An integrated computer-aided decision support system for die stresses and dimensional accuracy of precision forging dies

Precision forging is a field in which decision support systems can be effectively and widely applied and depends on knowledge and rules derived from the past experience of forging die design engineers. Precise components are becoming quite important in attempts to reduce cost and improve reliability. There are thus many application areas in which the rules themselves become inherent to the parts or the processes. In forging die design, dimensional accuracy is one of the main goals. The load carrying capacity and life of any forged product is greatly affected by its dimensional accuracy. To predict the precise dimension of the part and determine the die dimension for precision forging, it is necessary to analyze the factors which affect dimensional accuracy. Dimensional evolution of die and product should be analyzed at each stage of forging. In this study, both radial and tangential stresses are encountered in the determination of die stresses since cylindrical workpieces were used. In order to sustain dimensional accuracy of the forging die, differences between the forging product and the die insert such as elastic die expansion and product contraction are presented.     

Identification of novel nonedible oil seeds via scanning electron microscopy for biodiesel production

Exploration of substitute energy feed‐stocks is the much‐debated topic in the scientific society due to increasing power crises and related ecological concerns. As a source of sustainable energy, biodiesel turns out to be the best alternative to petro fuels. In this context, nonedible oil‐producing seeds might be a potential source for biodiesel production owing to their environment‐friendly nature and cost‐effectiveness. The current study, consequently, deals with the investigation and identification of micro‐morphological characters between six novel nonedible oil‐bearing seeds employing scanning electron microscopy as possible biodiesel feed‐stocks. Light microscopic examinations show that seed size varies from 0.3 to 1.3 cm in width and 0.5 to 1.5 cm in. Additionally, a large difference in seed color ranges from dark brown, black, and various shades of light brown was also witnessed. The FFA content of the seeds ranges in 0.3–4.1 mg KOH/g, and the seed oil content fall in 30–65% (w/w) range. SEM‐mediated seed ultrastructure investigations displays greater variation in seed size, shape, color, periclinal wall shape, and sculpturing and so on. All the seeds differ from rounded, ovoid, ovate, oblong, flattened, and elliptical shape. Greater variation in seed wall structure has been seen from angular, entire, irregular, straight, elongated, smooth, and polygonal. The periclinal wall arrangements show alteration from flat, depressed, elevated, smooth, pentagonal, bullate, and coarse seed margins. The results obtained from the current study suggest that scanning electron microscopy could be a beneficial tool in vitalizing the hidden micromorphological characters among various nonedible oil producing seeds, which eventually helps in exploration, correct identification, seed classification, and authentication in future.     

Comparative pollen and foliar micromorphological studies using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy of some selected species of Lamiaceae from Alpine Zone of Deosai Plateau,Western Himalayas

The study was conducted to highlight a detailed account of morphology of pollen chosen species of Lamiaceae through scanning electron microscopy, and the anatomical characteristics of leaf epidermis of seven species using simple light microscopy. In results, Anisomeles indica and Otostegia aucheri belong to subfamily Lamioideae because it has tricolpate pollen while the rest eight species belong to subfamily Nepetoideae (hexacolpate pollen). The exine sculpturing of pollen of studied species was found to be reticulate. In the family Lamiaceae, four kinds of stomata were found anomocytic, anisocytic, diacytic, and actinocytic, respectively. The cell wall patterns of epidermal cells were irregular or polygonal with straight or undulate walls. It was noted that the variety of the epidermal trichomes seems of taxonomically important for the identification of species of Lamiaceae. Both nonglandular and glandular trichomes were analyzed. The nonglandular trichomes were characterized with long, thin, and pointed apical unicellular cells. The nonglandular trichomes were A‐shaped in Thymus linearis. In Perovskia abrotanoides, stellate glandular trichomes were observed whereas in A. indica and Mentha royleana both glandular and nonglandular trichomes were found. In A. indica, the nonglandular trichomes were sessile and peltate in M. royleana. For the first time in this study, pollen and foliar micromorphological features of selected species of this area are carried out. These taxonomic characters were found to be important in discrimination of species from each other. In future, the detailed study with comprehensive morphology coupled with other important characters is required for delimitation of taxa at various levels.     

Measuring Thermal Mass of Sustainable Concrete Mixes

Thermal mass is currently evaluated with ＂admittance＂ which is the ability of the element to exchange heat with the environment and is based on specific heat capacity, thermal conductivity and density. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of thermal properties namely, density, specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity on thermal mass. The objective of the study is to carry out laboratory experiments by measuring such thermal properties of concrete mixes with various percentages of GGBS （ground granulated blast furnace slag）, PFA （pulverized fuel ash）, and SF （silica fume） and RCA （recycled coarse aggregates）. The results obtained from these tests would contribute to the evaluation of how such thermal properties influence the thermal admittance and hence the thermal mass performance of sustainable concrete elements in a building system.     

A study of profiled handoff for Diffserv‐based mobile nodes

There is a growing interest in providing Internet services to the mobile nodes. When mobile nodes travel from one router's service area to another, the time‐sensitive applications may see degradation in service. We investigate into the effects of handoff on service quality of mobile nodes. Several experiments are conducted using various packet metering and marking schemes with or without transferring profiles to the new router. Results indicate the relative instability period following handoff, loss of packets and delay encountered by packets in profiled or un‐profiled handoffs, leading to determining suitable mix of metering and marking schemes with or without context transfer. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.