque to 5.85% and increases the specific fuel consumption to 8.77%. In addition, while there is an increase in smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions 82% and 71.9%, respectively, there is a decrease in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by 29%. In conclusion, there is no positive effect in using the Jet A1 in the diesel engine except for the reduction of NOxemission and the decrease of the freezing point.

6 illus, 4 tables, 40 ref

007014   Sobczak-Kupiec A;Wzorek Z;Kijkowska R; Kowalski Z (NO, Institute of Inorganic and Technology, Cracow University of Technology, Warszawska 24, 31-155 Krakow, poland, Email: asobczak@chemia.pk.edu.pl) : Effect of calcination conditions of pork bone sludge on behaviour of hydroxyapatite in simulated body fluid. Bull Mater Sci 2013, 36(4), 755-64.

The paper presents in vitro (in SBF) behaviour of hydroxyapatite (HAp) obtained from pork bone sludge from meat plant via two essentially different calcination methods using a stationary, electrically heated chamber oven and enlarged laboratory scale rotary kiln designed by the authors, heated by gas combustion methods enabling application of different set of physical parameters such as temperature, holding time-differing according to type of the kiln. HAp ceramic discs, after 62-days of incubation in SBF at 37°C, characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), FTIR, SEM and EDS methods, underwent changes recorded by: (i) a reduction in Ca/P molar ratio in all the investigated materials resulting from modification in phase composition and (ii) weight increase in the investigated disc-samples, resulting from a precipitation of newly formed phase as an admixture of primary HPO^{2-₅ -free HAp. They were: secondary (with HPO2-<>D₄ incorporated) HAp and chlorapatite in all the samples, while in addition to the listed above, β -tricalcium phosphate was formed on the discs made of HAp from stationary chamber oven, but not from rotary kiln. The new phases were formed in agglomerates on the surface of the investigated ceramic discs and in their pores. The results obtained proved that calcination conditions of pork bone sludge (temperature 750-950°C, time and type of the applied kiln) under which hydroxyapatite (HAp) powders were obtained had an impact on its different behaviour in SBF, nevertheless, indicating a potential ability of the material to form a new biologically relevant interface with hard tissue and suitability for further investigations intended for medical grafting.}

11 illus, 1 table, 71 ref

007013   Singh J P;Dixit G;Srivastava R C;Hemant Kumar;Agrawal H M;Prem Chand (Applied Science Dep, Krishna College of Engineering, Ghaziabad-201 007, Email: jitendra_singh2029@rediffmail.com) : Magnetic resonance in superparamagnetic zinc ferrite. Bull Mater Sci 2013, 36(4), 751-4.

Synthesized zinc ferrite nanoparticles by nitrate method. Presence of almost zero value of coercivity and remanence in the hysteresis of these samples shows the superparamagnetic nature at room temperature. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy performed on these samples in the temperature range 120-300 K indicates the systematic variation of the line-shapes of the spectra with temperature. Both g-value and peak-to-peak linewidth decrease with increase in temperature. The variation of g-values and peak-to-peak linewidth with temperature has been fitted with existing models and we observed different values of activation energies of the spins for both the samples.

3 illus, 1 table, 28 ref

007012   Singh D;Mondal D P (Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, , Bhopal-462 038, Email: dr.dsingh1970@gmail.com) : Effect of quenching and tempering processes and shot peening intensity on wear behaviour of SAE-6150 steel. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2014, 21(2), 168-78.

The study is conducted in order to determine the influence of quenching and tempering (QT) processes and intensity of shot peening on abrasive wear response of medium carbon SAE-6150 steel. Treated and un-treated specimens are shot peened from 0.17 A to 0.47 A intensities at an interval of 0.1 A. The abrasive wear of as-received (un-treated) and quenched-tempered steels subjected to varying peening intensities is obtained using dry sand abrasion test rig at 75, 200 and 375 N loads. Micro-structural, surface and sub-surface characterization are investigated by means of scanning electron microscope. The results exhibit that quenching and tempering processes reduced the wear rate considerably and improved the mechanical properties such as hardness, strength and percentage elongation significantly. Shot peening further reduced the wear rate of the steel if restricted to a certain peening intensity.

10 illus, 37 ref

007011   Singh A K;sankarasubramanian R;Nandy T K (Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory, , Kanchanbagh, Hyderabad-500 058, Email: singh_ashok3@rediffmail.com) : Mobilities and dislocation energies of planar faults in an ordered A₃B (DO₁₉) structure. Bull Mater Sci 2013, 36(4), 677-86.

Present work describes the stability of possible planar faults of the A₃B (DO₁₉) phase with an axial ratio less than the ideal. Mobilities and dislocation energies of various planar faults viz. antiphase boundaries (APBs), superlattice intrinsic stacking faults (SISFs) and complex stacking faults (CSFs) have been computed using complex fourth-order tensor transformations and hard sphere model. Displacements normal to the slip planes for various slip systems (vertical shift) have been used to calculate mobility of dislocations. The energy of the planar faults in Ti 3Al intermetallic is calculated using some simplifying assumptions. Based on the mobility and energy, stability of planar faults has been explained. These results are compared with single crystal ordered Ti 3Al alloy having DO₁₉ structure.

6 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

007010   Shunmugam M S (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Email: shun@iitm.ac.in) : Manufacturing in the eyes of a metrologist. Mfg Technol Today 2014, 13(4), 13-17.

General perception among the engineering students, researchers and practitioners is that metrology activities find place in the chain of design-manufacturing-metrology activities only to verify a manufactured component and check its conformance to the design specification. This keynote paper is intended to bring out the intricacies in the manufacture of engineering components, deviating from the above conventional chain. A sincere attempt is made in this keynote paper to emphasis the fact that a metrologist is not only a person familiar with the science and application of metrology, but also having an eye for the details. The chosen topic is so wide in its scope that an account of author's own experience is presented here to mainly serve as a starter.

3 illus, 9 ref

007009   Sharma R D;Sarkar R;Dutta S (Faculty of Technology, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, Cooch Behar-736 165, Email: rupak@iitg.ernet.in) : Run-off generation from fields with different land use and land covers under extreme storm events. Curr Sci 2013, 104(8), 1046-53.

Land use and land covers (LULC) are known to influence hydrological processes like infiltration and run-off generation from the watersheds. We report here the effects of some common LULC types on run-off generation in North East India. LULC were found to be closely related to soil macroporosity and the resulting infiltration and surface run-off generation capacities under varying high-intensity rainfall events. The MACRO 5.0 model was used to simulate water transport through soils in both macropore and micropore domains. The model simulations revealed that LULC significantly influenced the moisture content and water flow rate in both the domains. Undisturbed forest soils, having a high degree of macroporosity, showed higher preferential flow and low run-off. However, paddy fields exhibited very high surface run-off due to lower infiltration owing to hard pan formation at a shallow depth. Soils under jhum cultivation showed significant number of active macropores in the upper soil layer, whereas the macropore connectivity was apparently lost in the lower horizons. Less infiltration of rainwater was observed in the grasslands, where the surface-initiated macropores were blocked by eroded, fine soil particles. Under extreme storm events, rainfall characteristics primarily controlled the run-off generation processes as the intake capacity of the soil macropores was exceeded.

4 illus, 6 tables, 42 ref

007008   Sharma J P;Sekhon S S (Physics Dep, Doaba College, Jalandhar, Email: sharma_jp@yahoo.co.in) : Effect of plasticizer and fumed silica on ionic conductivity behaviour of proton conducting polymer electrolytes containing HPF₆. Bull Mater Sci 2013, 36(4), 629-34.

The effect of addition of propylene carbonate (PC) and nano-sized fumed silica on the ionic conductivity behaviour of proton conducting polymer electrolytes containing different concentrations of hexafluorophosphoric acid (HPF₆) in polyethylene oxide (PEO) has been studied. The addition of PC results in an increase in ionic conductivity, whereas the addition of nano-sized fumed silica improves mechanical strength of electrolytes along with a small increase in ionic conductivity. It was observed that the simultaneous addition of PC and fumed silica results in electrolytes with optimum value of ionic conductivity and other properties.

8 illus, 2 tables, 34 ref

007007   Shabeer H A;Zubar H A (AVS Engineering College, , Salem, Tamil Nadu, Email: abdulshabeer@gmail.co) : Safety device to prevent cell phone accidents. J scient ind Res 2014, 73(6), 361-8.

With the use of cell phone for conversation and Internet have become essential in everyday life. The number of cellular subscriber has reached more than 6.8 billion subscribers around the globe (i.e., 97 phones per 100 citizens). This significant rise in use of cellular phone leads to increase in road accidents while driving. Various researches have proved that the use of Cell phone while driving plays a major contributing factor in a growing number of vehicular crashes. As the technology becomes more conventional and users become more technologically dependent, the need to reduce distraction-related risk while operating a motor vehicle also increases. This paper proposed a new innovative real time safety device based on Surface Mount Technologies (SMT) which helps in preventing the cell phone accidents. This system is also tested in roads and the effectiveness of the system by comparing with other existing system have also been discussed.

5 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

007006   Senthilkumar N;Tmizharasan T (Adhiparasakthi Engineering College, , Melmaruvathur-603 319, Email: nsk@adhiparasakthi.in) : Experimental investigation of cutting zone temperature and flank wear correlation in turning AISI 1045 steel with different tool geometries. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2014, 21(2), 139-48.

This paper focuses on the experimental investigation and analysis of temperature generated at the cutting zone during machining and the wear of cutting insert at the flank face and the relationship between these parameters. Uncoated cemented carbide inserts of different geometries are used to turn AISI 1045 steel. Three levels of cutting insert geometries cutting insert shape (included angle), relief angle and nose radius are chosen. Taguchi's design of experiments (DoE) is used to design the experiments and using signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio, the control parameters are analyzed, showing a correlation between the two responses. Analysis of variance is performed to determine the most significant factor over the responses and empirical models are developed for predicting the responses using multiple linear regression models. Cutting zone temperature is mostly influenced by nose radius followed by cutting insert shape and for flank wear the significance of cutting insert shape is more, followed by nose radius. Confirmation experiment performed with optimum cutting insert geometry shows a reduction in cutting zone temperature and flank wear.

15 illus, 9 tables, 31 ref

007005   Senthil R;Silambarasan R (Mechanical Engineering Dep, University College of Engineering, Villupuram, Tamilnadu, Email: drrs1970@yahoo.com) : Effect of ethanol blend addition on performance and emission of diesel engine operated with Jatropha & Pongamia methyl esters. J scient ind Res 2014, 73(7), 453-5.

This project aims at using ethanol as an alternate fuel for Direct Injection Compression Ignition engine and blending it with some lubricating oils to increase the lubricating property of ethanol. This replacement of conventional Diesel with ethanol requires some of the properties of ethanol to be altered. The corrosive nature of ethanol is very high that it may corrode the fuel pump system. In order to increase the lubricating property of ethanol, it is blended with some of the lubricating oils. Some of the preferred lubricating oils are methyl esters of Jatrophaoil, Pongamia oil etc. Ethanol is blended with these lubricating oils to reduce the corrosive property of Ethanol. The blended ethanol lubricating oil homogenous mixture's properties are compared with conventional diesel. The different fuel blends are used in the direct injection CI engine, the performance and emission characteristics are calculated and they are compared with diesel and a perfect blend is analysed.

3 illus, 19 ref

007004   Selvan R V;Raju N;Ravichandran G;Suresh S (NO, Welding Research Institute, BHEL, Tiruchirappalli-620 014) : Application of magnetic barkhausen noise method for characterisation of residual stresses. WRI Jl 2013, 34(2), 5-11.

Magnetic methods are used for the non-destructive testing in engineering industries widely because of its simple and reliable operation. The magnetic techniques are applicable only to materials which can be magnetised upon electrification. The techniques include Magnetic particle testing, Magnetic coercive method and Magnetic Barkhausen Noise. Magnetic Barkhausen Noise reveals the stress, hardness and surface condition of materials. Also Magnetic Barkhausen Noise varies with microstructure of the material. In this research work, the application of the Magnetic Barkhausen Noise technique is investigated in checking the residual stresses and surface damages produced on the ferrite grade materials, provided proper calibration is carried out for the process and material. The calibration was carried out for SA106 Grade B material, extracted from 25 mm thick pipe and SMAW welding process was employed for the welding. The Bi-axial calibration differentiates the residual stress state in base metal, HAZ and weld metal regions. The method of calibration for residual stress and sensitivity of Barkhausen technique with respect to longitudinal and transverse direction is discussed.

6 illus, 10 ref

007003   Satya Kishore M;Srimathi P;Sundeep Kumar; ddepalli S;Swaminathan S;Tilak V;Colborn R (GE Global Research, John F Welch Technology Centre, , Bangalore-560 066, Email: sundeep.kumar1@ge.com) : Combustion synthesis of graphene and ultracapacitor performance. Bull Mater Sci 2013, 36(4), 667-72.

Graphene sheets are synthesized by a simple method starting from graphitic oxide as a precursor. Reaction of graphitic oxide at 250°C with a combustion mixture of urea and ammonium nitrate results in the formation of thin graphene sheets. Graphene formation is characterized by XRD, TGA, XPS and TEM. Graphene materials synthesized by this method are investigated as an ultracapacitor material. Specific capacitance values of about 70 F/g are obtained at a current density of 100 mA/g by using KOH as an electrolyte.

6 illus, 27 ref

007002   Satheesh S K;Krishna Moorthy K (Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, and Divecha Centre for Climate Chang, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560 012, Email: satheesh@caos.iisc.ernet.in) : AEROSAT - a space-borne sensor for continental aerosols: evaluation of the conceptual model. Curr Sci 2013, 104(8), 1008-13.

Even though satellite observations are the most effective means to gather global information in a short span of time, the challenges in this field still remain over continental landmass, despite most of the aerosol sources being land-based. This is a hurdle in global and regional aerosol climate forcing assessment. Retrieval of aerosol properties over land is complicated due to irregular terrain characteristics and the high and largely uncertain surface reflection which acts as `noise' to the much smaller amount of radiation scattered by aerosols, which is the `signal'. In this paper, r - the `Aerosol Satellite (AEROSAT)', which is capable of retrieving aerosols over land with much more accuracy and reduced dependence on models. The sensor, utilizing a set of multi-spectral and multi-angle measurements of polarized components of radiation reflected from the Earth's surface, along with measurements of thermal infrared broadband radiance, results in a large reduction of the `noise' component (compared to the `signal'). A conceptual engineering model of AEROSAT has been designed, developed and used to measure the land-surface features in the visible spectral band. Analysing the received signals using a polarization radiative transfer approach, we demonstrate the superiority of this method. It is expected that satellites carrying sensors following the AEROSAT concept would be `self-sufficient', to obtain all the relevant information required for aerosol retrieval from its own measurements.

5 illus, 21 ref

007001   Sang N D;Quang P H;Tu L T;Hop D T B (NO, Hanoi University of Science, Vietnam National Usniversity, Hanoi, 334 Nguyen Trai, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi, Vietnam, Email: phquang2711@yahoo.com) : Effect of electrodeposition potential on composition and morphology of CIGS absorber thin film. Bull Mater Sci 2013, 36(4), 735-41.

CuInGaSe (CIGS) thin films were deposited on Mo/soda-lime glass substrates by electrodeposition at different potentials ranging from -0.3 to -1.1 V vs Ag/AgCl. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) studies of unitary Cu, Ga, In and Se systems, binary Cu-Se, Ga-Se and In-Se systems and quaternary Cu-In-Ga-Se were carried out to understand the mechanism of deposition of each constituent. Concentration of the films was determined by energy dispersive spectroscopy. Structure and morphology of the films were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope. The underpotential deposition mechanism of Cu-Se and In-Se phases was observed in voltammograms of binary and quaternary systems. Variation in composition with applied potentials was explained by cyclic voltammetry (CV) data. A suitable potential range from -0.8 to -1.0 V was found for obtaining films with desired and stable stoichiometry. In the post-annealing films, chalcopyrite structure starts forming in the samples deposited at -0.5 V and grows on varying the applied potential towards negative direction. By adjusting the composition of electrolyte, we obtained the desired stoichiometry of Cu(In_0.7Ga_0.3)Se₂.

6 illus, 3 tables, 18 ref

007000   Rangabhashiyam S;Giri A N;Nangagopal M S; Selvaraju N (Chemical Engineering Dep, National Institute of Technology, Calicut, Kozhikode-673 601, Email: selvaraju@nitc.ac.in) : Novel approach of the modified BET Isotherm towards continuous column study. J scient ind Res 2014, 73(7), 489-94.

Adsorption can be used to treat wastewater containing pollutants even at the low concentration in a very effective manner. The significance of the Langmuir, Brunauer Emmet Teller Isotherm was investigated for the perfect correlation with the experimental data. A theoretical one dimension dynamic model was proposed to understand the behavior of fixed bed with the assumption of straight through run mode of operation. The limitations associated with the application of classical Brunauer Emmet Teller to the liquid phase modeling were represented. The results were correlated using the theory and experimental observation available in the recently published literature through Mathematical derivation and MATLAB. The present study reveals that the modified Brunauer Emmet Teller isotherm posses the potential towards the applicability as Monolayer Langmuir adsorption isotherm under the condition of number of layer is equal to one.

3 illus, 15 ref

006999   Rang R;Guo X;Ji D;Kan J (School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225002, China, Email: jqkan@yzu.edu.cn) : Synthesis and characterization of functional superparamagnetic nanocomposites containing γ-Fe₂O₃, dexamethasone sodium phosphate and polyaniline. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2014, 21(2), 207-13.

Superparamagnetic nanomaterials are showing great prospects in medical treatment with targeted medicine. A conceptually new method has been developed for the synthesis of a superparamagnetic nanocomposite, γ-Fe₂O₃/PANI-DSP (γ-Fe₂O₃/PANI doped with dexamethasone sodium phosphate). The properties of γ-Fe₂O₃PANI-DSP are tested using FTIR, UV-vis, energy dispersive X-ray, vibrating sample magnetometer, transmission electron microscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The results show that the electric conductivity of γ-Fe₂O₃/PANI-DSP is as high as 0.11 S cm^{-1, while the saturated magnetizations of γ-Fe₂O₃/PANI-DSP (11.3 emu g-1) decreases in comparison with γ-Fe₂O₃/PANI (29.1 emu g-1). The morphology of γ-Fe₂O₃/PANI-DSP appears as spherical particles with a diameter of approximately 50 nm, which indicates that μ-Fe₂O₃/PANI-DSP would be highly favored in the chemotherapy of a variety of cancers.}

9 illus, 37 ref

006998   Ramasesha S K;Chakraborty A (Divecha Centre for Climate Change, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560 012, Email: sheela@caos.iisc.ernet.in) : Power generation using wind energy in northwest Karnataka, India. Curr Sci 2013, 104(6), 757-61.

On the backdrop of climate change scenario, there is emphasis on controlling emission of greenhouse gases such as CO₂. Major thrust being seen worldwide as well as in India is for generation of electricity from renewable sources like solar and wind. Chitradurga area of Karnataka is identified as a suitable location for the production of electricity from wind turbines because of high wind-energy resource. The power generated and the performance of 18 wind turbines located in this region are studied based on the actual field data collected over the past seven years. Our study shows a good prospect for expansion of power production using wind turbines.

8 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

006997   Rakesh Kumar;Goel P;Mathur R;Bhattacharjee B (Rigid Pavements Div, CSIR-Central Road Research Institute, New Delhi-110 025, Email: rakesh_crri@hotmail.com) : Suitability of synthetic fiber for the construction of concrete pavements. J scient ind Res 2014, 73(7), 448-52.

A pavement concrete undergoes dynamic loading and rigorous environmental conditions. Development of shrinkage cracks in plain cement concrete pavements is a major problem especially in tropical regions. To overcome this problem sometime the addition of synthetic fiber to the concrete mix is suggested. This paper briefly discusses the effects of the addition of polypropylene (PP) multifilament and fibrillated fibre on the properties of a paving grade concrete mix of compressive strength 48 MPa and flexural strength 5.4 MPa at 28-day. Concrete mixes containing different dosage of multifilament and fibrillated fiber besides one control mix were used. The important properties of the concrete relevant to its use in pavement such as flexural strength, drying shrinkage, and abrasion resistance etc. were evaluated. The study suggested a significant reduction in drying shrinkage, better resistance to abrasion, and strengths at least at par with controlled concrete for the concrete mixes reinforced with fibre. Further, the comparison of the affects of polypropylene multifilament and fibrillated fibres has indicated similar performance for concrete reinforced with fibrillated fibre.

3 illus, 3 tables, 19 ref

006996   Rajkumar G B;Murugan N (Mechanical Engineering Dep, United Institute of Technology, Coimbatore-641 020, Email: bansalgnanasundaram@gmail.com) : Development of regression models and optimization of FCAW process parameter of 2205 duplex stainless steel. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2014, 21(2), 149-54.

Welding input process parameters are playing significant role to determine the weld bead quality. Thispaper presents an experimental design approach to optimizing the input process parameter of flux cored arc welding (FCAW) of 2205 duplex stainless steel butt weld. FCAW input process parameters such as welding current, welding speed and open circuit voltage are taken as an important parameter to determine the quality of weld. The experiment is conducted based on three factors and five levels of central composite rotatable design with full replication technique. Regression models are developed to determine optimal parameters. Weld metal area of the weld bead, an important bead parameter is optimized (minimized) by keeping weld bead width and reinforcement as constraints to obtain quality weld. The optimized parameter is determined by Excel solver and validated by conducting experiments. The results reveal the interdependence of weld bead quality parameters in controlling weld metal area of the bead to improve the weld quality.

4 illus, 6 tables, 15 ref

006995   Radhakrishnan V (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai-600 036, Email: vpradha007@gmail.com) : Manufacturing metrology and sensing for quality. Mfg Technol Today 2014, 13(4), 4-12.

Metrology and inspection are logically associated with product quality in manufacturing. Quality from a conceptual angle has undergone many changes over the years. Initially it was associated with inspection and later on covered the areas of process control, quality assurance, total quality management and strategic quality management. In the first two phases, i.e. inspection and process control, quality was mostly confined to shop floor activities. The concept of quality assurance took care of the design aspects also into account. A wider coverage involving the people and the system brought out the Total Quality Management concept. A further step, based on the definition of quality as the fitness for the purpose as seen by the customer, brought out the concept of Strategic Quality Management encompassing the quality of the product throughout its life. Thus the concept of quality today covers many angles of the product right, from its concept to final disposal at the end of its life. The important step towards realising the product quality is even now taken at the shop floor level and will continue to be so. Hence product inspection and process control will continue to play a crucial role in our quality efforts. Further, the condition of the process is closely related to the quality it delivers. By monitoring the product quality through changes taking place on the part i.e. dimension finish and geometrical form, it is possible to assess the condition of the process. Manufacturing metrology plays an important role in this. Approaches towards this have changed considerably over the years. Technological innovations have allowed manufacturing metrology to meet the challenges posed by diminishing tolerances, demand for ultra fine finish, closer form adherence and advanced concepts in condition monitoring. This article deals with the trends in the development in this area, present status and future outlook. It deals in detail on the technology available currently and explores areas of research and development to meet future needs.

14 illus, 8 ref

006994   Prakash Vinod;Girish Kumar M;Shashikumar P V (NO, Nano Manufacturing Technolgy Centre, CMTI, Bangalore, Email: prakash.vinod@cmti-india.net) : Addresssing the environmental challenges of nanometrology laboratories. Mfg Technol Today 2014, 13(4), 18-25.

Nanometrology deals with measurements and analysis of dimensions of approximately 1 to 100 nanometres as well as measurement of force, electrical, magnetic and optical properties and to correlate the measured size with properties. Some aspects of this work require extremely stable environments. Very stringent limits are often required on environmental vibration and noise, temperature, EMC, Illumination and Clean Room requirements. The environmental requirements of Nanometrology from the perspective of designing of an advanced Nanometrology laboratory are studied and reviewed in this paper. A desirable environment at a site may be adversely affected by ground vibration from a variety of sources such as road traffic, metro train movements, utility plants and the construction. The environment inside the lab is also affected by temperature fluctuation, humidity, acoustics disturbances, air velocity, EMC, Illumination and cleanliness. All these factors affect the nano level measurements. This paper addresses various environmental conditions, its potential effect on nano level measurements and environmental conditions to be maintained for a nano metrology laboratory.

10 illus, 3 tables, 22 ref

006993   Prabaharan C;Venkatachalam P;Suresh Kumar K; Lenin K (Anna University, , Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Email: prabaharanc@gmail.com) : Parametric optimization of gas tungsten arc welding processes by using factorial design approach. J scient ind Res 2014, 73(6), 415-20.

Experimental study aims to optimize welding parameters in the Gas Tungsten Arc welding of an Inconel 825 alloy. The welding parameters selected for our experimental investigation are welding voltage (V), welding current (I), gas flow rate (GFR), nozzle to plate distance (NPD) and torch angle (θ) and weld deposit area is optimized for the above parameters. A mathematical model is developed by Factorial design approach to find out the relationship between the various process parameters and weld deposit area. The significance of the model was analyzed by the ANOVA. The mathematical model indicated that the increase in welding current, gas flow rate, and torch angle increases weld deposit area and increase in voltage and Nozzle to Plate Distance decreases the Weld Deposited Area.

4 illus, 4 tables, 13 ref

006992   Phaneesh K R;Bhat A;Mukherjee G;Kashyap K T (Mechanical Engineering Dep, MS Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bangalore-560 054, Email: krphaneesh@gmail.com) : On grain growth kinetics in two-phase polycrystalline materials through Monte Carlo simulation. Bull Mater Sci 2013, 36(4), 709-13.

Monte Carlo Potts model simulation was carried out on a 2D square lattice for various surface fractions of second phase particles for over 50,000 iterations. The observations are in good agreement with known theoretical and experimental results with respect to both growth kinetics as well as grain size distribution. Further, the average grain size and the largest grain size were computed for various surface fractions which have indicated normal grain growth and microstructure homogeneity. The surface fraction of the second phase particles interacting with the grain boundaries (Φ), hitherto not computed through the simulation route, is shown to vary inversely as the average grain size due to Zener pinning.

7 illus, 15 ref

006991   Parthiban A;Ravikumar R;Zubar H A;Duraiselvam M (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Jayaram College of Engineering& Technology, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, Email: parthibana@yahoo.co.in) : Experimental investigation of CO₂ laser cutting on AISI 316L sheet. J scient ind Res 2014, 73(6), 387-93.

Laser cutting is a difficult cutting process involves a coherent model for forecast of the process execution. The primary purpose of this study was to examine the influence of cutting condition on Top Kerf width and Bottom Kerf Width while CO2laser cutting of AISI 316L.The input factors considered was the laser power, cutting speed, gas pressure and Thickness of work material. Design of experiment approaches was implemented by using box-Behenken design to make the experiment lay-out. Top Kerf Width and Bottom Kerf Width model for laser cutting were built using Response Surface Methodology, The modified to reduced cubic model have the best agreement with experimental data, and also the Thickness of work material plays a substantial role in achieving to minimize the kerf width.

4 illus, 5 tables, 15 ref

006990   Pari J B;Rani V;Joy S P (Electronics Engineering Dep, MIT Campus, Anna University, Chennai-600 025, Email: brittopari@yahoo.co.in) : Reconfigurable architecture of RNS based high speed FIR filter. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2014, 21(2), 233-40.

In this paper, a high speed reconfigurable FIR filter with multiple taps using accumulator based radix-4 multiplier is proposed. The 3n-bit binary input is converted into three residues using binary to residue number system (RNS) converter and then processed in three FIR sub filters constructed in direct form. The filter structure is implemented with a multiply and accumulate (MAC) architecture using accumulator based radix-4 multiplier. The reconfigurable structure is achieved by combining power of two (PoT) FIR sub modules and the coefficients are altered during runtime. The proposed design is tested and implemented for 20-tap FIR filter. The architecture is implemented using VHDL and synthesized using Altera cyclone II EP2C35F672C6. The performance results show that the architecture achieves low power and high speed and variable tap flexibility.

8 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

006989   Pandey G P;Hashmi S A (Physics and Astrophysics Dep, University of Delhi, Delhi-110 007, Email: sahashmi@physics.du.ac.in) : Studies on electrical double layer capacitor with a low-viscosity ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetracyanoborate as electrolyte. Bull Mater Sci 2013, 36(4), 729-33.

The performance of an electrical double layer capacitor (EDLC) composed of high surface area activated carbon electrodes and a new ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetracyanoborate, [EMIm]TCB, as the electrolyte has been investigated by impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge studies. The high ionic conductivity (~1.3 x 10^{-2 S cm-1 at 20°C) and low viscosity (~22 cP) of the ionic liquid, [EMIm]TCB, make it attractive as electrolyte for its use in EDLCs. The optimum capacitance value of 195.5 F g-1 of activated carbon has been achieved with stable cyclic performance.}

5 illus, 2 tables, 25 ref

006988   Nagpal A;Rawat M;Verma P R;Samra R K;Verma R; Kaur J (Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge Dep, Himachal Dental College, Sundernagar) : Effect of different concentrations of glass fibres on transverse strength of four different brands of heat cure denture base resins - a comparative study. Indian J dent Sci 2014, 6(1), 37-40.

Acrylic resin dentures are susceptible to fracture which is a problem of concern in Prosthodontics. Flexural fatigue failure and impact failure are two most important causes of fracture of denture bases. Reinforcement of denture base resins with glass fibres had shown a positive effect on the transverse strength of dentures base resins. Purpose of the study- Study was carried out to assess the effect of different concentration of glass fibre reinforcement on transverse strength of four different brands of heat cure denture base resins. A total number of two hundred test specimens were prepared in this study. They were divided into four groups A, B, C & D each having fifty samples. On the basis of different concentration of glass fibres, the groups were further divided into five subgroups having ten specimens each. All the samples were tested on universal testing machine and three point bending test was done. The mean transverse strength obtained for each subgroup from the three point bending test was statistially analyzed. One way ANOVA was done for comparison between the groups. Post -hoc Tukey HSD test was done for comparison between the subgroups. Result indicate that up to 2% increase in glass fibre concentration in denture base resins showed a marked improvement in the transverse strength. Further increase in concentration of glass fibres showed weakening effect on the transverse strength of heat cure denture base resins.

4 illus, 3 tables, 13 ref

006987   MuraliG;Santhi A S;Mohan Ganesh G (School of Mechanical and Building Sciences, VIT University, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, Email: as_santhi@vit.ac.in) : Empirical relationship between the impact energy and compressive strength for fiber reinforced concrete. J scient ind Res 2014, 73(7), 409-73.

In this study, an empirical relationship between the impact energy and compressive strength is developed using regression analysis. For this, simple, practical, and economical drop weight test was performed on fiber reinforced concrete which was based on the testing procedure recommended by ACI committee 544. Crimped steel fiber of 50 mm length and an aspect ratio of 50 was used as the reinforcing material in four different volume fractions such as 0%, 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5% with water cement ratio of 0.42. The test results indicated that increasing volume fraction of fiber increased the impact resistance of concrete specimen. It is also found that the empirical relationship obtained from the regression analysis is accurate and preferable to evaluate the impact energy by using compressive strength of fiber reinforced concrete thus eliminating the drop weight test.

3 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

006986   Mu Y;Liang B (Materials and Chemical Engineering School, Zhongyuan University of Technology, Zhengzhou-450007, Henan, P.R.China, Email: yunchaomu@126.com) : Combustion reaction of Ti-Al-C-N system. Bull Mater Sci 2013, 36(4), 673-5.

The combustion reaction of Ti-Al-C-N system was investigated by using Ti powders and one CNx precursor powder as reactant powder blends. The reactant powder blends ratio was adjusted to obtain different materials. The phase composition of the samples was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The microstructure of the samples was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The result showed that Ti₂Al(C, N)-TiAlx, AlN-Ti(C, N) and Ti₃Al(C, N)₂-TiC composites can be fabricated by changing the reactant powder blends ratio.

4 illus, 13 ref

006985   Mosaddad S M;Delphi M (Faculty Member of Physics Group, Islamic Azad University, Shoushtar Branch, Shoushtar, Iran, Email: Mosaddad5@gmail.com) : Numerical simulation of turbulence in Northern part of the Persian Gulf. Indian J Geomar Sci 2014, 43(2), 252-7.

In the present study, authors present evidence of a clear coupling between thermocline and turbulence in northern part of the Persian Gulf (PG). A mechanism for generating the turbulence observed on the thermocline sheets is established by running a turbulence closure through the POM (Princeton Ocean Model), established by 1. Turbulence kinetic energy increasing will be resulted from winter to summer due to thermocline development in northern part of the PG.

6 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

006984   Mohanty J R;Das H C;Mohanty A C (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Veer Surendra Sai University, Burla, Sambalpur-768 018, Email: guddy95@gmail.com) : A comparative study of fatigue life prediction of 7020 Al-alloy under load ratio effect. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2014, 21(2), 179-88.

Most of engineering structures and components come across complicated fatigue loading during their service lives. From economical point of view it is essential to predict residual life in order to avoid catastrophic failure by scheduling suitable inspection intervals. In the present investigation, fatigue life of 7020 T7 Al alloy under constant amplitude loading with load ratio effects has been predicted by adopting an `Exponential Model'. The performance of the proposed model has been compared with artificial neural network (ANN) and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). It is observed that the fatigue life predicted by exponential model is comparatively better with maximum percentage deviation of -0.65% in comparison to ANN and ANFIS which are -4.37% and -2.48% respectively.

11 illus, 4 tables, 20 ref

006983   Mohandass S;Umamaheswari G (Electronics and Communication Engg Dep, PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore-641004, Email: mohandass25@yahoo.com) : Cognitive radio transmission based on chip-level space time block coded MC-DS-CDMA over fast-fading channel. J scient ind Res 2014, 73(7), 443-7.

In this paper, a transmit diversity technique using chip level space time block coding (chip-STBC) is investigated for the downlink transmission of multicarrier direct sequence code division multiple access (MC-DS-CDMA) based cognitive radio base station. Synchronous transmission of multiple users' signals over fast fading frequency selective Rayleigh channel is considered. Conventional symbol level space time block coding techniques cannot be applied in such channel conditions, since the coherence time of the channel will be less than the symbol period. Therefore, chip level STBC with chip level linear minimum mean square error frequency domain equalization (LMMSE-FDE) is utilized to achieve space-time diversity. The proposed cognitive radio system involves three adaptive techniques namely, variable-length-code spreading, adaptive modulation, and adaptive subcarrier deactivation, to achieve flexibility and improved performance in a dynamic wireless environment. Orthogonal Variable Spreading Factor (OVSF) codes are used to support users of different data bit rates. Adaptive modulation technique is used to improve the data throughput of the system. Adaptive subcarrier deactivation method is proposed for deactivating a set of subcarriers to avoid causing interference to the primary user. The simulation results show significant bit error ratio (BER) performance gain over conventional single antenna systems.

3 illus, 15 ref

006982   Mera T;Pandey A K;Rao B K (CSIR-Central Building Research Institute, , Roorkee-247 667, Email: akp_sed@rediffmail.com) : Flexural behaviour of latex modified steel fiber reinforced concrete. Indian J Engng Mater Sci 2014, 21(2), 219-26.

The flexural behaviour of plain concrete (PC), latex modified concrete (LMC) and latex modified steel fiber reinforced concrete (LMSFC) beams are studied under monotonic third point loading till ultimate stages. All the three types of concretes are designed for M-30 grade concrete. In LMC styrene butadiene latex 10% of cement weight is used. LMSFC concrete crimped steel fiber of aspect ratio of 16.67 at 1% of volume of concrete and SBR latex equal to 10% weight of cement are incorporated. An experimental program consisting of tests on latex modified concrete, latex modified steel iber reinforced concrete and plain reinforced concrete are conducted under flexural loading. Beams are reinforced with bottom longitudinal steel bars and transverse steel stirrups. Tests on PC, LMC and LMSFC beam specimens have been conducted to establish load-deflection curves. The various parameters, such as stress-strain variation, first crack load, ultimate load, deflection ductility and strain variation along the depth of the beams have been carried out and a quantitative comparison are made at various stages of loading. It is found from this study that the neglect of fiber and latex contribution may considerably underestimate the flexural capacity of latex modified fiber-reinforced concrete beams. The present study also indicates that the ductility in LMC and LMSFC is increased by 45.94% and 50.27% respectively as compared to PC beams.

15 illus, 11 tables, 15 ref

006981   Mandal S;Katiyar M (Materials Science and Engineering Dep, Samtel Centre for Display Techn, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur-208 016, Email: mk@iitk.ac.in) : Processing and performance of organic insulators as a gate layer in organic thin film transistors fabricated on polyethylene terephthalate substrate. Bull Mater Sci 2013, 36(4), 653-60.

Fabrication of organic thin film transistor (OTFT) on flexible substrates is a challenge, because of its low softening temperature, high roughness and flexible nature. Although several organic dielectrics have been used as gate insulator, it is difficult to choose one in absence of a comparative study covering processing of dielectric layer on polyethylene terephthalate (PET), characterization of dielectric property, pentacene film morphology and OTFT characterization. Here, we present the processing and performance of three organic dielectrics, poly(4-vinylphenol) (PVPh), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), as a gate layer in pentacene-based organic thin film transistor on PET substrate. We have used thermogravimetric analysis of organic dielectric solution to determine annealing temperature for spin-coated films of these dielectrics. Comparison of the leakage currents for the three dielectrics shows PVA exhibiting lowest leakage (in the voltage range of -30 to +30 V). This is partly because solvent is completely eliminated in the case of PVA as observed by differential thermogravimetric analysis (DTGA). We propose that DTGA can be a useful tool to optimize processing of dielectric layers. From organic thin film transistor point of view, crystal structure, morphology and surface roughness of pentacene film on all the dielectric layers were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We observe pyramidal pentacene on PVPh whereas commonly observed dendritic pentacene on PMMA and PVA surface. Pentacene morphology development is discussed in terms of surface roughness, surface energy and molecular nature of the dielectric layer.

9 illus, 4 tables, 30 ref