Novel Green Corrosion Inhibitor for Mild Steel in Sulfuric Acid

Protection of Metals and Physical Chemistry of Surfaces - Salix leaves water extract was studied for the corrosion inhibition of mild steel in H2SO4 at different temperatures. Energy dispersive...     

In search of intelligence: evolving a developmental neuron capable of learning

A neuro-inspired multi-chromosomal genotype for a single developmental neuron capable of learning and developing memory is proposed. This genotype is evolved so that the phenotype which changes and develops during an agent's lifetime (while problem-solving) gives the agent the capacity for learning by experience. Seven important processes of signal processing and neural structure development are identified from biology and encoded using Cartesian Genetic Programming. These chromosomes represent the electrical and developmental aspects of dendrites, axonal branches, synapses and the neuron soma. The neural morphology that occurs by running these chromosomes is highly dynamic. The dendritic/axonal branches and synaptic connections form and change in response to situations encountered in the learning task. The approach has been evaluated in the context of maze-solving and the board game of checkers (draughts) demonstrating interesting learning capabilities. The motivation underlying this research is to, ab initio, evolve genotypes that build phenotypes with an ability to learn.     

Monitoring of Overhead Transmission Lines: A Review from the Perspective of Contactless Technologies

This paper describes a comprehensive review of non-contact technologies for overhead power transmission lines. Due to ever increasing emphasis on reducing accidents and speeding up diagnosis for automatically controlled grids, real time remote sensing and actuation is the new horizon for smart grid implementation. The technology overview with emphasis on the practical implementation of advanced non-contact technologies is discussed in this paper while considering optimization of the high voltage transmission lines parameters. In case of fault, the voltage and the current exceed limits of operation and hence real time reporting for control and diagnosis is a critical requirement. This paper aims to form a strong foundation for control and diagnosis of future power distribution systems so that a practitioner or researcher can make choices for a workable solution in smart grid implementation based on non-contact sensing.     

Synthesis and Multiferroic Properties of BFO Ceramics by Melt-Phase Sintering

Multiferroic ceramics (Bi_1.1FeO₃) were synthesized by the conventional powder metallurgy route by adopting the melt-phase sintering followed by rapid thermal quenching technique. Effect of sintering temperature on physical, structural, microstructural, electric, and magnetic properties was studied. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopic studies showed that calcination and sintering promoted the desired perovskite (BiFeO₃) phase and density of the ceramics. Sintering temperature improved the bulk density of the samples as a result of this leakage current density decreased and electric polarization improved. Sample sintered at 850 °C showed bulk density up to 81%. Electric measurements showed spontaneous polarization, remnant polarization, and coercive field of 14.44 μC/cm², 5.47 μC/cm², and 25.50 kV/cm, respectively. Linear behavior of magnetization as a function of applied magnetic field confirms the antiferromagnetic nature of the BiFeO₃ compound at room temperature.     

Experimental and mathematical studies of natural convection for solid-salt dissolution in water

The phenomena of natural convection caused by a concentration gradient usually creates currents as a result of buoyancy forces. These forces are formed from the combined effect of a fluid density gradient and the body force (gravitational force). The above phenomenon was studied experimentally in a circular glass column of 0.08 m diameter and 1 m length. This column was erected vertically and filled with distilled water with a salt bag placed on top of it and partially immersed in water. The dissolution mechanism was then modelled and a finite difference method was used to solve the formulated equations by using the implicit scheme of MacCormack (Anderson et al., 1984). The experimental results and the numerical predictions are represented graphically and give compatible agreement.     

Starch as a modifier for asphalt paving materials

This paper investigates the viability of using starch (ST) as a new modifier for asphalt paving materials. Different ratios of ST (2.5, 5.0, and 7.5% by weight of asphalt) were blended with 70/100 paving grade asphalt. Unmodified and modified asphalt binders were subjected to physicochemical, alkali, acid and fuel resistance tests. The performance tests including, Marshall stability, Marshall Quotient (MQ), tensile strength, tensile strength ratio, flexural strength, rutting resistance and resilient modulus (MR) were carried out on unmodified and modified stone matrix asphalt (SMA) mixtures. The analyses of test results show that the performance of ST-modified asphalt mixtures are better than conventional and styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS)-modified mixtures. The rutting potential, moisture susceptibility and temperature susceptibility can be reduced by the inclusion of ST in the asphalt mixture. The laboratory MR values are lower than the calculated ones using the empirical equations. The results also revealed that this modifier can be used as anti-stripping agent. It also shows resistance to fuels and most common chemicals. A ST content of 5% by weight of asphalt is recommended for the improvement of the performance of asphalt concrete mixtures similar to that investigated in this study.     

Introduction of new products at OAO MMK-Metiz

Improvement in the production technology for hot-rolled strip supplied by OAO MMK to OAO MMK-Metiz is described. New products at OAO MMK-Metiz are based on specially developed steel grades.     

Synthesis of 4‐link function generating mechanisms for optimum transmission angle

Abstract

A combined equation of the expression of optimum transmission angle μ and the loop displacement equation is presented for the synthesis of plane 4‐link function generating mechanisms with the highest minimum (or optimum) μ. The expression of optimum μ is derived via the sensitivity of a function generator, and covers various types of equal deviations of μ between |90 deg‐μ_min | and |90 deg‐|μ_max |. A numerical example is given.     

Study of effect of binders and loading pressures on the performance of the time delay pyrotechnic compositions

ABSTRACT

An experimental investigation was carried out to determine the effect of binders and loading pressures on burning performance of B/BaCrO₄ and Si/PbO/Pb₃O₄ delay compositions. The consolidated density and percent theoretical maximum density (%TMD) of these compositions were also studied with different binders and at multiple loading pressures. Carboxyl methyl cellulose (CMC), dextrin, and fish glue with varying wt. % were used as binders. It was observed that the burning rate of these delay compositions was inversely proportional to the binder content. The burning rate of B/BaCrO₄ delay composition was 71.0 mm/s without binder. The burning rate decreased to 38.1 mm/s by adding 3.0 % fish glue. When 1.0 % CMC was added to the mixture, the burning rate decreased to 61.8 mm/s. By adding 3.0 % dextrin to the delay composition, the burning rate decreased to 38.2 mm/s. The burning rate of Si/PbO/Pb₃O₄ delay mixture was 38.6 mm/s without binder. The burning of this mixture decreased to 16.4 mm/s by adding 1.0 % fish glue. The loading pressures were varied from 103 to 414 MPa. The effect of loading pressures on the burning rate of both the delay compositions was marginal. The burning rate of B/BaCrO₄ delay mixture decreased with the increase in loading pressure. On contrary, the change in burning rate of Si/PbO/Pb₃O₄ pyrotechnic delay composition was minimal by varying the loading pressures. Results also revealed that loading pressures of 345 and 348 MPa produced the minimum standard deviation in burning rate of B/BaCrO₄ and Si/PbO/Pb₃O₄ compositions. The consolidated density and %TMD of both mixtures increased by adding binders and increasing the loading pressures.