Surface runoff estimation over heterogeneous foothills of Aravalli mountain using medium resolution remote sensing rainfall data with soil conservation system‐curve number method: A case of semi‐arid ungauged Manesar Nala watershed

Manesar Nala watershed, having an aerial extent of 71.53 km², was subjected to modelling of its hydrological behaviour for assessing its water resource potential. Modern tools and techniques of Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) were used for assessment of runoff generating potential using the Hydrologic Soil Cover Complex (HSCC) Method [U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)‐Soil Conservation System‐Curve Number (SCS‐CN) approach]. RS and GIS were used in generation and integration of thematic maps [such as Land use/Land cover (using LISS‐III data) and Hydrologic Soil Group (HSG), (using soil map of study area) to derive the Curve Number (CN) for simulating Runoff (R_o)]. The daily rainfall (P) data for the study period 2002–2015 were acquired from NOAA Climate Prediction Center (NCPC). Corresponding R_o from the watershed for intense storm events for 14 years were calculated through RS and GIS. GIS and SCS‐CN model was employed for modelling the runoff production to study its hydrological behaviour. The study showed that the Manesar Nala watershed was having a composite Curve Number – II (CN_II) value of 82.5 for normal conditions. For dry and wet conditions these values were estimated at 66.44 (CN_I) and 91.56 (CN_III), respectively. This investigation showed that Manesar Nala watershed exhibited an annual average (of 14 years, 2002–2015) R_o volume of 4 542 514.37 m³ based on the average annual rainfall (P) of 0.72 m (720 mm). The average annual surface runoff (R_o) was predicted to be approximately 0.21 m with annual runoff coefficient (C_R) of 0.29. During the study, we also found a strong correlation ‘r’ between satellite driven P and R_o from NRCS‐CN method of the order of 0.94. The methodology so developed has the potential to be used in other similar ungauged watersheds in the same agro‐climatic conditions for the purpose of planning of watershed conservation measures and other developmental activities.     

Fabrication, Microstructural Characterization, and Mechanical Properties of Polycrystalline t'-Zirconia

Large-grained (100- to 200-μm), yttria-doped, polycrystalline t '-zirconia ceramics were fabricated by heat-treating presintered samples at temperatures 2100°C. Polarized light microscopy revealed the ferroelastic domain structure in the t ' samples. XRD showed that no monoclinic phase was detected on as-polished, ground and fracture surfaces, or on surfaces while under a tensile stress as high as 400 MPa. By contrast, relative changes occurred in the tetragonal peak intensities, which were attributed to ferroelasatic domain switching. The higher toughness of 3-mol%-Y₂O₃-doped t ' samples (7.7 MPa · m^1/2) compared to that of 8 mol% Y₂O₃ cubic samples (2.4 MPa · m^1/2) was explained in part by ferroelastic domain switching.     

Underground coal gasification: A new clean coal utilization technique for India

Energy demand of India is continuously increasing. Coal is the major fossil fuel in India and continues to play a pivotal role in the energy sector. India has relatively large reserves of coal (253 billion tonnes) compared to crude oil (728 million tonnes) and natural gas (686 billion cubic meters). Coal meets about 60% of the commercial energy needs and about 70% of the electricity produced in India comes from coal, and therefore there is a need for technologies for utilization of coals efficiently and cleanly. UCG offers many advantages over the conventional mining and gasification process. UCG is a well proven technology. Due to the site-specific nature of the process, possibility of land subsidence and surrounding aquifer water contamination, this technology is still in a developing stage in India. Potential for UCG in India is studied by comparing the properties of Indian coals with the properties of coal that are utilized by various UCG trials. The essential issues are elaborated for starting UCG in India based on the reported information from the successful field trials conducted all over the world. Indian industries are in the process of initiating pilot studies of UCG at various sites. This study will help to motivate both applied and theoretical research work on UCG sites in India and after detailed analysis it will provide basic data to interested industries.     

Recent advances in coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering spectroscopy: Fundamental developments and applications in reacting flows

Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) spectroscopy is widely used for measuring temperature and species concentration in reacting flows. This paper reviews the advances made over the last twelve years in the development and application of CARS spectroscopy in gas-phase reacting flows. The advent of high-power nanosecond (ns) lasers and off-the-shelf compact picosecond (ps) and femtosecond (fs) lasers is enabling the rapid expansion of the application of single-shot or high-bandwidth CARS spectroscopy in a way that would have been quite unimaginable two decades ago. Furthermore, compact ps lasers are paving the way for the development of a fiber-based CARS system for use in harsh environments. The objective of this paper is to provide an overview of recent progresses in ns-, ps-, and fs-CARS spectroscopy for gas-phase thermometry and species-concentration measurements since the second edition of A.C. Eckbreth's book entitled Laser Diagnostics for Combustion Temperature and Species, which was published in 1996. During the last two decades, four encompassing issues have driven the fundamental development and application of CARS spectroscopy in reacting flows: 1) measurement of temperature and concentration of multiple species with one CARS system, 2) extension of the application of traditional ns-CARS to challenging reacting flow environments, 3) performance of nonresonant background-free and collision-free measurements in high-pressure reacting flows, and 4) measurement of temperature and species concentration at high bandwidth, typically 1 kHz or greater, to address the instability and transient phenomena associated with turbulent reacting flows in the combustors and augmentors of modern propulsion systems. This review is focused on identifying and discussing the recent results of gas-phase CARS spectroscopy related to the four issues mentioned above. The feasibility of performing high-bandwidth CARS spectroscopy with one laser beam as well as the potential of tailored fs lasers for thermometry and species-concentration measurements in gas-phase reacting flows are also discussed.     

Biocompatible composites of fibrous nanohydroxyapatite embedded in a polydimethylsiloxane

Silicone elastomers have the potential to be a valuable biomaterial due to their mechanical and chemical properties, easy processing, and high gas permeability. Some inherent properties of the pure silicone implant such as high hydrophobicity and low load bearing capacity can be problematic for biomedical applications. The issues were addressed by fabricating hydroxyapatite nanofiber/polydimethylsiloxane nanocomposites. The morphology of nanocomposite structures was visualized by high resolution transmission electron microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy. Improved mechanical strength and compliance of the prepared nanocomposite structures were obtained by frequency sweep and creep measurements. Surface hydrophilicity of polydimethylsiloxane was enhanced by hydroxyapatite nanofiber incorporation into the polymer matrix. The cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of the structures were analyzed using breast epithelial cells (MDA MB 231 cell line). These studies showed that the nanocomposite scaffold did not leach any cytotoxic material and showed better cell adhesion and cell proliferation compared to the unfilled elastomer.     

Selective oxidation of alcohols by combinatorial catalysis

High-throughput synthesis and screening of polyoxometalate (POM) and supported-metal libraries have been developed for the selective aerobic oxidation of alcohols to the corresponding aldehydes/ketones in the liquid phase. Libraries consisting of 96 catalysts were prepared in multi-well reactors and screened for catalytic activity using TLC, GC and NMR detection methods. Promising hits identified in the high-throughput primary screens were successfully scaled up and optimized in conventional laboratory test units. Isolated yields confirm high selectivities of more than 90% with quantitative conversions. Substrates tested include primary and secondary alcohols. Specific results will be presented for hydroxymethyl-substituted heterocycles and bicyclo-octanols.     

CFD–DEM modelling of particle flow in IsaMills – Comparison between simulations and PEPT measurements

The IsaMill? is a high speed stirred mill with a horizontal configuration that offers advantages such as energy efficiency and an inert grinding environment. A combined computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and discrete element method (DEM) approach was developed to investigate the particle and fluid flows inside a simplified IsaMill?. The configuration of the mill was simpler than that of an actual IsaMill? and no feed flow or rotor was considered. The CFD–DEM model is a progression from earlier DEM only models of “dry” systems which did not account for the fluid phase. The properties of flows at a macroscopically steady state, such as velocity field, distributions of particle velocity and acceleration in the radial direction and power draw, were analysed. Detailed comparisons were carried out between the simulation results and Positron Emission Particle Tracking (PEPT) measurements under similar conditions. The comparisons showed reasonable agreements, confirming that both techniques can capture the key features of the flow. The discrepancies between simulated and measured results were discussed. The findings indicated that the proposed model can be used to generate microdynamic information that is useful in leading to a better understanding of the underpinning physics of flow inside mills.     

Neodymium triflate modified nafion composite membrane for reduced alcohol permeability in direct alcohol fuel cell

This paper reports an experimental study on the modification of nafion membrane with neodymium triflate, Nd(SO₃CF₃)₃, a rare earth triflate. The triflate ion resembles nafion in structure and has high lewis acidity, high coordination number, hygroscopic nature and thermal stability. These properties make the neodymium triflate (NdTfO) suitable to improve the performance of NdTfO/nafion membranes in direct alcohol fuel cell by reducing fuel permeability without compromising other properties. The NdTfO/nafion membranes reduced alcohol permeability by nearly 48%. The proton conductivity of 1% NdTfO/nafion was increased by at least 24% as compared to pure cast nafion membrane. The mechanical strength of 1% NdTfO/nafion was higher than that of pure cast nafion. The composite membrane was thermally and chemically stable and has potential for use in direct alcohol fuel cells. A DMFC was developed and its performance was evaluated using the composite membrane, which showed encouraging results.     

Porous composites of hydroxyapatite‐filled poly[ethylene‐co‐(vinyl acetate)] for tissue engineering

A novel porous composite of hydroxyapatite/poly[ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate)] (HAP/EVA) having better osteointegration was fabricated by gas foaming technique using a non toxic gas blowing agent intended for bone replacement applications. Combined techniques of scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray microcomputed tomography (µCT) analysis showed that the pore size and pore volume of the porous composite decrease with the increase of HAP content. The gravimetric analysis evidenced for good pore interconnectivity within the porous composites. Energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX) studies inveterated the even scattering of Ca ions which in turn indicate the uniform dispersion of HAP particles in the composites. The significant gradation in Ca ion concentration seen in EDX studies is well accordance with the amount of HAP loading in the sample. Mechanical properties of the porous composite having different HAP content were measured to have the compressive strength varying from 1.06 to 2.2 MPa. Non‐cytotoxic character of the material was observed by the cytocompatibility studies. The metabolic activity of L929 cells seeded on the material assessed by [3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol)‐2‐yl]‐2,5‐diphenyltertrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was found to be 91.8%. The adhesion and migration of the cells inside the pore walls were visualized by confocal microscopy. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry