011628   Singh M;Kumar A;Aggarwal S (NO, , Johnson Electric International Limited, Hong Kong) : Design and development of self-propelled rotary power weeder. J Instn Engrs-Pt AG 2008, 89(June), 14-17.

A self-propelled rotary weeder has been designed in the present study for working in the wide row crops. A three stage reduction of the prime mover has been incorporated. A V-belt and chains transmit the power of the engine to the weeding unit. The total weight of the weeder is 100 kg. The shafts, pulley, chains, sprockets, blades have been properly designed to achieve optimum use of material. The weeder uses a 3 hp engine. The rpm of the rotary has been achieved at 70 rpm and the vibrations are within manageable limits.

6 illus, 5 ref

011627   Singh G S (Chief Electrical Loco Engineer, Northern Railway Baroda House, New Delhi-110 001) : Regeneration of energy in electric traction - a concept for energy conservation. J Instn Engrs-Pt EL 2007, 88(Dec), 41-6.

Aims to review electric loco operation with a view of energy conservation through the process of regeneration during braking as energy conservation is the need of the hour. The availability of electrical energy in the country is limited. Rail transport is one of the most efficiecnt mode of transport and electric traction is the most efficient mode of rail traction, yet there is a need to review systems and implement energy conservation measures in electric traction.

4 illus, 2 tables

011626   Sheikh M J;Gulhane U D;Bansod S V (Mech. Engg. Dep, B.D.C.O.E., Sewagram Wardha, Maharashtra) : Prototype testing on a collision avoidance safety system. Indian Highw 2008, 36(12), 67-72.

Reviews various aspects under use for collision detection, warning, intervention systems, lane departure warning, drowsy driver detection and advanced safety interiors and presents the warning system for approaching vehicle or obstacle for the detection of approaching vehicle or obstacle and then to display its distance range. Alternatively, the system can be used as parking assistance system. The system comprises of an infrared sensor having transmitting frequency of 38 kHz, a microcontroller AT89C2051 of reprogrammable flash memory, a receiver TSOP1738 and a dot matrix crystal display. The experiments have been carried out on the model considering various aspects. The results obtained are encouraging. The system is economical and affordable and thus promising.

4 illus, 18 ref

011625   Shah S K;Patel T B (Electrical Engineering Faculty of Technology and Engineering Dep, MS Univ of Baroda, Vadodara-390 001) : Design and development of a graphical user interface for robust adaptive observer based neural network estimator for optimal process control. J Instn Engrs-Pt ET 2008, 89(July), 6-14.

The optimal control problem requires the state estimate at every instant of time. The state vector of the system can be constructed from its inputs and available outputs employing the observer-estimator provided, the system is completely observable and then the observer system is completely controllable. Even if the observer output is noisy, then also the states can be estimated through robust adaptive optimization techniques. (H^∞/H² norm). The present study describes the design and simulation of a robust adaptive observer. The, robust adaptive observer is used for training the neural network to generate feedback signal estimate. The generated NN block is used for closed loop current control of induction motor within permissible range. The GUI design for speed control of induction motor has been implemented, which allows the user to change the parameter of induction motor, to select robust or non-robust (Kalman filtering) operation, to initialize and run the simulation model to generate training pairs. Generated ANN block for new parameters can be used as a library block for the SIMULINK models in other applications.

16 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

011624   Sen S;Das S B (NO, , M/s. Consulting Engineering Services (I) Pvt. Ltd., Kolkata) : Application of value engineering in design and construction projects in India: an emerging trend. Indian Highw 2008, 36(12), 73-8.

2 illus, 1 table, 5 ref

011623   Selva Raj A (NO, Indian Engg. College, Vadakkankulam, Nellai Dist., Tamilnadu) : Wind energy to improve vehicle efficiency. Process Pl Engng 2007, 25(4), 56-8.

4 illus, 1 table, 1 ref

011622   Saraf A K;Tiwari M (Physics and Electronics Dep, Dr H S Gour Univ, Sagae-470 003) : Double differential phase shift keying in (+1, -1) system. J Instn Engrs-Pt ET 2008, 89(July), 15-19.

The single and double differential phase shift keying in (+1, -l) systems have been studied. The modidation and demodulation techniques of double differential phase shift keying (DDPSK) are discussed in detail. The hardware implementation is completely digital. It is easy and simple in realization us compared to conventional binary system. The probability of error is analysed in presence of additive white Gaussian noise for non-fading channels. The results so obtained have been graphically presented and compared with conventional binary system. The probability of error for slowly Rayleigh lading channel have also been derived and the results have been studied in detail. The (+1. -1) representation is well suited in the study of DDPSK.

10 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

011621   Sandarapandian V (Instrumentation and Control Engineering Dep, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, SRM Nagar, Kattankulathur-603 203) : Output regulation of Van der pol oscillator. J Instn Engrs-Pt EL 2007, 88(Dec), 20-4.

Solves the problem of regulating the output of Van der Pol oscillator, which is a classical nonlinear system undergoing' non-linear damped oscillations studied by the Dutch electrical engineer Balthazar Van der Pol during 1920s and 1930s. Explicitly, using state feedback control laws, the output of Van der Pol oscillator is regulated so as to track constant reference signals as well as to track periodic reference signals. The control laws are derived using the regulator equations of Byrnes and Isidori (l990), who have solved the output regulation for nonlinear control systems involving neutrally stable ecosystem dynamics. The output regulation of Van der Pol oscillator has important applications in Electrical Engineering, especially in problems involving damped nonlinear oscillations. The simulation results are also discussed.

3 illus, 4 ref

011620   Sadhu S;Srinivasan M;Ghoshal T K (Electrical Engineering Dep, Jadavpur Univ, Kolkata-700 032) : Risk sensitive filters using sigma point approximation. J Instn Engrs-Pt EL 2007, 88(Dec), 48-52.

Risk sensitive filters (RSF) and state estimators (SE) are known to be robust with respect to model uncertainties. A numerically efficient algorithm for RSF of non-linear plants, using sigma point approximation is proposed. The proposed filter overcomes many disadvantages associated with extended risk sensitive filter (ERSF), which being based on the extended Kalman filter (EKF), inherits all the limitations of EKF and is restricted to systems with only mild non-linearity. The formulation of the central difference (a version of the sigma point family) risk sensitive filters (RSF) is presented. It is demonstrated that the proposed new filter, termed central difference risk sensitive filter (CDRSF), would give much better tracking performance for systems with nontrivial non-linearities and would be as fast as ERSF, thus making it suitable for real time applications. The theory and algorithms for CDRSF have been provided along with simulation results. Possibilities of several variants of CDRSF are also indicated. The study advocates the use of the proposed method for on board, realtime, tracking problems with non-trivial non-linearity, where robustness to modelling inaccuracies are desired.

2 illus, 10 ref

011619   Roy M P;Sirveiya A K;Singh P K (Blasting Dep, CMRI, Dhanbad-826 001) : Influence of initiation mode of explosives on ground vibration. Indian Min Engng J 2007, 46(2-3), 22-8.

The measurement and analysis of blast induced vibration is presently more state-of-the-art than ever before. A modern understanding of the basic concepts behind vibration effects can help a beleaguered end user more confident about what their measurement really mean. It is reported that blast conducted with non-electric initiation system enhanced the efficiencies of HEMM machineries and reduced the reported nuisance of blasting. The developed countries are adopting the third generation of Electronic detonators but in India the use of detonating fuse for blast initiation is still in practice. There are number of reasons stated by mine officials for this practice being still followed by mining industry. The one of the important reasons is the price ratio of Nonel tubes and detonating cords/fuse, which is comparatively very high in India in comparison to the other countries. A study was planned to investigate the influence of direction of initiation on blast vibration. The four coal mines were selected for the study purpose. The two blasts at same bench were blasted while keeping all the blast design parameter such as, burden, spacing, hole depth, hole diameter, charge per hole, charge per delay, total charge in blast round etc. were kept identical. The explosive make for a set of two blasts were of same manufacture and both the blasts were conducted on same day to avoid the variation in explosive formulation. Blast induced vibrations were monitored at 6-11 locations. The experimental set of blasts includes single hole blasts, production blasts, as well as dragline blasts, performed by only changing mode of initiation i.e. initiation of booster with detonating fuse and with non-electric initiation it the bottom of the hole at floor level while maintaining all other parameters identical. The result indicated that former generated lower vibration compared to previous mode of initiation. The reductions in vibrations were observed upto 36.2 % by for blastholes of depth more than 20 m. The minimum reduction of vibration was 8.2 % for shorter blastholes depth of 7.5 m.

18 illus, 2 ref

011618   Reddy P B;Kapilan N;Reddy R P (NO, Nagarjuna College of Engineering and Technology, Devanahalli, Bangalore-562 110) : Experimental investigation of esters of mahua oil as an alternative fuel for dual fuel engine. J Instn Engrs-Pt MC 2008, 89(July), 7-10.

In the work, an attempt was made to use methyl ester of mahua oil (MEMO) as substitute for diesel in dual fuel engine. A four stroke single cylinder engine was modified to work in dual fuel mode. From the test results, it was observed that the MEMO could be used as pilot fuel in dual fuel engine. At lower loads, diesel gave higher brake thermal efficiency. But at higher loads, biodiesel resulted in brake thermal efficiency comparable with diesel and lower smoke and oxides of nitrogen emissions. From the test results, it was concluded that MEMO could be used as a substitute for diesel in dual fuel engine.

7 illus, 2 tables, 6 ref

011617   Rathore T S;Khot U P (Electrical Engineering Dep, IIT Bombay, Powai, Mumbai-400 076) : Single OTRA realization of transfer functions. J Instn Engrs-Pt ET 2008, 89(July), 33-8.

A systematic method for realizing a class of voltage and current transfer functions of any order with distinct negative real poles using a single OTRA has been discussed in the paper. It has been extended to include complex poles also. By comparison, it requires less number of elements compared to Acar and Ozoguz's method. All-pass filter design has been discussed in detail and demonstrated with an example. Simulation results obtained are found to be in agreement with the theoretical ones.

5 illus, 16 ref

011616   Ramamurti V;Elayaperumal A;Pandian P S; Satyanarayana E M (Mechanical Engineering Dep, College of Engineering, Guindy, Anna Univ, Chennai-600 025) : Diagnostics of internal combustion engines. J Instn Engrs-Pt MC 2008, 89(July), 3-6.

Deals with the vibration measurements on internal combustion engines operating in industrial surroundings in India covering a wide range of horse power from 6 to 9000. The severity observed in the existing operating condition is recorded. The observations reported cover a wide geographical area in different states of India. Exhaustive measurements covering all the directions and salient points on the engines were made and reasons for the severity thereof analyzed. The most important ones are presented.

3 illus, 7 tables, 4 ref

011615   Rajan C C A;Geethanjali P (EEE Dep, Pondicherry Engineering College, Pondicherry-605 014) : Identification and control of PMBLDC motor using neural network. J Instn Engrs-Pt EL 2007, 88(Dec), 10-14.

Describes a neural network controller for permanent magnet brushless de (PMBLDC) motor drives. The objective is to control the rotor angular speed to follow an arbitrarily selected trajectory. The main feature of the proposed controller is neural network, which captures the unknown inverse dynamics of the motor. Performance of the neural network controller is evaluated by simulating it in a typical brushless dc motor model. Finally, neural network performance is compared with the conventional controller performance to show that NN performance is good.

5 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

011614   Raghavan S;Shanmuganantham R;Jansi Rani G (Electronics and Communication Engineering Dep, National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirapalli-620 015) : Electromechanical modelling of high power RF MEMS switches. J Instn Engrs-Pt ET 2008, 89(July), 24-7.

MRMS switches are one of the most promising future micro-machined products that have attracted numerous research efforts in recent years. The majority of MEMS switches reported to date employ electrostatic actuation, which requires large actuation voltages. Reports on recent developments of electromechanical modelling of high power RF MEMS switches. An approach using a matrix of switching elements for the development has been introduced. The design and simulation results of the mechanical properties of the RF MEMS switches have been presented.

7 illus, 4 ref

011613   Petrov P T (NO, , Block 317, Drujba 2, sofia 1582, Bulgaria) : Sampling of the simplest signals. J Instn Engrs-Pt CP 2008, 88(May), 53-8.

Simplest signals have been defined and the sampling theorems for them have been proposed. The purpose is to calculate the parameters of the signal after sampling, to compare them with the parameters of the original signal before sampling and to find out the differences. Once the parameters are calculated, the original signal could be reconstructed with the same or different sampling frequency.

5 illus, 1 table, 4 ref

011612   Patil P M;Sontakke T R (Electronics Dep, Vishwakarma Institute of Technology, Pune-411 037) : Rotation invariant handwritten devanagiri numeral character recognition using general fuzzy hyperlinesegment neural network. J Instn Engrs-Pt CP 2007, 88(Nov), 46-54.

General fuzzy hyperline segment neural network (GFHLSNN) and its learning algorithm has been proposed, which is an extension of fuzzy hyperline segment neural network. It combines supervised and unsupervised learning in a single algorithm, so that it can be used for pure classification, pure clustering and hybrid classification/clustering. Fusion of clustering and classification in a single algorithm allows it to be used for pure clustering, pure classification or hybrid clustering/classification, because it is also advocated, where incorporation of labelled data into clustering algorithm was in vestigated, a prudent use of all a vailable information in pattern recognition problems can significantly improve the recognition performance and improve the process of finding the underline structure of the data at hand. The proposed method is applied for Fisher Iris database, Ionosphere database and also for handwritten devnagiri numeral character recognition.

4 illus, 12 tables, 13 ref

011611   Pathak M;Sahoo N;Dewan A (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati-781 039) : Experimental investigation of pressure gradient characteristics in a mass flow rate controlled pulsating pipe flow. J Instn Engrs-Pt MC 2008, 89(July), 11-5.

Pulsating pipe flows are generated either by periodically changing pressure gradient or by imposing periodically changing mass flow rate. Most research works on this type of flow have been reported for. pressure -gradient driven pulsating flows and only a few for mass flow controlled pulsating flow. In the present work, an experimental investigation of axial pressure gradient characteristics of a mass flow rate controlled pulsating flow is performed. The investigation is done for a fully developed laminar flow through 8 m long, 14 mm diameter pipe for three different types of pulsating flows (sinusoidal, triangular and square waves). A constant non-dimensional mass flow rate of 0.935 with 1.0 Hz frequency was imposed for all types of pulsation. The effect of the pulsating mass flow on the pressure gradient and the damping of the pressure variation across the whole length of the pipe are discussed. It is observed that the pressure gradient roughly follows the trend of different mass flow pulsation.

5 illus, 19 ref

011610   Pandey R K;Singh N K (Electrical Engineering Dep, Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh) : Performance analysis of controllable facts devices on power network. J Instn Engrs-Pt EL 2007, 88(Dec), 35-40.

Presents a detailed performance analysis of power system oscillations damping capabilities of controllable FACTS devices under different line loading conditions and reactive power requirements of the system. The system studies are carried out based on the model developed in state space frame work. The model developed is modular and any degree of details of system can be included. The effectiveness of FACTS controllers, such as, controllable series compensation (CSC), thyristor controlled phase shifter (TCPS) and static var compensator (SVC) under varying load has thoroughly been evaluated. It has been demonstrated through simulation that each controller has special contribution towards oscillation damping based on the location. The observations on the controllable FACT devices have been made based on the adequate control generated and the stability enhancement capabilities.

7 illus, 8 ref

011609   Pandey R K;Singh K (Electrical Engineering Dep, Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh) : Simplified model of unified power flow controller in a power network. J Instn Engrs-Pt EL 2007, 88(Dec), 3-9.

Presents a simplified mathematical model of unified power flow controller (UPFC) in a single machine infinite bus power system. This model can be used for a detailed performance analysis of power system oscillations damping capabilities of unified power flow controller under different line loading conditions along with different reactive power requirements of the system. The proposed model can be used for parametric tuning of UPFC control parameter for adequate oscillation damping in a power network.

8 illus, 13 ref

011608   Palaniswamy E;Manjula P;Manoharan N (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Erode Institute of Technology, Kavindapadi, Erode Institute of Technol, Kavindapadi, Erode, Tamilnadu-638 455) : Effective methods for converting non-edible vegetable oil into methyl esters. J Instn Engrs-Pt ID 2008, 89(May), 11-13.

The tremendous growth of vehicular population and industrialization worldwide has led to a steep rise in the demand for petroleum products. For developing countries like India, fuels of bio-origin, such as alcohol, vegetable oils, biomass, synthetic fuels etc are becoming very important. In view of this, the vegetable oil is a promising alternative fuel for CI engines as it has several advantages. It is renewable, environ-friendly and produced easily in rural areas. It is evident that there are various problems associated with vegetable oils being used as fuel in CI engines, mainly caused by their high viscosity. The high viscosity is due to the larger molecular mass and chemical structure of vegetable oils, which in turn leads to problems in pumping, combustion and atomization in the injector system of a diesel engine. Therefore, a reduction in viscosity is the prime importance to make vegetable oils as a suitable alternative fuel for diesel engines. The problem of high viscosity of vegetable oils have been approached in several ways, such as pre-heating the oils, blending or dilution with other fuels, transesterification and thermal cracking or pyrolysis. The super critical methanol process is much superior over the common transesterification method. The merit of this method is that this new process just requires a very short reaction time.

4 illus, 1 table, 6 ref

011607   Padmanabhan K;Ananthi A (Chemical Engineering Dep, A C College of Technology, Chennai-600 025) : Analysis of fibrillation and defibrillation with a view to develop a minimal energy defibrillation technique. J Instn Engrs-Pt ID 2008, 89(May), 3-10.

The contractile behaviour of the cardiac muscle reveals that contraction and the conduction process are physiologically linked together. A clear mathematical analysis on this interrelationship shows the onset of fibrillation as a limiting condition and explains its reversal back to rhythm. This paper derives the genesis of the ventricular action potential waveform parametrically and also the conditions giving rise to fibrillation. The progressive changes that occur in the post de-fibrillation period are explained on this basis. Based on the studies made graphically, it was noted that a mechanical synchronization with the defibrillating high energy electric shock pulse is able to reduce the required energy to revert back to rhythm. This was experimentally verified in internal defibrillation experiments.

12 illus, 5 ref

011606   Nithya S;Balasubramanian T;Anantharaman N; Meera K M;Bequm S (School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Shanmugha Arts Scien, , Tirumalaisamudram, Thanjavur) : Analysis study of FLC based chemical process using simulations. Process Pl Engng 2007, 25(6), 59-61.

Fuzzy control provides a good support to translate the knowledge of a skilled plant operator into rules and making intelligent control possible by processing imprecise information. But it is difficut to represent the expert's knowledge with no degradation and therefore tuning phase is required. This is not an easy task, as there is no general procedure for it. So, it is necessary to guide the initial selection of the fuzzy controller parameters, incorporating all the available knowledge and the classical experience, to establish a tight tuning strategy to optimize its performance. The design of fuzzy logic controller for the CSTR systeem described has been attempted and the performance is evaluated. It is observed that the response of the fuzzy controller settles faster than the conventional controller. This allows that plant operator to feel comfortable because of the direct influence between variations of the FLC tuning parameters and the system response.

4 illus, 10 ref

011605   Naskar M K;Biswas U (Electornics and Telecommunication Engineering Dep, Jadavpur Univ, Kolkata-700 032) : Heuristic approach for static wavelength assignment in WDM optical networks. J Instn Engrs-Pt ET 2008, 89(July), 20-3.

A hecuristic algorithm for assigning wavelengths to static light path requests in WDM optical networks have been presented. Given the network and light path requests, the problem is to assign wavelengths to the light paths so as to minimize the number of wavelengths used. The problem is posed as a graph-colouring problem, which is next solved using the heuristic. The proposed heuristic "starts with an initial wavelength for each of the light paths and finally, on termination, each light path is assigned a wavelength which satisfies the wavelength continuity constraint. The time complexity of the heuristic is computed as O(n³), where n is the number of light paths to be assigned wavelengths.

3 tables, 10 ref

011604   Mulay A (NO, , Dynawall Conveying and Elevating Co. Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai) : Coal energy-the prime mover of Indian economy. Process Pl Engng 2007, 25(4), 49-51.

1 illus, 1 table

011603   Mina H L (NO, , Rajasthan Public Service Commission, Ajmer) : Economic highway capacity. Indian Highw 2008, 36(12), 21-3.

2 illus, 5 ref

011602   Mary D;Sunder S (Electrical Engineering Dep, While S Sundar is with the Dep of Electron, Government College of Technology, Coimbatore-641 013) : Real time object tracking system. J Instn Engrs-Pt ET 2008, 89(July), 28-32.

A real time object tracking system aims to detect any moving objects in the field of view and tracking them by rotating the camera to keep the moving object always in the field of view. To achieve this an image differencing and optical flow determination technique has been choosen as they are background independent and their results have been compared. For determination of the optical flow field, Lucas Kanade method has been employed. On determination of the optical flow, a filtering operation is performed to eliminate noisy optical flow fields and determine the co-ordinates of the moving objects in the field. The stepper motors attached to the base of the camera are run through an interlacing circuit connected to the parallel port of the computer. The motors are moved so as to keep the co-ordinates of the subject always in the centre portion of the field of view. A module to periodically capture and transmit the images has been created to enable viewing from a remote location. Thus, optical flow technique is more advantageous to other techniques as it helps to seclude the moving object from the static background and it is also background independent.

8 illus, 9 ref

011601   Manikandan V;Devarajan N (NO, Coimbatore Institute of Technology, Coimbatore-641 014, Email: mani_sr2005@hotmail.com) : Probabilistic approach for soft fault diagnosis in analog electronic circuits using markovian graphical method. Int J Math Analysis 2007, 4(1-3), 65-85.

A novel approach towards diagnosis of faulty conditions in linear analog electronic circuits in a probabilistic sense using Markovian tree network is proposed in this write-up. The approach is aimed to propose a methodology to arrive at certain conditions to explicitly classify a system in its faulty and non-faulty modes. Depending on the parameters linked to the probabilistic approach like failure probability attached to the component and rate of failure function, the availability and unavailability condition of the system obtained. In contrast to deterministic approach which might provide only specific results under specific operating condition, the probabilistic approach discussed in this paper will fit in for generalized conditions and can be applied to any system irrespective of the complexity involved. The proposed approach is applied to Sallen key Second Order low-pass filter and a linear circuit with encouraging results.

17 ref

011600   Manekar V L;Porey P D;Ingle R N (Civil Engineering Dep, Government Polytechnic, Nagpur-400 001) : Discharge relation for cutthroat flume under submerged flow condition. J Instn Engrs-Pt CI 2008, 89(May), 3-7.

A cutthroat flume is commonly used as flow measuring device for open channel flow due to ease of fabrication and installation. Calibration of flume in field is difficult and may not be possible in many cases. Therefore, relation between discharge and upstream and downstream heads applicable for various sizes of cutthroat flume is needed. Seven different sizes of cutthroat flume having different length to throat width ratios are fabricated and tested in the laboratory under submerged flow condition. Using Buckingham's method of dimensional analysis and selecting groups of different variables describing flow through cutthroat flume, numbers of dimensionless parameters are formed. Regression analysis of experimental data is carried out between all possible combinations of pairs of dimensionless parameters and the pair giving best correlation is selected. Using the selected pair, relation between dimensionless discharge and head is developed. The relation is convenient for use as compared to methods available in literature for prediction of discharge.

4 illus, 5 tables, 7 ref

011599   Mahesh Kumar (NO, , Haryana PWD (B&R) Branch, Chandigarh) : Failures in flexible pavements & its economical treatment. Indian Highw 2008, 36(12), 25-30.

40 per cent of Haryana falls in National Capital Region. National Highways, State Highways, Major District Roads and Ordinary District Roads serve as feeder roads to National Capital Region for quarry materials, bricks and other heavy axle loads which result in damage to road crust. Inadequate thickness of road crust, poor subgrade and heavy axle loads on the road contribute damage to road in geometric proportions. The roads as damaged were investigated and treated subsequently with the economical specifications by excavating upto subgrade at damaged spots and filling with GSB and adjoining pavement material. Same treatment as has been done has stood the scrutiny of time. These investigation also reveal new problems of interest both to the maintenance engineers and research workers.

3 illus, 6 ref

011598   Mahapatra S S;Biswas S (Mechanical Engineering Dep, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela-769 008) : Permutation flow shop scheduling using particle swarm optimisation with mutation. J Instn Engrs-Pt MC 2008, 89(July), 24-8.

Permutation flow shop scheduling (PFSS), traditionally treated as combinatorial optimisation problems, aims at obtaining optimal sequence for jobs so that makespan can be minimized. Recently, the meta-heuristics are being adopted to obtain global optimal solutions with less computational efforts. In the present work, issues related to application of meta-heuristic,namely, particle swarm optimisation (PSO) and genetic algorithm (GA) in PFSS have been addressed. It has been found that both the methods are similar in many ways but information sharing mechanism differs widely. Through extensive computational experiments, it may be concluded that PSO gives optimal solution with less computational efforts as compared to GA. However, PSO has the tendency of being trapped at local optima and this drawback can be eliminated using mutation of few members in the population. Distinct improvements over classical PSO has been observed and reported.

4 illus, 2 tables, 19 ref

011597   Mahajan R;Abrol P;Vig R (Information Technology Dep, Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh-160 012) : New class of fault tolerant multistage interconnection network-extra module shuffle network (EMSN). J Instn Engrs-Pt CP 2007, 88(Nov), 17-22.

The purpose of adding redundancy to unique path MINs is to increase their reliability. An EMSN-k of size N is designed to have (k+1) unique path multistage networks of size N/k. In this paper, a network termed as 'extra module shuffle network (EMSN), providing 'full access capability' in the presence of multiple faults, up to k, in any stage has been examined. It is seen that EMSN is more reliable and cost effective than other previously proposed fault tolerant MINs with similar fault tolerant capability. MTTF is used as the measure for comparing this MIN with shuffle exchange network. It also expounds its topological properties and routing techniques and makes comparisons. The MIN proposed is gracefully degradable, although an individual component failure reduces its performance, however it does not cause a total network failure.

9 illus, 5 ref

011596   Kumar S;Yadav N K (Civil Engineering Dep, National Institute of Technology, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand-831 014) : Predicting shear strengtn of reinforced concrete beams with stirrups using neural networks. J Instn Engrs-Pt CI 2008, 89(May), 16-22.

An artificial neural network (ANN) model is developed in the present study using 194 test results of reinforced concrete rectangular beams with web reinforcement failing in shear, A three-layer feedforward neural network with backpropagation algorithm is chosen and designed using the programming package MATLAB for the proposed investigation. The network model gives satisfactory predictions of the ultimate shear stress well within the input parameters considered. The ANN shear strength predicted results are also compared with those obtained using current ACI building code and Indian Standard Code of practice. The comparison shows the versatility of ANN in constructing relationship among multiple variables of complex physical relationship.

2 illus, 2 tables, 34 ref

011595   Kumar R;Kumar P (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Institute of Engineering and Technology, Lucknow) : Joining of pipes using FRP - an experimental study. J Instn Engrs-Pt MC 2008, 89(July), 16-19.

Pipes was selected as a specimen. Three kinds of appropriate windings loops, diagonal, straight and circular were used. Strength of the T-joint was determined under four loading conditions (i) tensile, (ii) in-plane bending. (iii) bending under a transverse load and (iv) torsion -cum- bending. The strength of FRP-joint between mild steel pipes for an appropriately chosen winding configuration was found to be higher than the strength of welded joints.

6 illus, 9 ref

011594   Kumar P;Mehndiratta H C;Reddy D K (Civil Engineering Dep, Indian Institute of Technology, Rorkee-247 667) : Use of glass grid in pavement layers. J Instn Engrs-Pt CI 2008, 89(May), 33-6.

Many parts of India have weak soils like black cotton soils and marine clays. These soils are not structurally sound to bear the traffic load. It is, therefore, often required to stabilise and reinforce such soil by some means. Based on comprehensive experimental programmes undertaken in developed countries non -metallic materials have been found to be suitable for reinforcement. Glass grid is a self-adhesive glass fibre reinforcement which has been extensively used in airfield pavements/high ways to arrest reflective cracking. These are anti corrosive, non-biodegradable, resistant to ultraviolet and oxidative effects. In the study, various laboratory experiments like CBR tests, tri-axial tests, plate load tests and repetitive fatigue tests were conducted on un -reinforced and reinforced soils to see the reinforcing effect imparted by glass grid. The glass grid reinforcement was also kept at varying depth and the tests were conducted. It was observed that CBR of the soil improved when glass grid was placed in it. Maximum increment in CBR was achieved when glass grid is placed near the surface. The introduction of glass grid reduced the deformation and increased the bearing capacity as revealed by plate load tests.

7 illus, 7 tables, 10 ref

011593   Kowsalya S;Preethi A (Food Science and Nutrition Dep, Avinashilingam University for Women, Coimbatore-641 043) : Blood glucose levels and antioxidant profile of type 2 diabetics supplemented with antioxidant food mix. Indian J Nutr Diet 2008, 45(6), 211-20.

The study on supplementation of antioxidant food mix in type 2 diabetes had proved that the food mix had not only hypoglycaemic potentials but also hypocholesterolemic effects. The supplementation had also improved the blood haemoglobin levels of the diabetics. Supplementation with antioxidant mix had improved the antioxidant profile in terms of plasma vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, copper and zinc levels. The significant reduction in blood glucose levels and improvement in antioxidant profile of type 2 diabetics proved the health benefits of the antioxidant mix developed. Further studies on serum antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress indicators would throw light on the efficacy of the antioxidant mix in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

6 tables, 27 ref

011592   Khan T A;Khaliq A (Mechanical Engineering Dep, Jamia Millia Islamia Univ, New Delhi-110 025) : Second-law based thermodynamic performance assessment of coal-fired electricity generation plant. J Instn Engrs-Pt MC 2008, 89(July), 29-35.

Describes the second-law assessment of regenerative-reheat coal-fired electricity generation plant in terms of if reversibility analysis. The reduction in irreversible losses with the addition of backward, cascade type feedwater heater and a reheat options are compared with a conventional first-law assessment. The second-law indicates that maximum exergy is destroyed in the boiler and these thermodynamic losses are significantly reduced by the incorporation of feedwater heating. The incorporation of feedwater heating results in a reduction of total irreversibility rate of the plant by 18% and the corresponding improvement in thermal efficiencies is 12%. These two values are enhanced to 24% and 14%, respectively, by the incorporation of reheat in addition to regeneration. Performance data generated from this study should be useful to decision maker in the selection and comparison of modified coal-fired electricity generation plant.

1 illus, 7 tables, 19 ref

011591   Keinahanbi Devi;Rajkumari Gyaneshwari (Physics Dep, Oriental College, Imphal-795 001) : Wind power generation : problems and prospects. Indian J Envir Ecoplann 2008, 15(1-2), 239-46.

Wind power is one of the foremost choices as far as renewable energy is concerned. It offers the potential to generate substantial amount of electricity without the pollution problems of most conventional forms of electricity generation. India with an installed capacity in excess of 4220 MW ranks fourth in the world. Wind energy is acquiring importance but it has both advantages and disadvantages. In the present paper particular attentions is paid to issues like problems and prospects of wind power generation. The success of wind power generation and its utilization depends largely on the proper assessment of wind resources, developments of technologies and public awareness campaigns.

1 table, 13 ref

011590   Kandasamy C (NO, , Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport & Highways, New Delhi) : Multi-sectoral fast-track corridors of rural development. Indian Highw 2008, 36(12), 33-4.

011589   Kahalekar S G;Kulkarni S V (NO, SGGS Institute of Engineering and Technology, Vishnupuri, Nanded-431 606) : Intelligence measurements with EEG activities. J Instn Engrs-Pt ID 2008, 89(May), 21-3.

A pc based system has been developed to study automatically alpha activity for intelligence correlation. The raw data processed by the software which detect occurrence in EEG graph. By this software the raw data is first subdivided into series of waves then each wave subjected to final computation.

4 illus, 5 tables, 6 ref

011588   Joshi R R;Gupta R A;Wadhwani A K (Electrical Engineering Dep, CTAE, MPUAT, Udaipur, Rajasthan) : Improved dynamic and steady state performance of closed loop vector controlled matrix converter fed cage drive. J Instn Engrs-Pt EL 2007, 88(Dec), 15-19.

Three phase matrix converters have received considerable attention in recent years In fact, the matrix converter provides bidirectional power flow, sinusoidal input/output waveforms, and controllable input power factor. Furthermore, the matrix converter allows a compact design due to the lack of dc - link capacitors for energy storage. The growing application of various motor fed from variable frequency source has created a need for a detailed analysis of the performance under steady-state operation. The steady-state performance characteristics of the drive are of great help in identifying the application areas of the drive, improvement in its performance, or in optimization of the system design for meeting the desired specifications. As the motor operates at variable speed, it is necessary that the motor input parameters (voltage and frequency) be adjusted suitably to get the required speed and torque. This enables the drive performance characteristics be tailored precisely to the needs of the driven equipment. Also the appropriate values of the magnetizing reactance and dynamic reactance is used in the mathematical model to account for the realistic state of the machine's magnetic circuit. For this the dynamic parameters of the 186.5 W, 230 V induction machine are obtained experimentally. Laboratory tests are conducted on the developed 250 VA, 230 V laboratory prototype matrix converter for steady state dynamic performance in the closed scheme. Experimental results verifying the validity of the closed loop control scheme are presented.

16 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

011587   Jena M S;Biswal S K;Sahoo A K;Rudramuniyappa M V (Mineral Processing Dep, RRL (CSIR), Bhubaneswar-751 013) : Effect of jigging on recovery of combustible values from non-coking coal: a case study on Ramagundam coal field, Godavari basin, Andhra Pradesh. Indian Min Engng J 2007, 46(2-3), 19-21.

Presents reserves, production and dispatch of non-coking coal from Ramagundam Coal Field, Godavari Basin, Andhra Pradesh. Jigging studies carried out on this coal sample containing 42 - 44% ash. The performance of jig at different process variables i.e., size range of bed material, screen aperture, water flow rate, and feeding time were studied. The results of this investigation reveals that the size range of the bed material has direct relation with size distribution of the feed material.

6 illus, 4 ref

011586   Jaspal Singh;Sharma V R (Civil Engineering Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004) : Eigan value analysis of reinforced concrete silos - a case study. Indian J Envir Ecoplann 2008, 15(1-2), 289-96.

In our country, a large amount of food-grains are wasted due to the poor conditions of storage. Eventually this loss can be reduced by using proper storage structures such as bins (silos) which provide better protection against insects and rodents, pests and weather effects etc. Storage is one of the essential and vital stages between the marketing and consumption phases. The main purpose of silos is to store the commodity and to maintain quality. It is necessary to balance the supply and demand fluctuations and stabilize the prices. Silos and bunkers are made from different materials such as reinforced concrete silos or metal silos. Though metal silos have advantage over concrete silo in faster fabrication and erection, better quality control and air tightness, but in our country RCC silos are invariably used because of their ease of maintenance, superior architectural qualities and economical considerations. Practically, RCC silos are maintenance free which is one of the consideration in overall cost. RCC Cylinderical Silos can be flat bottom type or hopper bottom type. Though flat bottom silos can be built more easily than hopper bottom silos but it is desirable that bottom is self cleaning. It is because of this reason that hopper bottom silos are preferred. Given the various parameters such as height of silo, diameter of silo, properties of the material to be stored (density & angle of repose), grade of concrete, grade of steel & number of supports, various components are designed. Then for the designed components (thickness of wall, ring girder dimensions, column cross-section), mass matrix and influence coefficient matrix are generated. From mass and influence coefficient matrices, response parameters such as fundamental natural frequency and other frequencies along with mode shapes have been determined using Eigen value analysis. All the mode shapes have been checked for orthogonality condition implying that mode shapes obtained are correct. In this paper, the authors have carried out parametric study of RCC silos varying different parameters such as diameter, height and number of columns taking capacity of cylindrical portion as 500 m³.

2 tables, 12 ref

011585   Jamil M;Khan S A (Civil Engineering Dep, Z H College of Engineering and Technology, AMU Aligarh, Aligarh) : Theoretical study of hydraulic jump in trapezoidal channel section. J Instn Engrs-Pt CI 2008, 89(May), 28-32.

Deals with the theoretical study ol hydraulic jump in trapezoidal, channel section. Presuming the jump as one-dimensional free shear layer with hydrostatic pressure distribution across it and using eddy viscosity closure hypothesis, analytical models for sequent depth, dimensionless profile, turbulent shear stress distribution and energy loss for various initial Froude numbers have been obtained. The proposed models for sequent depth and energy loss are compared with the models of R Silvester. The proposed energy loss model provides the energy loss at any point between initial and final depths of the jump while this provision is not available in the models of other investigators. Furthermore, eddy viscosity closure approach has been used herein. Newton Raphson and Runge-Kutta methods are used for the solution of the proposed models.

7 ilus, 11 ref

011584   Ingle P M;Chowdary V M;Mahale D M;Thokal R T (College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Dr Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dopali-415 712) : Potential of remote sensing and geographical information system techniques in command area management. J Instn Engrs-Pt AG 2008, 89(June), 41-6.

Satellite remote sensing (RS) in conjunction with GIS plays a vital role in monitoring, management and mapping of the command ureas. These tools provide, near real time information for efficient management of water resources for the abundant crop production. Presently, RS and GIS are utilized for soil moisture estimation cropland inventory, evapotranspiration crop water stress, salinity mapping, surface water mapping and so on. These techniques have the capability of data collection and analysis in time effective manner and also provide synoptic view, repetitive and wide coverage area for efficient management of major command areas. These tools provide significant reduction in the cost and time over the conventional methods with reliability and accuracy. So the RS and GIS techniques provide valuable modern tools in evaluation, management and system performance of the water resources.

^iia59 ref

011583   Gupta V K;Agarwal P K (Mechanical Engineering Dep, G B Pant Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar-263 145) : Performance of a constant speed diesel engine with ethanol blended fuels. J Instn Engrs-Pt MC 2008, 89(July), 20-3.

Ethanol being non toxic and easily producible has been recognized as a potential and clean engine fuel for the spark ignition engines due to its high 'octane number' and better performance in terms of efficiency, power output and pollution content. But, it is very difficult to burn ethanol in compression-ignition engines because of its low 'cetane number'. The main thrust is now to look for methods and ways for the use of ethanol blend in diesel engines. Test results by other researchers on diesel engines at full / varying loads and data on emission of carbon monoxide, unburnt hydrocarbons, nitric oxide, nitrogen-di-oxide were studied and summarized. In the present investigation, the performance evaluation of a constant speed diesel engine using different micro-emulsions, the blends of high speed diesel, anhydrous or aqueous ethanol of different proofs and a suitable emulsifier (two-ethyl-1-hexanol, 1- butanol or ethyl acetate) were studied at varying load conditions on diesel and selected micro-emulsions and results are analysed. The test results confirmed that 200° [40:18:42] and 194° [40-18:42] micro-emulsions were suitable and could be substituted for diesel without any engine modification and without preheating of the blends. Air pollution was also reduced by using suggested micro-emulsions.

3 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

011582   Emamgholizadeh S (Irrigation Dep, Agricultural College, Shahrood Univ, Shahrood, Iran) : Pressure flushing of sediment through storage reservoir : laboratory testing. J Instn Engrs-Pt CI 2008, 89(May), 23-7.

Hydraulic flushing- can be used under pressure and free-flow condition for desilting of deposited sediments. During under pressure flushing the water level in the reservoir is kept high. The amount of the flushed sediments depend on many parameters, such as, reservoir's water depth, discharge released through bottom outlets, the size and the kind of the deposited of the sediments in the reservoir and etc. In this study, laboratory experiments were performed to investigate the flushing process during pressure flushing, including the effect of the discharge released from the bottom outlet and the reservoir's water depth on the bottom outlets. From laboratory data, it is found that the flushing cone and its length increases with decreases of reservoir's water depth and increases of discharge from bottom outlet. To estimate the volume of flushing cone and its length the achieved results are presented as dimensionless graph.

5 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

011581   Dhodapkar A N (NO, Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport & Highways, New Delhi) : Use of waste plastic in road construction. Indian Highw 2008, 36(12), 31-2.

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011580   Das S;Parui S K (Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering Dep, Bengal Engineering and Science Univ, Shibpur-711 103) : Sharp, wide and reconfigurable stopband filter using a new photonic bandgap structure. J Instn Engrs-Pt ET 2008, 89(July), 3-5.

A microstrip transmission lino incorporating a fan type photonic bandgap structure (PEG) has been proposed for the first time for achieving high sharpness and wide stopband filtering characteristics. The proposed structure consists of five numbers of fan type PBG holes on the ground plane of a microstrip line. The method of moment based IE,3D simulation has been performed for the proposed structure. Experimental measurement carried out with a vector network analyzer complies with the simulated result, showing sharp and wide stopband characteristics. By changing the arm length of unit cell, the cut-off frequency of the filter can be tuned. By inserting MEMS switches at the arm positions of each unit cell, the filter can be made reconfigurable. The cut-off frequency can be made lower by slightly increasing the circuit size laterally, making it viable for a compact filter design.

6 illus, 7 ref

011579   Dabral P P;Pandey A (Agricultural Engineering Dep, NERIST, Nirjuli, Itanagar-791 109) : Frequency analysis for one day to seven consecutive days of annual maximum rainfall for the district of north Lakhimpur, Assam. J Instn Engrs-Pt AG 2008, 89(June), 29-34.

Consecutive days of maximum rainfall data corresponding to 2 to 100 years return period are essential and required by design engineers and hydrologists for economic planning, design of small and medium hydraulic structures like small dams, bridges, culverts, drainage works etc. Three commonly used distribution functions (namely, normal, lognormal and gamma) were tested by comparing the chi-square values. As per chi-square value, normal distribution was found to fit best to two and five consecutive days annual maximum rainfall. Lognormal distribution was found to fit best for a single day and 6 consecutive days of annual maximum rainfall data. Gamma function was found to fit best for three, four and seven days of consecutive annual maximum rainfall. One day as well as two to seven consecutive days of annual maximum rainfall for the return periods varying from 1.053 to 100 years were computed using the best fitted functions. Single parametric models, developed for one day as well as two to seven consecutive days annual maximum rainfall, corresponding to 1 to 100 years of return period. The coefficient of determination was 0.93 for all the consecutive days. Relationships were also developed for two to seven consecutive days annual maximum rain fall with one day annual maximum rainfall. The coefficient of determination 0. 73, was observed for two days against one day maximum rainfall regression relationship which showed better dependence of two consecutive days annual maximum rainfall on one day annual maximum rainfall. Relationship was developed for prediction of consecutive days of annual maximum rainfall from one single day maximum rainfall and consecutive days ranging from 2 to7. The coefficient of determination was observed to be 0.581.

7 tables, 14 ref