Structure–property relationship of HTPB-based propellants. III. Optimization trials with varying levels of diol–triol contents

A systematic study has been conducted on a composite solid propellant formulation using hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) prepolymer with varying molecular weights and hydroxyl values. Fairly extensive regions of resin parameters have been studied. Contours of important propellant properties have been laid down. In this set of experiments, varying levels of diol and triol contents were used at two different NCO/OH ratios to arrive at the optimum level needed for different grades of HTPB resin. It is seen that different grades of HTPB resin require varying levels of diol–triol contents to give similar properties for the end product. Also, for the best performance, varying the diol–triol ratio at the optimum level of the diol–triol content is necessary. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

In-Situ interactive image-based model building for Augmented Reality from a handheld device

Three-dimensional models of objects and their creation process are central for a variety of applications in Augmented Reality. In this article, we present a system that is designed for in-situ modeling using interactive techniques for two generic versions of handheld devices equipped with cameras. The system allows online building of 3D wireframe models through a combination of user interaction and automated methods. In particular, we concentrate in rigorous evaluation of the two devices and interaction methods in the context of 3D feature selection. We present the key components of our system, discuss our findings and results and identify design recommendations.     

Comparative study on the heat transfer performance of micro-grooved anodized thermosyphon with R134a,R600a and R717 for low-temperature applications

Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology - A comparative heat transfer performance of an internally grooved anodized thermosyphon with eco-friendly refrigerants is presented in this study....     

Optimisation of process parameters for electroless nickel plating on SS316L for refrigeration systems

Nowadays, refrigeration systems are important for industrial and domestic applications. The coefficient of performance of a vapour compression refrigeration system can be improved if a reduction in the work of compression can be achieved by a suitable technique for a specified heat removal rate. The present study investigates the effect of material coating of electroless nickel (EN) plating. The friction and wear experiments were performed using a four-ball machine tribo tester. Controlling the EN plating parameters plays an important role in the quality of coating. It depends on the wear scar rate of the coated material. So it is necessary to optimise the process parameters of EN plating. The experimental studies have been conducted under varying pressure, load and time on quality characteristics. In this paper, optimisation of process parameters using response surface methodology technique for EN plating was discussed.     

Long‐term impact of nitrogen and potassium fertilizers on yield,soil nutrients and biochemical parameters of tea

A field experiment was conducted with tea cultivar UPASI‐9 over a period of 9 years to evaluate the long‐term effects of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) fertilizers on yield, biochemical parameters, soil and leaf nutrient status. The yield increase was as high as 66% over the control for N application of 450 kg ha^?1 year^?1. Polyphenol and amino acid contents increased with increase in K application rate. Positive and significant correlation was found between nitrate reductase activity and the amino acid content of the tea shoots. While ammoniacal nitrogen in the soil was not affected by the application of fertilizer, ammonium acetate extractable K increased. The failure to apply fertilizer resulted in depletion of the organic matter status of the soil. Although increased rate of nitrogen application increased the overall yield of made tea (kg ha^?1 year^?1), the specific yield (kg kg^?1 N) declined. The soil tended to become acidic from frequent application of high doses of nitrogenous fertilizer. The leaf NK status was significantly influenced by the various treatments. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Thermal modeling and performance analysis of industrial-scale metal hydride based hydrogen storage container

In this paper, a performance analysis of a metal hydride based hydrogen storage container with embedded cooling tubes during absorption of hydrogen is presented. A 2-D mathematical model in cylindrical coordinates is developed using the commercial software COMSOL Multiphysics 4.2. Numerical results obtained are found in good agreement with experimental data available in the literature. Different container geometries, depending upon the number and arrangement of cooling tubes inside the hydride bed, are considered to obtain an optimum geometry. For this optimum geometry, the effects of various operating parameters viz. supply pressure, cooling fluid temperature and overall heat transfer coefficient on the hydriding characteristics of MmNi_4.6Al_0.4 are presented. Industrial-scale hydrogen storage container with the capacity of about 150 kg of alloy mass is also modeled. In summary, this paper demonstrates the modeling and the selection of optimum geometry of a metal hydride based hydrogen storage container (MHHSC) based on minimum absorption time and easy manufacturing aspects.     

The Use of D-optimal Design for Modeling and Analyzing the Tribological Characteristics of Journal Bearing Materials Lubricated by Nano-Based Biolubricants

Response surface methodology (RSM) based on a D-optimal design was employed to investigate the tribological characteristics of journal bearing materials such as brass, bronze, and copper lubricated by a biolubricant, chemically modified rapeseed oil (CMRO). The wear and friction performance were observed for the bearing materials tested with TiO₂, WS₂, and CuO nanoadditives dispersed in the CMRO. The tests were performed by selecting sliding speed and load as numerical factors and nano-based biolubricant/bearing materials as the categorical factor to evaluate the tribological characteristics such as the coefficient of friction (COF) and specific wear rate. The results showed that RSM based on a D-optimal design was instrumental in the selection of suitable journal bearing materials for a typical system, especially one lubricated by nano-based biolubricant. At a sliding speed of 2.0 m/s and load of 100 N, the bronze bearing material with CMRO containing CuO nanoparticles had the lowest COF and wear rate. In addition, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examination of the worn bearing surfaces showed that the bronze bearing material lubricated with CMRO containing CuO nanoadditive is smoother than copper/brass bearing material.     

Enzymatic saccharification and fermentation of paper and pulp industry effluent for biohydrogen production

Paper and pulp industry effluent was enzymatically hydrolysed using crude cellulase enzyme (0.8–2.2FPU/ml) obtained from Trichoderma reesei and from the hydrolysate biohydrogen was produced using Enterobacter aerogenes. The influence of temperature and incubation time on enzyme production was studied. The optimum temperature for the growth of T. reesei was found to be around 29 °C. The enzyme activity of 2.5 FPU/ml was found to produce about 22 g/l of total sugars consisting mainly of glucose, xylose and arabinose. Relevant kinetic parameters with respect to sugars production were estimated using two fraction model. The enzymatic hydrolysate was used for the biohydrogen production using E. aerogenes. The growth data obtained for E. aerogenes were fitted well with Monod and Logistic equations. The maximum hydrogen yield of 2.03 mol H₂/mol sugar and specific hydrogen production rate of 225 mmol of H₂/g cell/h were obtained with an initial concentration of 22 g/l of total sugars. The colour and COD of effluent was also decreased significantly during the production of hydrogen. The results showed that the paper and pulp industry effluent can be used as a substrate for biohydrogen production.     

Numerical and experimental study of a shell and tube heat exchanger for different baffles

In the present work, the shell and tube heat exchanger (STHX) is designed based on The Tubular Exchanger Manufacturers Association standards with hot fluid (water) flowing on the shell side and cold fluid on the tube side. A comparison is made between the Nusselt number and friction factor obtained from numerical and experimental results of segmental baffles (SBs) and helical baffles (HB) with different baffle inclinations. The results show that SB provided a higher Colburn factor (j_s) when compared with HBs STHXs (20°, 30°, 40°, and 50°), but shell side pressure drop is lower for 40° HBs STHXs for the same shell side fluid flow rates.