S. Jose

Abstract: Enterprises around the world are employing reverse supply chain practices to overcome the regulations and generate profit making opportunities. As a result of the rapid progress in technology the product lifecycles are shrinking faster than ever. In the face of global competition, heightened environmental regulations and a wealth of additional profits and improved corporate image opportunities, performing the reverse supply chain operations at a world class level is becoming quintessential. These factors in addition to the inherent complexity of reverse supply chains due to the uncertainties associated with the quantity, quality, and timing of returns make returns management all the more complicated. This research spotlights on this particular problem from a consumer electronics industry perspective, as it poses the greatest challenges in handling returns due to the presence of high clock speed products and greater return volume and variability. In this research, Performance Evaluation Analytic for Reverse Logistics Methodology is developed to facilitate decision making from the perspective of an enterprise engaged in reverse logistics. It explores the various reverse logistics functions and product lifecycle stages. It also develops some key business strategies and performance metrics that can be employed to be successful in returns handling. Deployment of this methodology in their organizations provides them with a real world assessment of what strategies, reverse logistics functions, product lifecycle stages, or key performance indicators impact the Reverse Logistics Performance Value, thereby allowing them to continuously improve their returns management capabilities.

Abstract: This work highlighted the preparation of a hybrid of AA6061/Al 2 O 3 /graphite composite by additionally incorporating Si 3 N 4 nanoparticles in the material system. The reinforcements were premixed with Al metal powder to improve their diffusion into the matrix during manufacturing of composites. The composites were manufactured by stir casting method. The pin on disc wear test was carried out as per ASTM G99 standard. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis were conducted on worn out surface and subsurface of the composite specimens to determine the wear mechanism. From the results, it was found that the wear behaviour of Al powder premixed reinforcement was superior to unmixed reinforcements. The composites with dual ceramic reinforcement have shown lesser wear rate and coefficient of friction than composites with single ceramic reinforcement. Abrasive wear and grain structure refinement just beneath the worn out surface were noted in composites with Si 3 N 4 nanoparticles. Single ceramic reinforcement of Al premixed Al 2 O 3 was identified with abrasive wear, micro cuts and formation of mechanically mixed layer on the worn out surface. Single ceramic reinforcement of unmixed Al 2 O 3 exhibited abrasive wear and severe plastic deformation on worn out surface. Porosity, particle fracture and particle pull out were noticed in the subsurface of the composites with unmixed single ceramic reinforcement of Al 2 O 3 .

Abstract: The fabrication method of composite materials has significant influence on the mechanical properties of the materials. Establishment of proper bonding, dispersion and diffusion of reinforcement in the matrix are identified as principal characteristics which need to be taken care during the manufacturing of metal matrix composites. The current work has highlighted the impact of metal (Al) mixed dual size particle reinforcements (Al2O3 (μm) & Si3N4 (nm)) and the domination of silicon nitride nano particle in the composite system. The reinforcement powders were ball milled for 3 h. The matrix alloy used in this work was AA6061 which holds the applications in the construction of structures, aircraft and automobile bodies. The matrix alloy was melted and milled powders were added at 850 °C followed by stirring process. The tensile, Compression and Hardness tests were conducted to characterize the mechanical behavior of the prepared composites. The Optical Microscope and the Scanning Electron Microscopes were used to analyze the morphology of the as-cast and fractured surfaces. The composites of metal mixed reinforcements offered improved mechanical properties than the composites of unmixed reinforcement. Tensile characteristics [Ultimate Tensile Strength (72.3 MPa–153.2 MPa), yield strength (67 MPa–148 MPa), and ductility (2–8.3%)] were much influenced by pre mixed Si3N4 nano particles and its volume fraction in composites. The composites with dual reinforcement have shown superior tensile behavior than single reinforcement. The compression behavior [compression strength (253–361.74 MPa)] and hardness of the composites were dominated by single reinforcement with premixed Al2O3 particles. The dislocation density due to the presence of Si3N4 nano particle and proper bonding of hard Al2O3 particles in the matrix supported by Si3N4 nano particles were observed as strengthening mechanism in the composites with dual reinforcement.

Abstract: Additive Manufacturing is becoming increasingly important to the manufacturing industry with the gradual rise in the complexity of products and technology. In this paper, influence of finishing method i.e vapour smoothing process parameters on fused deposition modelling surface finish is studied. Process parameters considered for investigation in this study are build orientation, volume of chemical solution used for finishing and vapour smoothing process time. The test specimen is fabricated in polylactic acid thermoplastic using CubePro FDM machine and THF (Tetra Hydro Flouride) solution is used for vapour smoothing. From experimentation, it is observed that finishing method has significant influence and among the process parameters notable impact is observed in build orientation. Minimum surface roughness is observed at 90°orientation, 10ml volume of THF and VS process time of 5 minutes. Work presented in this study will further enhance the application of FDM parts in patterns for casting, and consumer goods which required high surface finish

Abstract: In this paper a major amount of work has been listed regarding multi-objective optimization problem using evolutionary algorithms. From time immemorial optimization have been required in every industry for improvement of the business or other scientific results. Evolutionary algorithms is a direct search algorithm and has been applied for various mathematical models to attain optimal results because of its adaptability with the system. The aim of the study is to find a multi-objective transportation problem by using evolutionary algorithm in bipartite graph. In multi-travelling salesman problem the objective to derive the optimal sequencing schedule of a salesman which is formed as a multiple objective problem.

Abstract: In the current research study, AA6351 (Al-Si-Mg) is employed as matrix material and silicon nitride (Si3N4) particles as reinforcement material to manufacture the aluminum composites (AMCs). AA6351 matrix composites incorporated with several weight fractions of Si3N4 (0, 1, 2 and 3 wt.%) were synthesized via stir casting technique. The obtained composites were characterized through a scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDS). EDS and XRD spectrums demonstrate the presence of Si3N4 reinforcement contents in the manufactured AMCs. The SEM analysis exhibits the even dissemination of Si3N4 particles in the Al alloy. The mechanical properties of the composites are examined by conducting several kinds of tests like compression test, impact test, tensile test and hardness test to understand the relationship between the weight percentages of reinforcement on the mechanical characteristics of the manufactured AMCs. The un-lubricant tribological characteristics of the proposed AMCs were assessed utilizing pin on disk tribometer. The hardness, compression and tensile strength of the AMCs were augmented concerning the mass proportion of reinforcement content. Finally, the wear test result reveals that the addition of nano-sized Si3N4 reinforcement contents up to a mass proportion of 3% downgrades the wear rate.

Abstract: Liquid metallurgy method based aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) are extensively utilized in diverse engineering applications including shipbuilding, structural, nonstructural, automotive, and aero...

Abstract: ‘The micro/nano reinforced particle’ aluminum metal matrix composites (Al-MMCs) are widely used in manufacturing sector due to light-weight, superior strength-to-weight ratio, better fracture tough...

Abstract: Aluminium composites with reinforcements in the form of whiskers, particulates or continuous/discontinuous fibres are referred to as aluminium metal matrix composites (Al MMCs). These form of composites can be engineered to effectively provide tailored property combinations such as high strength to weight ratio, specific strength, specific stiffness, creep resistance and low density compared to conventional engineering materials. Al MMCs have become choice materials in applications such as aerospace, construction, marine and automotive. In some of these applications, dry sliding wear predominantly occurs. In this paper, attempt has been made to give a concise overview on how factors such as applied load, reinforcement particles, sliding distance and sliding speed affect the wear characteristics of different Al MMCs and reasons behind the wear patterns that are observed on the composite surfaces. A brief highlight of various wear types in relation to different reinforcement types, loading, speed and wear conditions have also been presented.

Abstract: The Indian electronics industry is facing immense pressure to include sustainability practices in order to meet customer expectations, comply with legislation and create an edge over competitors. This growing need for inclusion of sustainability is driving original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to collaborate with third-party reverse logistics providers (3PRLPs) to sustainably manage returns. Collaboration with 3PRLP will put OEMs in a stronger position regarding compliance with government legislation, improving upon their corporate image and customer satisfaction. It is a win-win situation for the OEM. On the other hand, from the 3PRLP's point of view, it is important to know the capabilities of the OEMs before entering into a collaborative endeavour. Hence, it is firstly necessary to identify the most appropriate attributes of the manufacturer which are essential for a sustainable collaboration. In this context, the study proposes a novel framework for investigating the performance attributes of the OEMs from the economic, environmental and social aspects of sustainability. Since the evaluation of each attribute for each dimension of sustainability differs in terms of the nature of the information needed and the time and resources required, it is necessary to conduct a pre-evaluation of the attributes using the Complex Proportional Assessment (COPRAS) method. Furthermore, the shortlisted attributes for each sustainability dimension are evaluated and prioritized using the best worst method (BWM). The novelty of the attribute selection process lies in simultaneously considering the degree of importance of the attribute as well as the degree of difficulty of the collection of data required for the assessment of the OEM. The result of this study helps decision-makers and practitioners to comprehend the most influential attributes of OEMs which are crucial for collaboration, thus enhancing the overall sustainability impact of the supply chain. The managerial implications drawn from the resulting analysis provide the 3PRLP with a sustainable evaluation framework which can be ideally used for the selection of collaborative partners. The above model is validated using the case of an Indian 3PRLP company that handles electronic products.