Swift heavy ion induced modifications of optical and microstructural properties of silver–fullerene C60 nanocomposite

In this paper, we study the optical and microstructural properties of silver–fullerene C₆₀ nanocomposite and their modifications induced by swift heavy ion irradiation. Silver nanoparticles embedded in fullerene C₆₀ matrix were synthesized by co-deposition of silver and fullerene C₆₀ by thermal evaporation. The nanocomposite thin films were irradiated by 120 MeV Ag ions at different fluences ranging from 1 × 10¹² to 3 × 10¹³ ions/cm². Optical absorption studies revealed that the surface plasmon resonance of Ag nanoparticles showed a blue shift of ～49 nm with increasing ion fluence up to 3 × 10¹³ ions/cm². Transmission electron microscopy and Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy were used to quantify particle size and metal atomic fraction in the nanocomposite film. Growth of Ag nanoparticles was observed with increasing ion fluence. Raman spectroscopy was used to understand the effect of heavy ion irradiation on fullerene matrix. The blue shift in plasmonic wavelength is explained by the transformation of fullerene C₆₀ matrix into amorphous carbon.     

Application of profiled ejector in chemical lasers

Recently, the use of profiled ejectors based on constant rate of momentum change [I.W. Eames, Applied Thermal Engineering 22 (2002) 121] along the mixing chamber has been proposed for enhancing the recovery ratio across an ejector stage by minimizing shock losses for application in ejector based refrigeration system. Such ejectors can achieve pressure recovery ratio in excess of 150, thus making the system a compact one. Chemical lasers in general and chemical oxygen-iodine laser (COIL) in particular fall in the high power lasers category and find numerous applications in defense and industry. However, these lasers have not been exploited fully because these require pressure recovery systems for their operation and as such the practical systems are extremely voluminous and bulky. The profiled ejectors find direct applications in these lasers and thus can make the system extremely compact. The conventional supersonic COIL systems operate at a typical stagnation pressure of nearly 20 torr and a cavity static pressure of approximately 3 torr, which are amongst the lowest in the class of chemical lasers. Thus, a low-pressure operation of the laser system demands a high capacity vacuum system. Alternatively, efficient ejector based pressure recovery system has been utilized for achieving direct atmospheric exhaust of the lasing medium. However, a minimum of two-stage conventional supersonic ejectors need to be employed for the operation of the laser system. Multiple stages of the ejector are essential on account of the stagnation pressure loss occurring across a normal shock at the exit of the mixing chamber in each ejector stage. The present study presents a general treatment on the design of a profiled ejector for the case of dissimilar motive and suction fluids that are typical of these lasers. Also, determinations for the increase in recovery ratio for various conditions of entrainment ratio over the conventional ejectors have also been presented. Finally, a computational study using McCormack’s method for Euler system of equations has been carried out to numerically validate the analytical studies for a peripheral air ejector system suitable for a 500 W class COIL employing a flow rate of 3 gm/s with an entrainment ratio of 0.025. It has been concluded that a single-stage profiled ejector is sufficient to achieve atmospheric pressure recovery even in the low-pressure systems.     

Dynamic analysis of mechanisms via vector network modelAnalyse dynamique des mecanismes via le modele du reseau vectoriel

The Vector Network Model has already been defined both for problems in dynamics as well as for kinematics. For the latter, the model was developed for a sequential determination of position, velocity and acceleration variables associated with mechanisms. This paper deals with the next phase of kinematic analysis, namely, the dynamic analysis of mechanisms. Again, Vector Network Models have been invoked for the study and the method of analysis lends itself to generalizations which are deemed necessary for the analysis of complex mechanisms, both in terms of the number of linkages as well as the types of joints that are encountered. This model along with the one dealing with static analysis have already been incorporated into software for computer aided analysis including graphics.     

Studies on Cross-linked A. paniculatas (Rajgeera) Starch

Earlier studies from our laboratories on waxy A. paniculatas starch have shown it to be sensitive to mechanical shear and acidity. Cross-linking of this starch with phosphorus oxychloride at room temperature for ten min using 5 ml POCI₃ per 100 g starch improved the stability under canning conditions, low pH and also mechanical shear. Its paste clarity also improved distinctly. However, it had very poor freeze-thaw stability indicating it to be unsuitable for frozen foods. Evaluation of this starch in canned tomato soup showed it to be a useful thickener for foods processed under retort conditions.     

Utilisation of Amaranthus paniculatas (Rajgeera) Starch in Salad Dressing

Studies on utilisation of Amarantus paniculatas starch in salad dressings showed it to be more stable than corn starch. This is attributed to waxy nature of A. paniculatas starch.