A robust image encryption algorithm resistant to attacks using DNA and chaotic logistic maps

An image encryption technique using DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) operations and chaotic maps has been proposed in this paper. Firstly, the input image is DNA encoded and a mask is generated by using 1D chaotic map. This mask is added with the DNA encoded image using DNA addition. Intermediate result is DNA complemented with the help of a complement matrix produced by two 1D chaotic maps. Finally, the resultant matrix is permuted using 2D chaotic map followed by DNA decoding to get the cipher image. Proposed technique is totally invertible and it can resist known plain text attack, statistical attacks and differential attacks.     

Layout and Component Size Optimization of Sewer Network Using Spanning Tree and Modified PSO Algorithm

In the paper, a new method is introduced for optimally solve the problem of the layout and component size determination of sewer network. Simultaneously Layout and component size optimization of sewer network problem consists of many hydraulic constraints which are generally nonlinear and discrete; which creates a challenge even to the modern heuristic search methods. An algorithm generation of a predefined number of spanning trees is introduced to generate a predefined number of sewer layouts of a base sewer network in order of increasing length. These generated layouts are sorted in ascending order of total cumulative flow and sorted layouts are individually optimized for sewer components sizing. It has been found that the optimal sewer layout for total system optimization is one where the total cumulative flow has the minimal value. The modified particle swarm optimization (MPSO) algorithm has been used to optimally determine the component sizes of the selected layouts. The proposed method is applied to the Sudarshanpura sewer network (situated in Jaipur, India) design problem. The results are presented for optimal cost vs cumulative flow of the layouts. Further results of MPSO has been compared with the original PSO algorithm.     

Concentration profile of glass fiber bundles in epoxy‐based gradient composites during centrifugation

The short fiber bundles separated from the machining waste of a printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing plant were used in preparing functionally graded composites using polysulfide‐modified epoxy resin. The graded material was developed using centrifugation technique. The centrifugation time was varied to obtain different gradient profiles. The concentration profile was then compared with the theoretical HD model (Hashmi‐Dwivedi model), which was modified to accommodate the changes in the shape of suspending particles. A shape factor was introduced in terminal velocity estimation. The simulated results are in agreement with the experimental trends. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Influence of wood flour loading on tribological behavior of epoxy composites

A series of wood flour (WF) filled epoxy composites consisting of five samples were prepared by varying the concentration of WF in step of 10 wt%. These samples were characterized for its wear behavior in abrasive and sliding wear modes to study the influence of WF. It was observed that specific wear rate (k₀) of all the composites decreased with increasing load in sliding wear mode. Specific wear rate was of the order of 10⁻¹⁰ m³/Nm in abrasive wear mode and ∼10⁻¹⁴ m³/Nm in sliding wear mode. Composite containing 40 wt% WF exhibited the lowest specific wear rate in abrasive wear mode. While composite containing 20 wt% WF exhibited lowest specific wear rate in sliding wear mode. This was attributed to the fact that in abrasive wear mode, the wear debris consisting of mainly WF particles was maximum for 10 wt% composite and minimum for 40 wt% composite. In sliding wear mode, the exposed WF particles caused maximum roughening of steel counterface in the case of composite containing higher concentration of WF particles. Hence, they exhibited a higher value of specific wear rate. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Development and high stress abrasive wear behavior of milled carbon fiber‐reinforced epoxy gradient composites

Milled carbon fiber‐reinforced polysulfide‐modified epoxy gradient composites have been developed. Density and hardness increases with the increase of carbon fiber content in the direction of centrifugal force, which shows the formation of gradient structure in the composite. High stress abrasive wear test was conducted on the gradient composites by using a Suga Abrasion Wear Tester. Abrasive wear rate reduced on increase of milled carbon fiber content from 0.15 to 1.66 vol%. Reduction in abrasive wear rate in milled carbon fiber‐reinforced epoxy gradient composites has been attributed to the increase of hardness, presence of random milled fibers, and debris of composite materials, which gave resistance and reduced wear rate. There is a small decrease in specific wear rate on adding 0.15 vol% milled carbon fibers. Further decrease of specific wear rate is observed on adding 0.45 vol% milled carbon fibers. After 3 N load, there is a decrease in specific wear rate behavior on adding 0.45 vol% carbon fibers, which further decreases on adding 0.60 vol% of carbon fibers. There is a remarkable decrease in specific wear rate up to 5 N load for 1.66 vol% milled carbon fiber‐reinforced composite. Reduction in specific wear rate on adding milled carbon fibers is based on the formation of debris, which remained intact in their respective positions due to the interfacial adhesion between milled carbon fibers and epoxy resin. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Sliding wear and friction characteristics of sisal fibre reinforced polyester composites: Effect of silane coupling agent and applied load

Chopped sisal fibre‐reinforced polyester composites with and without silane modification were prepared. Wear and friction measurements on the chopped sisal fibre reinforced polyester composites have been performed at different loads for different weight percentages of sisal fibre by using a pin‐on‐disc wear and friction tester. It has been found that increase of chopped sisal fibre content increased the Pressure‐Velocity (PV) limit of composites. Silane modification improved the wear resistance of untreated sisal fibre reinforced polyester composite. Coefficient of friction increased with increase of fibre content and decreased with increase of load. Wear mechanism has been discussed with the help of SEM observations. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Development and electrical characterization of carbon soot filled polyester graded composites

In this paper a novel method to develop carbon soot filled polyester graded composites has been reported. Dielectric measurements were conducted on these graded composites in the temperature range from 30 to 150 °C and in the frequency range 1–10 kHz to study and analyse the effect of temperature and frequency variation on dielectric constant (ε′) and dielectric dissipation factor (tan δ). It was observed that an increase of carbon soot content increased the dielectric constant gradually, which established the formation of a graded structure. Dielectric data were analysed using existing theoretical models. It was observed that Maxwell–Garnett model fits best for the dielectric data obtained experimentally for these graded composites. Compensation law confirmed the semi conducting behaviour of the composites. Cole–Cole plot for graded composites showed dielectric relaxation probably due to dipolar groups of polyester and interfacial polarization that occurred in the composites.     

Oxygen index: Correlations to other fire tests

An investigation has been carried out of the limiting oxygen index (LOI) test. A review of the literature shows that, although there is abundant information on the test, it is not clear that its results correlate well with those of any other test, or indeed with those of real fires. Theoretical considerations indicate that the test could be improved by using it with bottom ignition rather than with the standard top ignition. A number of materials were tested in the cone calorimeter and in the LOI, and various correlations were attempted. In general, correlations between some of the cone calorimeter properties measured and the inverse of the LOI made sense. These correlations were not, however, sufficiently sensitive, even when investigating small effects on a single base polymer system, to justify using the LOI as a proxy for the cone in any way. The LOI is likely to continue to be used extensively. This work suggests that quality control and, possibly, mechanistic or other flame-retardant additive studies, are its only applications where the results can be justified.