Numerical simulations of morphological changes in barrier islands induced by storm surges and waves using a supercritical flow model

In this paper, an advanced explicit finite volume flow model in two-dimensions is presented for simulating supercritical coastal flows and morphological changes in a tidal/coastal inlet and barrier islands due to storm surges and waves. This flow model is coupled with existing wave-action model and sediment transport model. The resulting integrated coastal process model is capable of simulating flows induced by extreme conditions such as waves, surge tides, river flood flows, etc., and morphological changes induced by rapid coastal currents and waves. This developed supercritical flow model is based on the solution of the conservative form of the nonlinear shallow water equations with the effects of the Coriolis force, uneven bathymetry, wind stress, and wave radiation stresses. The forward Euler scheme is used for the unsteady term; and the convective term is discretized using the Godunov-type shockcapturing scheme along with the HLL Riemann solver on non-uniform rectilinear grids. The accuracy of the developed model is investigated by solving an experimental dam-break test case. Barrier island breaching, overflow and overwash due to severe storm attack are simulated and the predicted morphological changes associated to the events are analyzed to investigate the applicability of the model in a coast where all the physical forces are present.     

Effect of process parameters on the cutting quality in lasox cutting of mild steel

Samples of mild steel have been cut on a CO₂ laser machine using the principle of laser assisted oxygen cutting (LASOX). The combined effects of input process parameters (cutting speed, gas pressure, laser power and stand off distance) on cut quality (heat affected zone (HAZ) width, kerf width and surface roughness) have been studied. Regression analysis has been used to develop models that describe the effect of the independent process parameters on cut quality. Using the developed model, we attempted to optimize the input parameters that would improve the cut quality (minimization of HAZ width, kerf width and surface roughness), increase the productivity and minimize the total operation cost. We found from the study that the gas pressure and cutting speed had pronounced effect on cut quality. Low gas pressure produces lower HAZ width, lower kerf width and good surface finish whereas increase in speed results in higher HAZ width, lower kerf width and good surface finish.     

Laser surface alloying of aluminium with WC + Co + NiCr for improved wear resistance

In the present study, laser surface alloying of aluminium with WC + Co + NiCr (in the ratio of 70:15:15) has been conducted using a 5 kW continuous wave (CW) Nd:YAG laser (at a beam diameter of 0.003 m), with the output power ranging from 3 to 3.5 kW and scan speed from 0.012 m/s to 0.04 m/s by simultaneous feeding of precursor powder (at a flow rate of 1 × 10^− 5 kg/s) and using He shroud at a gas flow rate of 3 × 10^− 6 m³/s. The effect of laser power and scan speed on the characteristics (microstructures, phases and composition) and properties (wear and corrosion resistance) of the surface alloyed layer have been investigated in details. Laser surface alloying leads to development of fine grained aluminium with the dispersion of WC, W₂C, Al₄C₃, Al₉Co₂, Al₃Ni, Cr₂₃C₆, and Co₆W₆C. The microhardness of the alloyed zone is significantly improved to a maximum value of 650 VHN as compared to 22 VHN of the as-received aluminium substrate. The mechanism of microhardness enhancement has been established. The fretting wear behavior of the alloyed zone was evaluated against WC by Ball-on-disc wear testing unit and the mechanism of wear was established.     

Multi-objective optimization of process parameters in Electro-Discharge Diamond Face Grinding based on ANN-NSGA-II hybrid technique

The effective study of hybrid machining processes (HMPs), in terms of modeling and optimization has always been a challenge to the researchers. The combined approach of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II (NSGA-II) has attracted attention of researchers for modeling and optimization of the complex machining processes. In this paper, a hybrid machining process of Electrical Discharge Face Grinding (EDFG) and Diamond Face Grinding (DFG) named as Electrical Discharge Diamond face Grinding (EDDFG) have been studied using a hybrid methodology of ANN-NSGA-II. In this study, ANN has been used for modeling while NSGA-II is used to optimize the control parameters of the EDDFG process. For observations of input-output relations, the experiments were conducted on a self developed face grinding setup, which is attached with the ram of EDM machine. During experimentation, the wheel speed, pulse current, pulse on-time and duty factor are taken as input parameters while output parameters are material removal rate (MRR) and average surface roughness (R_a). The results have shown that the developed ANN model is capable to predict the output responses within the acceptable limit for a given set of input parameters. It has also been found that hybrid approach of ANN-NSGA-II gives a set of optimal solutions for getting appropriate value of outputs with multiple objectives.     

Studies on Advanced RDX/TATB Based Low Vulnerable Sheet Explosives with HTPB Binder

Hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) based sheet explosives incorporating insensitive 1,3,5‐triamino‐2,4,6‐trinitrobenzene (TATB) as a part replacement of cyclotrimethylene trinitramine (RDX) have been prepared during this work. The effect of incorporation of TATB on physical, thermal, and sensitivity behavior as well as initiation by small and high caliber shaped charges has been determined. Composition containing 85% dioctyl phthalate (DOP) coated RDX and 15% HTPB binder was taken as control. The incorporation of 10–20% TATB at the cost of RDX led to a remarkable increase in density (1.43→1.49 g cm⁻³) and tensile strength (10→15 kg cm⁻²) compared to the control composition RDX/HTPB(85/15). RDX/TATB/HTPB based compositions were found less vulnerable to shock stimuli. Shock sensitivity was found to be of the order of 20.0–29.2 GPa as against 18.0 GPa for control composition whereas their energetics in terms of velocity of detonation (VOD) were altered marginally. Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and thermogravimetry (TG) studies brought out that compositions undergo major decomposition in the temperature region of 170–240 °C.     

Electrical and mechanical properties of PMMA/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites prepared via in situ polymerization

We report the effect of filler incorporation techniques on the electrical and mechanical properties of reduced graphene oxide (RGO)-filled poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanocomposites. Composites were prepared by three different techniques, viz. in situ polymerisation of MMA monomer in presence of RGO, bulk polymerization of MMA in presence of PMMA beads/RGO and by in situ polymerization of MMA in presence of RGO followed by sheet casting. In particular, the effect of incorporation of varying amounts (i.e. ranging from 0.1 to 2 % w/w) of RGO on the electrical, thermal, morphological and mechanical properties of PMMA was investigated. The electrical conductivity was found to be critically dependent on the amount of RGO as well as on the method of its incorporation. The electrical conductivity of 2 wt% RGO-loaded PMMA composite was increased by factor of 10⁷, when composites were prepared by in situ polymerization of MMA in the presence of RGO and PMMA beads, whereas, 10⁸ times increase in conductivity was observed at the same RGO content when composites were prepared by casting method. FTIR and Raman spectra suggested the presence of chemical interactions between RGO and PMMA matrix, whereas XRD patterns, SEM and HRTEM studies show that among three methods, the sheet-casting method gives better exfoliation and dispersion of RGO sheets within PMMA matrix. The superior thermal, mechanical and electrical properties of composites prepared by sheet-casting method provided a facile and logical route towards ultimate target of utilizing maximum fraction of intrinsic properties of graphene sheets.     

Vibration analysis of a poroelastic composite hollow sphere

Vibrations in a poroelastic composite hollow sphere are investigated employing Biot’s theory of wave propagation in poroelastic media. A composite hollow poroelastic sphere consists of two concentric poroelastic spherical layers both of which are made of different poroelastic materials with each poroelastic material being homogeneous and isotropic. The boundaries of the composite hollow poroelastic sphere are free from stress. The frequency equations of both radial and rotatory vibrations are obtained each for pervious and impervious surfaces. The frequency equation of vibrations of a poroelastic composite hollow sphere with rigid core is derived as a particular case. The non-dimensional frequency for propagating modes is computed as a function of ratio of thickness to inner radius of core. The results are presented graphically for two types of poroelastic composite spheres and then discussed.     

Gamma Ray Irradiation Effects on the Ferroelectric and Piezoelectric Properties of Barium Titanate Ceramics

The effect of heavy dose gamma ray irradiation on the ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties of barium titanate (BaTiO₃) ceramics has been investigated. It is found that on irradiation the ferroelectric property decreases and polarization behavior shows double loop hysteresis. The piezoelectric properties including piezoelectric charge constant (d ₃₃), electromechanical coupling coefficient (K _p), and electrostrictive strain also decreases. The most probable reason for decreased ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties may be the occurrence of random local strain upon irradiation. The phase transition temperature from ferroelectric to paraelectric decreases and degree of diffuseness increases on irradiation. The thermoluminescence (TL) glow curve showed a peak at 226 °C showing that irradiated BaTiO₃ has TL properties. Presence of TL clearly indicates that gamma ray irradiation causes trapped holes and electrons and these trapped charges are released at temperature higher than 226 °C. The creation of trapped holes and electrons effected the microstrain of BaTiO₃ ceramic leading to change in the ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties of BaTiO₃ ceramic.     

Novel Synthesis of SrBi2Nb2O9 Powders From Hydroxide Precursors

Simple hydroxide precursors were used for the first time for the synthesis of a typical Aurivillius compound (SrBi₂Nb₂O₉ (SBN)) at a low temperature. This method is very advantageous because it circumvents the use of SrCO₃ in the case of conventional ceramics as well in the coprecipitation methods, thereby lowering the formation of the product phase. Commercially purchased strontium hydroxide is mixed thoroughly with freshly precipitated bismuth and niobium hydroxides in a stoichiometric ratio and heated at different temperatures ranging from 100°C to 750°C for 12 h. The sequence of the reaction and evolution of the product phase was monitored by X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies by recording the XRD for samples calcined at different temperatures. The incipient SBN phase begins to form at temperatures as low as 400°C, and phase formation was complete only at 650°C as revealed by the XRD observations. The differential thermal/thermogravimetric analyses) also corroborate this result. The morphology and average particle size of these powders were investigated by transmission electron microscopy studies.