004821   Sastry D V K (NO, Microsystems Lab, Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad) : Radio frequecy microelectromechanical systems in defence and aerospace. Def Sci J 2009, 59(6), 568-79.

Controls and instrumentation in defence and aerospace continually calls for newer technologies and developments. One such technology showing remarkable potential over the years is radio frequency microelectromechanical systems (RF MEMS) which have already made their presence felt prominently by offering replacement in radar and communication systems with high quality factors and precise tunability. The RF MEMS components have emerged as potential candidates for defence and aerospace applications. The core theme of the study is to drive home the fact that the limitations faced by the current RF devices can be overcome by the flexibility and better device performance characteristics of RF MEMS components, which ultimately propagate the device level benefits to the final system to attain the unprecedented levels of performance.

^iia16 illus, 3 tables, 21 ref

004820   Sargaonkar A;Islam R (Environmental Systems Design and Modelling Div, National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR), Nehru Marg, Nagpur-440 020, Email: ap_sargaonkar@neeri.res.in) : Application of GIS in water distribution system assessment. J envir Sci Engng 2009, 51(4), 321-4.

Water distribution system (WDS) is the most important component of water supply chain - supplying water from source to consumer. When supply system is poorly maintained, contaminants enter into the supply pipes through cracks and this leads to significant public health risk. Being underground, pipe condition assessment is a difficult task. A case study is presented for assessment of pipe condition in a water distribution network of Moinbagh area in Hyderabad (India). The mathematical model-Pipe Condition Assessment (PCA) Model was used, which utilise GIS based maps of water distribution network, sewer network, drains and soil as input in addition to data on physical properties of the network as well as operational parameters. The application of PCA identified that only 3% pipes in the network were in bad condition.

5 illus, 5 ref

004819   Sanjay P R;Hallikeri K;Shivashankara A R (Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Dep, SDM College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, Karnataka, Email: drcauveri2005@yahoo.co.in) : Evaluation of salivary sialic acid, total protein, and total sugar in oral cancer. Indian J dent Res 2008, 19(4), 288-91.

Detection of cancer at the early stage is of utmost importance to decrease the morbidity and mortality of the disease. Apart from the conventional biopsy, noninvasive methods like analysis of saliva may provide a cost-effective approach for screening a large population. Thus, the study aimed to estimate salivary levels of sialic acid, total protein, and total sugar in the oral cancer patients and in healthy control group to evaluate their role in diagnosis and prognosis of oral cancer. Unstimulated whole saliva samples were collected from 30 healthy controls (Group I) and 30 squamous cell carcinoma patients (group II). Estimations of salivary levels of sialic acid, total protein, and total sugar were performed. This was correlated histopathologically with the grades of carcinoma. The Student's `t' test and multivariate regression analysis were performed. The results showed that salivary levels of total protein, total sugar, protein-bound sialic acid, and free sialic acid were significantly higher in oral cancer patients compared to those of normal healthy controls (P values in all the results were less than 0.001). The salivary free sialic acid levels were found to be significantly higher in well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma than in moderately differentiated carcinoma (P < 0.001). However, protein-bound sialic acid, total proteins, and total sugars did not show any statistical significance between well and moderately differentiated carcinomas. Biochemical analysis of saliva can be used in early detection of cancer and is best correlated with histopathological degree of squamous cell carcinoma.

4 tables, 27 ref

004818   Sanikommu N;Joshi A S (NO, International Advanced Research Center for Powder Metallurgy & New Ma, PO Balapur, Hyderabad-500 005) : Centralized monitoring and control of air conditioning units. J scient ind Res 2009, 68(11), 934-9.

Virtual instrument has been developed using LabVIEW graphical programming language to monitor current drawn by air conditioning units (ACUs) at a central location. Minimal hardware changes are required for implementation of new design system in existing ACU installations. Substantial reduction in cabling cost is achieved by designing additional hardware to reduce number of cables, connecting data acquisition card to AC systems.

004817   Saha H;Roy Chaudhuri C (NO, Jadavpur University, Kolkata-700 032) : Complementary metal oxide semiconductors - microelectromechanical systems integration. Def Sci J 2009, 59(6), 557-67.

Integration of the complementry metal oxide semiconductors (CMOS) circuit with the microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) structures for sensing and RF applications has been presented. Specifically, the integrated mechanical sensors, chemical gas sensors, and biochemical sensors have been discussed. Application of MEMS as switches, varactors, and inductors and their integration in RF circuits has also been highlighted. The fabrication and design challenges for the CMOS-MEMS integration have been described. A new design methodology for integration of thermal effects in an integrated pressure sensor has been proposed.

^iia5 illus, 90 ref

004816   Ramalingam R;Anitha G;Shanmugam J (NO, Madras Institute of Technology, Anna University, Chrompet, Chennai-600 044) : Microelectromechanical systems inertial measurement unit error modelling and error analysis for low-cost strapdown inertial navigation system. Def Sci J 2009, 59(6), 650-8.

Presents error modelling and error analysis of microelectromechnical systems (MEMS) inertial measurement unit (IMU) for a low-cost strapdown inertial navigation system (INS). The INS consists of IMU and navigation processor. The IMU provides acceleration and angular rate of the vehicle in all the three axes. Errors that affect the MEMS IMU, which is of low cost and less volume, are stochastically modeled and analysed using Allan variance. Wavelet decomposition has been introduced to remove the high frequency noise that affects the sensors to obtain the original values of angular rates and accelerations with less noise. This increases the accuracy of the strapdown INS. The results show the effect of errors in the output of sensors, easy interpretation of random errors by Allan variance, the increase in the accuracy when wavelet decomposition is used for denoising inertial sensor raw data.

14 illus, 3 tables, 10 ref

004815   Rajeev Ranjan (Materials Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560 012, Email: rajeev@materials.iisc.in) : Subtle structural distortions in some dielectric perovskites. J Indian Inst Sci 2008, 88(2), 211-33.

Dielectric perovskites exhibit a range of interesting phenomenon such as ferroelectricity, piezoelectricity, pyroelectricity, which have important technological implications. These materials show strong structure-property correlations. Majority of the perovskites exhibit crystal structures, which can be described in terms of distortions of the cubic prototype. In some cases the distortions are extremely weak and impossible to detect by x-ray diffraction (even at synchrotron sources). In such cases, use of complementary techniques, such as neutron powder diffraction and electron microdiffraction, are mandatory to reveal them. Reviews the work we have carried out over the past one decade on some dielectric and ferroelectric perovskites, with special emphasis on the subtle aspects of the structural distortions. Examples are taken from systems such as SrTiO₃-CaTiO₃, PbZrO₃-PbTiO₃, Na_0.5Ln_0.5TiO₃ (Ln = La, Pr and Nd), Na_0.5Nd_0.5TiO₃-SrTiO₃ and Pr-doped SrTiO₃. The first four cases have been chosen to highlight the global symmetry breaking due to the subtle distortions, some of them of very uncommon type. The last example emphasizes how analysis of the anomalous value of lattice parameter obtained by Rietveld refinement of the cubic structure is linked with the development of ferroelectric polar nano regions in the system.

29 illus, 98 ref

004814   Padhi S K;Singh R K (Chemical Engineering Dep, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela-769 008) : Hydrodynamic studies of gas-solid fluidization in hexagonal bed for non-spherical particles. J scient ind Res 2009, 68(11), 951-4.

Hydrodynamic properties (minimum fluidization velocity, pressure drop at minimum fluidization, minimum bubbling velocity, minimum slugging velocity, particulate fluidization, bubbling fluidization, expansion ratio, fluctuation ratio etc.) of gas solid fluidization in hexagonal bed. Experimental values of these properties in hexagonal bed have been compared with corresponding values in cylindrical bed.

004813   Murthy G S N;Prakash Y S;Arun Kumar;Padaki V C (NO, Defence Bio-Engineering and Electromedical Laboratory, Bangalore-560 093) : Submarine escape set test facilities. Def Sci J 2009, 59(4), 441-6.

Submarine Escape Set (SES) is used by submariners to escape from a sunken submarine. This set caters for breathing needs of the submariner under water, until he reaches the surface. Evaluation of such life-saving equipment is of paramount importance. Describes the submarine escape set and various constructional features and schedules of operation of test facilities designed indegenously and which can evaluate the SES. The test facility is divided into two parts: the reducer test facility, and the breathing bag test facility. The equipment has been rigorously tested and accepted by Indian Navy. Two such test facilities have been developed, one of which is installed at INS Satavahana, Visakhapatnam, and are working satisfactorily.

^ssc6 illus, 6 tables, 5 ref

004812   Mukhopadahyay N;Bose P K (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Jalpaiguri Government Engineering College, Jalpaiguri-735 102, Email: nm_1231@yahoo.com) : Further theoretical studies of modified cyclone separator as a diesel soot particulate emission arrester. J envir Sci Engng 2009, 51(4), 283-94.

Soot particulate emission reduction from diesel engine is one of the most emerging problems associated with the exhaust pollution. Diesel particulate filters (DPF) hold out the prospects of substantially reducing regulated particulate emissions but the question of the reliable regeneration of filters still remains a difficult hurdle to overcome. Many of the solutions proposed to date suffer from design complexity, cost, regeneration problem and energy demands. Presents a computer aided theoretical analysis for controlling diesel soot particulate emission by cyclone separator - a non contact type particulate removal system considering outer vortex flow, inner vortex flow and packed ceramic fiber filter at the end of vortex finder tube. Cyclone separator with low initial cost, simple construction produces low back pressure and reasonable high collection efficiencies with reduced regeneration problems. Cyclone separator is modified by placing a continuous ceramic packed fiber filter placed at the end of the vortex finder tube. The grade efficiency model of diesel soot particulate emission is proposed considering outer vortex, inner vortex and the continuous ceramic packed fiber filter. Pressure drop model is also proposed considering the effect of the ceramic fiber filter. Proposed model gives reasonably good collection efficiency with permissible pressure drop limit of diesel engine operation. Theoretical approach is preducted for calculating the cut size diameter considering the effect of Cunningham molecular slip correction factor. The result shows good agreements with existing cyclone and DPF flow characteristics.

20 ills, 57 ref

004811   Moorthy J N (Chemistry Dep, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur-208 01, Email: moorthy@iitk.ac.in) : Crystal engineering with sterically-hindered molecular modules: unique supramolecular synthons and novel molecular self assembly. J Indian Inst Sci 2008, 88(2), 131-49.

Influence of sterics on the manifestation of supposedly robust supramolecular synthons has been examined in rationally designed molecular modules to afford novel insights as to the molecular self-assembly in the solid state. It is shown that novel molecular modules created by incorporating steric factors can be exploited to engineer porous crystals, which are sustained by hydrogen bonds and metal-ligand coordination bonds.

15 illus, 52 ref

004810   Misra R;Gedam N;Waghmare S;Masid S;Neti N R (Wastewater Technology Div, National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Council of Scie, Nehru Marg, Nagpur-440 020, Email: nn_rao@neeri.res.in) : Landfill leachate treatment by the combination of physico-chemical and electrochemical methods. J envir Sci Engng 2009, 51(4), 315-20.

Lechate originating in landfills, where industrial solid wastes are disposed of is a complex wastewater that could exert high environmental impact. Treatment of landfill leachage particularly removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) through adsorption, chemical oxidation (KMnO₄), electrocoagulation and electrochemical oxidation processes was studied. The combined processes, viz. KMnO₄ and hypo, electrocoagulation and KMnO₄, electrocoagulation and hypo, adsorption and KMnO₄, adsorption and hypo were also investigated and the comparison was studied. The treatment of landfill leachage by electrochemical oxidation was carried out in a batch electrolytic parallel plate (Stainless Steel (SS)// Carbon) and fixed bed three dimensional electrode reactor using granular activated carbon as particle electrode. The removal of COD obtained was 8.9% by electrocoagulation 12.3% by KMnO₄, 12.7% by adsorption and 22.2% by electrochemical oxidation using parallel plate electrode reactor. A maximul of 78.2% COD reduction was achieved by electrochemical oxidation in three dimensional electrode carbon bed reactor. The electrooxidation of leachate in three-dimensional electrode reactor required less electrical energy compared to parallel plate configuration. It was inferred that the use of three-dimensional electrode reactor can have more partical advantages.

3 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

004809   Milovanovic J;Stojkovic M;Trajanovic M (NO, , Faculty of Mechanical Engineering Nis, A. Medvedeva 14, 18000 Nis, Serbia) : Rapid tooling of tyre tread ring mould using direct metal laser sintering. J scient ind Res 2009, 68(12), 1038-42.

Outlines a feasibility study of using direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) for rapid tooling (RT) of tread ring of tyre vulcanization mould. Lead time and costs for rapid tooling with DMLS is acceptable for small mould segments (1/64 of tread ring). RT strategy that utilizes DMLS appeared to have significant advantages concerning lead time and costs as compared to conventional tooling of tyre mould including CNC-HSM engraving. Simplicity of tread ring tooling by DMLS makes new tyre development and test easier and faster.

004808   Mahendran G;Balasubramanian V;Senthilvelan T; Lakshminarayanan A K (Centre for Material Joining & Research, Manufacturing Dep, Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu) : Developing empirical relationships to predict diffusion layer thickness, hardness and strength of Al-Cu dissimilar joints. Indian Weld J 2008, 41(3), 37-45.

Principal difficulty when joining Aluminium (AI) and commercial grade Copper (Cu) lies in the existence of formation of oxide films and brittle intermetallics in the bond region. However, diffusion bonding can be used to join these alloys without much difficulty. Temperature, pressure and holding time are the three main variables, which govern the integrity of the diffusion bonds. The experiments were conducted based on three factors, five-levels, and central composite rotatable design with full replications technique. Empirical relationships were developed to predict diffusion layer thickness, hardness, strength of AI-Cu joints incorporating process parameters using Response Surface Methodology. The developed relationships can be effectively used to predict the bond properties at 95 % confidence level.

6 illus, 4 tables, 11 ref

004807   Linga Murthy A;Krishna Y (NO, Research Center Imarat, Hyderabad-500 069) : Design and analysis of MEMS-based microballoon actuators for aerodynamic control of flight vehicles. Def Sci J 2009, 59(6), 642-9.

Deals with the development of a robust, largedeflection, and large-force MEMS-based microballoon actuator for aerodynamic control of flight vehicles such as projectiles, micro air vehicles, aircrafts, etc. Experiments were carried out on the scaled-up models for different input pressure conditions to study the response of microballoon actuator. Evaluates the performance of the microballoon actuators, simulation studies on MEMS scale models were conducted in the CoventorWare environment. Simulation studies involving static and dynamic analyses have been carried-out on the microballoon actuator models. Various geometric and input parameters influencing the behaviour of the microballoon actuator were investigated. It has been observed that a maximum deflection of 1.2 mm to 1.5 mm can be achieved using microballoon actuators and the maximum operational frequency of 60 Hz to 80 Hz can be used for the operation of microballoon actuators. Also, the sizes of the microballoon actuators designed are compatible and suitable to be used in turbulent boundary layer of aerodynamic flight vehicles.

17 illus, 2 tables, 7 ref

004806   Liao T T;Tseng K H (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Far East University, No. 49, Chung Hua Road, Hsin-Shih Tainan 744, Taiwan) : Error modeling and analysis of light ray path for optical element with hyperbolic boundary surface. J scient ind Res 2009, 68(11), 925-33.

Proposes error analysis methodology to quantify deviations of incident light position and errors of hyperbolic boundary surface frame. Skew ray tracing using Snell's law and homogeneous coordinate transformation matrix determines direction of a reflected or refracted ray. Variation of refractive light tends to zero when light source approaches optical axis. Results confirmed importance of performing proposed error analysis before applying calibration effect while designing optical systems having hyperbolic boundary surfaces.

004805   Krishna H S (NO, Aeronautical Development Agency, Bangalore-560 017, Email: krishna@jetmail.ada.gov.in) : Highly accurate multi-layer perceptron neural network for air data system. Def Sci J 2009, 59(6), 670-4.

Error backpropagation multi-layer perceptron algorithm is revisited. This algorithm is used to train and validate two models of three-layer neural networks that can be used to calibrate a 5-hole pressure probe. Addresses Occam's Razor problem as it describes the adhoc training methodology applied to improve accuracy and sensitivity. The trained outputs from 5-4-3 feed-forward network architecture with jump connection are comparable to second decimal digit (~0.05) accuracy, hitherto unreported in literature.

^ssc1 illus, 6 tables, 10 ref

004804   Kanthamani S;Vijay Mohan S;Raju S;Abhaikumar V;Mohan V (NO, Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Madurai-15) : Meshless analysis of radio frequency microelectromechanical systems shunt switch. Def Sci J 2009, 59(6), 622-6.

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) have found applications in defence as well as in civilian sectors. Analysis of MEMS devices require complex 3-D meshes due to the presence of mechanical and electrostatic energy domains. On the other hand, meshless methods do not require the generation of mesh and perform the computational analysis by just sprinkling the points covering the domain. Meshless analysis of MEMS switches based on reproducing kernel particle method is reported. Numerical results for the static analysis of the switch are compared with the simulated results obtained using INTELLISUITE MEMS CAD tool.

4 illus, 31 ref

004803   Kannan T;Murugan N;Prabu N A (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Kumaraguru College of Technology, Coimbatore-641 006) : Optimization of FCAW process paramaters using a non-traditional technique. Indian Weld J 2008, 41(3), 32-6.

Weld cladding is a process of depositing a thick layer of metal surface to a carbon steel base metal for the purpose of providing a corrosion resistant surface when that surface is to be exposed to a corrosive environment. In cladding process, most of the engineers often face the problem of selecting optimum combination of input process parameters for achieving the required clad quality. This problem can be solved by using Genetic Algorithm (GA) technique to optimize the process parameters to achieve minimum dilution and penetration, maximum bead width and reinforcement. Focuses on an optimization of input process parameters in duplex stainless steel cladding of low carbon structural steel plates deposited by Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW).

2 illus, 2 tables, 8 ref

004802   Kamat S V (NO, Defence Metallurigical Research Lab, Kanchanbagh, Hyderabad-500 058, Email: kamat@dmrl.drdo.in) : Experimental techniques for the measurement of mechanical properties of materials used in microelectromechanical systems. Def Sci J 2009, 59(6), 605-15.

It has been established that the mechanical properties are scale-and- process-dependent, and hence it is essential to measure the mechanical properties of these materials at the same length scale and using the same process as that used in their usage in MEMS devices. The various experimental techniques in vogue to measure the mechanical properties of these materials are briefly reviewed. The facilities established at the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory, Hyderabad, and their capabilities are also highlighted.

^iia22 illus, 62 ref

004801   Himanshu Shekhar (NO, High Energy Materials Research Lab, Pune-411 021) : Estimation of pressure index and temperature sensitivity coefficient of solid rocket propellants by static evaluation. Def Sci J 2009, 59(6), 666-9.

Burning rate of a solid rocket propellant depends on pressure and temperature. Conventional strand burner and Crawford bomb test on propellant strands was conducted to assess these dependent parameters. However, behaviour of propellant in rocket motor is different from its behaviour in strand form. To overcome this anomaly, data from static evaluation of rocket motor was directly used for assessment of these burningrate controlling parameters. The conventional empirical power law (r=a_oexp[π{T-T_o}]Pⁿ) was considered and a method was evolved for determination of pressure index (n) and temperature sensitivity coefficient (π) of burning rate for solid rocket propellants from static evaluation data. Effect of pressure index and temperature sensitivity coefficient on firing curve is also depicted. Propellant grain was fired in progressive mode to cover a very wide pressure range of 50 kg/cm² to 250 kg/cm² and propellant burning rate index was calculated to be 0.32 in the given pressure range. Propellant grain was fired at +35 °C and .20 °C temperatures and temperature sensitivity coefficient of burning rate was calculated to be 0.27% per °C. Since both the values were evaluated from realised static evaluation curves, these are more realistic and accurate compared to data generated by conventional methods.

4 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

004800   Gupta A;Shailesh Kumar;Ranvir Singh;Chaudhary M;Meena A K;Sarvanan V K (NO, Solid State Physics Lab, Delhi-110 054) : Deformable membrane mirror for wavefront correction. Def Sci J 2009, 59(6), 590-4.

Deformable or adaptive mirrors are used in modern adaptive optics systems for direct correction of the aberrations in the light wavefront. Conventional deformable mirrors used for this purpose are expensive electromechanical devices. Deformable membrane mirror fabricated using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology is a low cost, compact adaptive optical element for correction of the lower-order optical aberrations such as defocus and astigmatism. Important aspects of device design and simulation, fabrication techniques, and test results are discussed.

^ssc10 illus, 1 table, 4 ref

004799   Datta S;Bandyopadhyay A;Pal P K (NO, B.P. Poddar Institute of Management and Technology, Jadavpur Universi, Kolkata-700 032) : Reclaiming of submerged arc welding slag: comparison between SAW processes with and without slag-mix. Indian Weld J 2008, 41(3), 22-31.

Slag formed during SAW process has been collected and processed for using further in subsequent runs of Submerged Arc Welding of mild steel material. The mixture of fused flux (slag) and fresh flux has been used as an alternative of fresh flux. The percentage (by volume) of slag in the mixture of fused flux and fresh flux has been termed as slag-mix%. The aim is to observe whether any noticeable adverse effect on the features of the weldment including bead geometry, hardness of the weld metal and HAZ, tensile strength of the welded joint etc. occurs while consuming increasing percentage of slag-mix in SAW process. The investigation leads to the idea that reconsumption of slag in SAW process does not impose any alarming adverse effect on parameters of the desired weld quality. Therefore, this technique could be recommended in practical applications to yield `Waste to Wealth'.

14 illus, 4 tables, 6 ref

004798   Dahiya S;Singh N;Rana J S (Bio & Nano Technology Dep, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar-125 001) : Optimization of growth parameters of phytase producing fungus using RSM. J scient ind Res 2009, 68(11), 955-9.

Presents optimum parameters for phytase enzyme secretion by fungus (NSF-7 & NSF-9) using RSM based on Box-Behnken model. Fisher's statistical testing was performed for analysis of variance (ANOVA) for quadratic regression equations of both fungus. Optimum conditions for phytase secretion by NSF-7 and NSF-9, respectively, were: pH, 4.4-4.7, 4.0-4.5; temperature, 28-32°, 32-35°C; and substrate concentration, 0.29-0.32, 0.27-0.30 g/100 ml.

004797   Chopade N B;Ghatol A A (Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering Dep, SSGM College of Engineering, Shegaon-444 203) : Analysis of discrete wavelet based image compression technique: a review. J scient ind Res 2009, 68(11), 915-9.

Wavelet based coding algorithm, Set Partitioning in Hierarchical Trees (SPIHT), is considered for encoding and decoding image data. SPIHT uses recursive set partitioning procedure to sort subsets of wavelet coefficient by maximum magnitude with respect to threshold. SPIHT is simple, less complex and has very fast encoding and decoding, making it very efficient in multimedia communication. Numerical results obtained using MATLAB shows that output image has high value of peak signal to noise ratio with good compression ratio for low bit rate.

004796   Chaudhary M;Gupta A (NO, Solid State Physics Lab, Delhi-110 054, Email: amitagupta_55@yahoo.co.in) : Microcantilever-based sensors. Def Sci J 2009, 59(6), 634-41.

Micromachined cantilever platform offers an opportunity for the development and mass production of extremely sensitive low-cost sensors for real time in situ sensing of many chemical, explosives and biological species. These sensors have been used for measuring and detecting various hazardous chemicals, explosives, and biological agents, leading to the development of hand-held labs. Different geometries of microcantilevers have been analysed, and their performances in terms of deflection and shift in resonance frequency due to additional mass of analyte have been simulated. The results of these studies can be used to increase the sensitivity of these devices.

16 illus, 2 tables, 19 ref

004795   Chattopadhyay P;Rai B K;Patel H K;Desai K B; Chaudhary S (NO, Larsen & Toubro Limited, Hazira Works, Surat-394 510) : Challenges and development in manufacturing technology for fabrication of super heavy tubular reactors. Indian Weld J 2008, 41(3), 17-20.

Super Heavy Tubular Reactors have grown to the size of up to 10m dia and 1500MT weight. These reactors pose huge challenges for the equipment manufacturers since they involve fabrication of heavy thickness Tube sheets (up to 450mm thick), huge diameter shells (10m OD), large number of nozzles and enormous amount of Tube # Tube sheet welds (30000 per equipment). Describes development of various manufacturing technologies to counter such challenges - namely Narrow Gap SAW of Longitudinal & Circumferential seams, Fabrication & Distortion control of super heavy tube sheet including weld overlay on it, Narrow gap orbital Nozzle welding by SAW, Strip cladding on channel shells and Automatic Tube # Tube sheet welding.

5 illus

004794   Bora D K (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Jorhat Engineering College, Jorhat-785 007) : Performance of single cylinder diesel engine with karabi seed biodiesel. J scient ind Res 2009, 68(11), 960-3.

Presents performance of single cylinder diesel engine using blends of karabi seed biodiesel. Potassium hydroxide was used as catalyst to facilitate estarification process. It has been observed that karabi seed biodiesel can effectively be used as diesel fuel substitute in existing diesel engine without any engine modification.

004793   Bhargava D S;Shrihari S (NO, IIT Roorkee, Bhargava Lane, Devpura, Haridwar-249 401, Email: dsbhargava@gmail.com) : Nutrient contributions by benthal sludge deposits. J envir Sci Engng 2009, 51(4), 295-310.

Settled solids from effluents discharged into a river system, undergoing decomposition at the river bottom, form an appreciable internal nutrient source for the biological activities in the river system. During the stabilisation of benthal deposits, a variety of nutrients are released into the overlying waters. The exchange between sediment and overlying waters is a major component of the nitrogen and phosphorous cycles in the natural waters. The releases of such nutrients is a surface phenomenon, regulated by the conditions of benthal sludge layers, flow rate of overlying waters, etc. The rate of ammonia nitrogen release mainfested an optimum low value when benthal sludge depth was 0.2 m, but was not influenced by the flow rate of overlying water and h/d ratios. The rate of phosphate release from benthal sludge was independent of depth of benthal sludge, flow rate and h/d ratios. The nurtients in the benthal sludge layers were increasing with time, and were concentrated at a layer 10 cm below the top surface. The nutrients release (percent of nutrient remaining in top benthal sludge layers) decreased with time and became almost constant after about 40 days. The nutrients release under continuously accumulating conditions of benthal sludge and the effects of frequency of addition have been discussed. The nutrients release was less when the frequency of addition was less.

19 illus, 7 tables, 17 ref

004792   Abbasi T;Abbasi S A (Centre for Pollution Control and Energy Technology, Pondicherry University, Chinnakalapet, Pondicherry-605 014, Email: prof.s.a.abbasi@gmail.com) : Water quality management of rooftop rainwater harvesting system. J envir Sci Engng 2009, 51(4), 325-30.

Ancient technique of harvesting rainwater falling on rooftops, which had been forgotton after the advent of large-scale centralised water resource systems like dam-based reservoirs, has staged a global comeback in the post-modern era. It is expected that in the near future all dwelling everywhere will be equipped to harvest and use rainwater. Such widespread use of rooftop rainwater harvesting makes it very important that the water quality aspects associated with it are clearly understood and managed. Addresses the related issues. The pathways by which pollutants can enter in a rainwater harvest have been traced and the strageties to manage the water quality, at preharvest as well as post-harvest stages, have been discussed.

5 illus, 19 ref

003750   Srinivas I;Sharma K V;Mayande V M;Adake R V (NO, Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad) : Effect of compression ratio and speed on oil recovery and energy consumption in mini oil expeller for pongamia and jatropha seed oil expulsion. Indian J Dryland agric Res Dev 2008, 23(2), 67-73.

Studies were conducted at Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad, India by fabricating mini oil expeller to find out the effect of variation in compression ratio of the oil chamber and speed of the screw shaft on oil recovery and also energy consumption during oil extraction of Pongamia and Jatropha seeds. A mini oil expeller was developed with adjustments for variation in compression and speed. The compression ratio varied from 14:1 to 21.5:1 and the speed from 35 to 65 rpm during the experiment. Interactive effect of these two parameters on oil expulsion was critically observed and compared with conventional expeller. Compression ratio has shown significant effect on oil recovery and energy consumption.

5 illus, 3 tables, 10 ref

003749   Singhal D K (NO, , Chandpur Enterprises Ltd., Noorpur Road, Chandpur-246 725) : Energy audit of compressor system. IPPTA Jl 2008, 20(2), 91-4.

In most of the paper mills, compressed air is used for instrumentation such as pneumatic cylinders, actuators, I/P converters, P/I converters etc. Additionally, air is also used for process applications such as tail feeding, cleaning of water filters etc. The work indicates how an energy audit can be used to optimize the system for minimum power consumption.

003748   Nayak B;Chakravarty S;Bhattacharyya K K (NO, National Metallurgical Laboratory, Jamshedpur-831 007, Email: brn69@rediffmail.com) : Invisible gold in the high-sulphur tertiary coals of Northeast India. Curr Sci 2008, 95(9), 1334-37.

During an investigation of some high-sulphur coals from Meghalaya, Northeast India, with respect to their trace metal content, authour recorded the occurrence of gold in iron sulphides (pyrites/marcasite) associated with such coals. A maximum of 6 mg/l gold has been recorded in the pyrite concentrates. Gold is lattice-bound and occurs in 'elemental form', forming solid solutions within iron sulphides. It is inferred that the iron sulphides are mostly syngenetic with coal and gold is concentrated in iron pyrites by biological activity during their precipitation and by inorganic adsorption process during recrystallization in a reducing environment.

5 illus, 21 ref

003747   Moran Lopez J L;Guirado Lopez R A;Montejano Carrizalez J M;Aguilera Granja F;Rodriguez Alba R;Mejia Lopez J; Romero A H;Garcia M E (Center for Computational Materials, Institute for Computacional Engine, Texas at Asutin Univ, Austin, TX 78712-0027, USA, Email: jlmoran-lopez@upslp.edu.mx) : Recent developments in magnetic nanostructures. Curr Sci 2008, 95(9), 1177-1201.

Some of the new developments on magnetic nanostruc-tures are reviewed. The advances on the synthesis, characterization, and understanding of magnetic dimers, nanoclusters, magnetic nanowires, Heusler alloy thin films, and single molecule magnets, are discussed. Particular emphasis is made on the magnetic properties of: (a) manganese dimer, whose properties is a field of debate and are important to disentangle the multifarious behaviour of the macroscopic samples, (b) manganese nanostructures which show a very rich and complex behaviour, not shown in other transition metal clusters, (c) cobalt magnetic nanowires, which show spin-reorientations as a function of size and mi-crosctructure, (d) Heusler alloys, that are half-metallic present potential applications for spintronics, and magnetic shape memory devices, and (e) single molecule magnets, systems with very high magnetic moments and are homogeneous in macroscopic samples. All these systems are good candidates for technological applications and in particular for the emerging field of spintronics.

27 illus, 95 ref

003746   James A O;Ekpe E O (Pure and Industrial Chemistry Dep, Port Harcourt Univ, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, Email: biden2002@yahoo.com) : Inhibition of corrosion of mild steel in 2m hydrochloric acid by aloe vera. Int J pure appl Chem 2008, 3(4), 203-7.

The inhibition of the corrosion of mild steel in hydrochloric acid solutions by Aloe vera gel has been studied using weight loss method. Inhibition was found to increase with increasing inhibitor concentration and temperature. The results obtained show that Aloe vera gel could serve as an effective and non-toxic inhibitor of the corrosion of mild steel in hydrochloric acid solution.

6 illus, 13 ref

003745   Guha A;Vinod Kumar K;Kamaraju M V V (National Remote Sensing Centre, Indian Space Research Organisation, Balanagar, Hyderabad-560 025, Email: arindam_iit@rediffmail.com) : Satellite-based study of coal fires and open-cast mining activity in Raniganj coalfield, West Bengal. Curr Sci 2008, 95(11), 1603-7.

Satellite-based mapping of coal fire is an effective technique in terms of cost and time. At present, ASTER (Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer) is the only available spaceborne sensor, which provides multi-channel thermal data. ASTER provides moderate-resolution thermal data useful for mapping of coal fires, which generally have small spatial dimension. In the present study, nighttime thermal data of ASTER have proved useful to map the latest distribution (December 2006) of coal fires in Raniganj coalfield. The coal-fire map shows that major fires are associated with open-cast mines of the coalfield. This suggests that the mining method may have played key role in aggrandizing this environmental hazard in the coalfield. It has been also observed that most open-cast mines occurring at the NW portion of the colliery are affected by coal fire.

7 illus, 13 ref

003744   Ge W;Wang W;Ren Y;Li J (Instutute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P.R. China, Email: jhli@home.ipe.ac.cn) : More opportunities than challenges - perspectives on chemical engineering. Curr Sci 2008, 95(9), 1310-16.

2 illus, 14 ref

003743   Eddy N O;Odoemelam S A (Physical Chemistry Unit, Chemistry Dep, Ahmadu Bello Univ, Zaria Kaduna State, Nigeria, Email: nabukeddy@yahoo.com) : Adsorption and inhibitive properties of norfloxacin for mild steel crrosion in H₂SO₄. Int J pure appl Chem 2008, 3(4), 221-6.

Adsorption and inhibitive characteristics of norfloxacin for mild steel corrosion have been studied using gasometric and thermometric techniques. Norfloxacin is a good inhibitor for the corrosion of mild steel in H₂SO₄. Inhibition efficiency of norfloxacin ranged from 36.84 to 89.47% and from 23.29 to 61.92% at 303 and 333K, respectively. The inhibition efficiency of this inhibitor tends to decrease with increase in temperature but increases with its concentration. Thermodynamic/adsorption considerations revealed that the adsorption of norfloxacin on the surface of mild steel is endothermic, spontaneous and proceeded via the mechanism of physical adsorption. Classical adsorption isotherms of Langmuir, Frumkin and Freundlich have been used to describe the adsorption characteristics of norfloxacin on mild steel surface. The authors proposed that norfloxacin protects mild steel from corrosion through the formation of Fe-norfloxacin complete.

8 illus, 4 tables, 21 ref

002729   Wiyepe W R;Pathak K (Mining Engineering Dep, , PNG University of Technology, Lae, Papua, New Guinea) : Laboratory scale study of spoil dump behavior. Indian Min Engng J 2008, 47(8), 21-7.

Describes a simple laboratory scale study carried out by undergraduate student to demonstrate the behavior of slope failure of dry sample (fine, coarse & mixed grain size, under Increasing moisture (water) contents as well as of compacted dry sample. The tests were carried with samples received from the mines which were highly fragmented. All tests were carried out with and without stabilizing anchoring. The study revealed the importance of maintaining pore pressure for effective slope stability as well as the e effectiveness of bents bolts over straight stabilizing bolts.

9 illus, 3 tables

002728   Vijayakumar R;Ramamurthy G;Rao K M; Lakshminarayana H V (NO, Rotary Wing Research and Design Centre (RWR&DC), Hindustan Aeronautics, Airport Road, Bangalore-560 017, Email: rvkumar1@yahoo.com) : Improved finite element model to study stress concentration around and elliptical cutout in pressure vessel : application-Part II. J Aerospace Sci Technol 2008, 60(2), 115-26.

The application of finite element method (FEM) to the solution of cutout and inclusion problems in Filament Wound Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FWFRP) pressure vessel is considered. The analysis of pressurised laminated composite shell, which can be regarded as a heterogeneous body consisting of a finite number of orthotropic layers bonded together, with an elliptical hole is carried out. The influence of uniform shear force distribution along the hole boundary is studied. The numerical results of pressurised laminated composite shell with transverse elliptical hole filled by edge bonded elastic cover are also presented. Predicted stress distribution through the thickness of composite shell with cutout/inclusion at critical locations on the hole boundary is presented in graphical form and discussed.

8 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

002727   Ubhi J S;Patterh M S;Kamal T S (Electronics and Communication Engineering Dep, Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology, Longowal, Sangrur-148 106) : Effect of cochannel interferers on the performance of coded MQAM with MRC diveristy over rayleigh fading channels. J Instn Engrs-Pt ET 2009, 90(Jul), 3-7.

Expressions for exact bit-error probability (BEP) for coherent square detection of uncoded and coded M-ary quadrature amplitude modulation (MQAM) with maximal ratio combining (MRC) is derived employing space diversity in a flat fading channel with cochannel interference and additive white Gaussian noise. It is assumed that both the desired signal and cochannel interferer are subject to Rayleigh fading having identical or distinct average powers. The results for coded MQAM are compared with uncoded MQAM by plotting error probabilities versus average signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) for various values of order of diversity N, number of distinct symbols M in the presence of multiple interferers under MRC diversity. The analytical results presented are expected to provide useful information needed for design and analysis of digital communication systems with space diversity in wireless fading channels.

3 illus, 4 tables 23 ref

002726   Tripathy D P (Mining Engg Dep, NIT, Rourkela) : Analysis and assessment of safety risk in mines. Indian Min Engng J 2008, 47(11), 21-30.

Discusses in detail the concept and steps in safety risk assessment, different approaches in risk assessment (qualitative and quantitative), various risk analysis techniques and important features of a safety management system for mines. It emphasizes the imperativeness to assess the risk from different mining operations and need to adopt cost effective suitable measures to prevent, eliminate and minimize risk.

8 illus, 9 tables, 13 ref

002725   Thulasiyammal C;shylaja R (IEC Dep, A V C College of Engineering, Mayliaduthurai) : An effective method of solar-tracing system using microcontroller. J Instn Engrs-Pt ID 2008, 89(Nov), 21-2.

A new micro-controller based solar-tracking system is proposed, implemented and tested. The scheme presented here can be operated as independent of the geographical location of the site of setting up. The system checks the position of the sun and controls the movement of a solar panel so that radiation of the sun comes normally to the surface of the solar panel. The developed-tracking system tracks the sun both in the azimuth as well as in the elevation plane. PC based system monitoring facility is also included in the design.

2 illus, 3 ref

002724   Thomas S;Anasraj R (Electrical Engineering Dep, National Institute of Technology, Calicut-673 601) : On smooth sliding mode control of variable structure systems. J Instn Engrs-Pt EL 2008, 89(Dec), 37-43.

The use of feedback with switched gains in variable structure systems results in high chattering in the slid mode motion. This is because of the use of the same control law which brings the system quickly to switching surface, for maintaining sliding mode motion as well. This will drive the system's representative point (RP) considerably past the switching line in one switching period. Hence, it is essential to have mechanism by which the control law senses the proximity of the RP to the switching surface and accord in assign values to the controller gains, namely, an increasing value when RP is moving away from the switching surface and a decreasing value when RP is nearing the switching surface. Presents a control law that implements this principle and thus alleviates chattering. With known bounds on the system parameters, the proposed law does not violate the existence condition for sliding mode, whereby smooth sliding mode motion is maintained. This ensures the invariance to the expected parameter variations.

5 illus, 14 ref

002723   Sukanesh R;Harikumar R (ECE Dep, Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Madurai) : A comprehensive analysis on post-processing mathematical models (MRE, aggregation operators and soft decision trees) for patient specific fuzzy based epilepsy risk level classifier from EEG signals. J Instn Engrs-Pt ID 2008, 89(Nov), 3-12.

The purpose of study to identify a comprehensive post processing mathematical models such as Minimum Relative Entropy (MRE), Aggregation operators, and Soft Decision Tree (SDT) in optimization of epilepsy risk levels obtained from fuzzy classifier. The fuzzy pre-classifier is used to classify the risk levels of epilepsy based on extracted parameters like energy, variance, peaks, sharp and spike waves, duration, events and covariance from the EEG signals of the patient. MRE, aggregation operator, and SDT (post-classifier with max-min criteria -six types) are applied on the classified data to identify the optimized risk level (singleton) which characterizes the patient's epilepsy risk level. The efficacy of the above methods is compared based on the bench mark parameters, such as, performance index (PI), New Measures and quality value (Q V). A group of ten patients with known epilepsy findings are used for this study. High PI such as 95.88 was obtained at QV's of 22.43 in the all three groups of post processing methods, when compared to the value of 40% and 6.25 through fuzzy classifier respectively. With the in sight of new measures and minimum . overheads, it is identified that the Soft Decision Trees (agg and max-min) method is accounted as a compromise post-classifier.

4 illus, 8 tables, 29 ref

002722   Sujith S;Majalakshmi N V (CEG, Anna Univ, Chennai-600 025, Email: sujithmil@yahoo.com) : CFD analysis in coaxial ijnector of a cryogenic rocket engine and evaluation of atomisation characteristics using simulant fluids. J Aerospace Sci Technol 2008, 60(3), 193-205.

Study of atomisation and mixing of 2-phase propellents using simulant fluids injected from a coaxial injector of an operating cryogenic rocket engine is carried out and presented along with the CFD analysis of flow within it. The original injector jet (Jet 3) designed, modeled and analysed has swirl for LOX (water) alone with GH2 (air) having no swirl. Injector jet having inner casing and outer sleeve is modeled using I-DEAS software and analysed for inner core fluid domain (liquid) and annular fluid (air) domain. Results of flow analysis inside jet revealed asymmetric nature of air flow at exit due to the air fluid domain itself is not axisymmetry in the original jet. This non-axisymmetry of 2-phase fluids at the exit of injector jet will obviously affect the characteristics of atomisation and mixing of fluids. Data obtained from atomization experiments done on this jet using stimulant fluids (water in LOX side and air in GH2 side) such as particle distribution and Sauter Mean Diameter (SMD), fairly matches with the predictions made using CFX software and associated codes which enabled to evaluate the analysis software. Further, the air flow at exit has been made axisymmetric by modifying the air passage in the injector jet (Jet 3 Mod) and the effect of this modification on atomisation and mixing of 2-phase fluids is predicted using the CFX software. In combustion better efficiency with less instability is to be attained. For meeting both simultaneously articles size distribution after injection has to be neither very finer nor coarse. Comparison of predicted data on atomisation revealed that the modified Jet (Jet 3 Mod) is relatively better to give stable combustion with higher performance.

13 illus, 3 tables, 10 ref

002721   Srinivas M;Anand A R;Dinesh Kumar (Thermal Systems Group, ISRO Satellite Centre, Bangalore) : Performance characterization of axially grooved aluminium - methane heat pipe. J Spacecraft Technol 2009, 19(2), 55-63.

Analytical model for predicting the heat transport capability (HTC) of an axially grooved aluminium-methane heat pipe is presented, considering the effect of liquid-vapor interfacial shear stress, liquid meniscus variation, and the amount of working fluid. In order to validate the model results, a constant conductance axially grooved aluminium-methane heat pipe was developed and tested for its heat transport capability between the temperatures 100 K and 160 Kfor horizontal tilt and 2.5 mm adverse tilt. Model results are compared with experimental results and both the results are found to be in reasonably good agreement. Effects of undercharge at temperatures below the nominal operating temperature and puddle at temperatures above the nominal operating temperature were modeled to estimate the HTC. It is also inferred that at higher temperatures and horizontal tilt, increase in heat transport occurs through liquid evaporation near the corners of puddle extending into the evaporator zone.

23 illus, 9 ref

002720   Srikant V;Nirmalendu Kumar (Uttam Blastech Pvt Ltd, , 2-2-1137/3/1/c/1, New Nallakunta, Hyderabad-500 044) : Effective blasting plan-an approach towards productivity and safety. Indian Min Engng J 2008, 47(11), 11-14.

Blasting is the only feasible method and the most critical step in loosening of rock. Blasting is often alleged by most of the people as the most dangerous process and environmentally damaging one. Blasting create impact on the mining and milling costs by way of increased production through higher output and fewer delays in jamming by oversize boulders. In addition, better fragmentation suits to the crushing and grinding systems and lead to reduce energy consumption. Most accidents involving explosives and blasting accessories are caused due to unsafe practices, out of complacency or not following prescribed procedures. As a result, every blasting operation has to address general and site specific safety, efficiency and environmental issues. In this paper, authors presented a hypothetical overview of the components and interfaces of a blasting program in achieving safe and effective blasting practices.

1 illus, 3 ref

002719   Sonney A;Subramanian B;Vighnesam N V;Gopinath N S (Flight Dynamics Group, ISRO Satellite Centre, Bangalore-560 017) : Chandrayaan-1 launch and early orbit phase orbit determination. J Spacecraft Technol 2009, 19(2), 1-11.

India's first Moon mission Chandrayaan-1 carrying eleven scientific instruments for the purpose of expanding scientific knowledge about the Moon was launched on 22nd October 2008 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, India by India's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV-C11. The main objective of the mission is a simultaneous chemical, mineralogical and photo geologic mapping of the whole Moon with high spatial resolution using high-resolution state of the art sensors. The spacecraft was put into Moon's polar, circular orbit of about (102 XI02) km on 12th November 2008 by carrying out sequence of five Earth bound maneuvers, one trajectory correction, Lunar orbit insertion maneuver and four Lunar bound maneuvers. The orbit of the satellite had to be determined continuously at a brisk pace to a good degree of accuracy to meet the requirements of the mission operations. Precise orbit determinations were carried out during each phase of the mission using tracking data collected from network of tracking stations configured for the mission. Tracking data was collected from NASA's DSN (Deep Space Network), APL as well as ISRO's DSN (IDSN) and non-DSN tracking stations. NASA's DSN stations namely Goldstone, Canberra, Madrid have supported the mission during initial phase of the mission. The determined daily orbital estimates were used for spacecraft navigation, mission planning, and science data processing. Robust orbit determination strategy, characterized by accurate solutions and fast-turnaround to minimize fuel penalties, resulting from delays in implementation of required maneuvers will play an important factor that contribute to maneuver targeting accuracy and low propellant consumption for the mission. ISRO's operational orbit determination program used for low earth missions was suitably updated and validated with simulated as well as live tracking data of Lunar Prospector mission before the launch of Chandrayaan-1 mission to cater the need aspect of meeting Lunar mission 'Orbit Determination System' requirement during its different phases of the mission. This paper describes the Orbit determination system for Chandrayaan-1 during different phases of the mission. Describes the methodology and the performance of Chandrayaan-1 orbit determination system during initial phase of the mission along with achieved orbit determination accuracy in the early normal phase.

1 illus, 9 tables, 5 ref

002718   Soni D K;Jain A (Civil Engg Dep, N I T, Kurukshetra-136 119) : Uniaxial Compressive strength of Dholpur red sandstone. Indian Min Engng J 2008, 47(12), 18-22.

For the design and construction of Civil Engineering structures having the bed strata as rock formation, it becomes necessary to have knowledge and idea about the compressive strength of the rock formation to avoid failure due to settlement. In practice, uniaxial compressive tests are use to determine compressive strength of rocks. But the strength that these tests purport to represent depends upon many factors. The conditions, which influence the measured strength, include rate of loading, shape and relative dimensions of the specimen, end conditions of the test piece and the amount of moisture present in the pore spaces. Rock-steel contact also influences the strength. In fact, there is no test yet devised which provides the strength of rock in uniform uniaxial compression. The main objective is to study the difference in observed stress-strain behaviour of cylindrical rock specimens of Dholpur red sandstone with conventional dial gauge approach and with the use of strain gauges.

4 illus, 1 table, 6 ref