Defence Research and Development Laboratory

Abstract: In the present work, the effect of longitudinal magnetic field on wave dispersion characteristics of equivalent continuum structure (ECS) of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) embedded in elastic medium is studied. The ECS is modelled as an Euler-Bernoulli beam. The chemical bonds between a SWCNT and the elastic medium are assumed to be formed. The elastic matrix is described by Pasternak foundation model, which accounts for both normal pressure and the transverse shear deformation. The governing equations of motion for the ECS of SWCNT under a longitudinal magnetic field are derived by considering the Lorentz magnetic force obtained from Maxwell's relations within the frame work of nonlocal elasticity theory. The wave propagation analysis is performed using spectral analysis. The results obtained show that the velocity of flexural waves in SWCNTs increases with the increase of longitudinal magnetic field exerted on it in the frequency range: 0-20 THz. The present analysis also shows that the flexural wave dispersion in the ECS of SWCNT obtained by local and nonlocal elasticity theories differ. It is found that the nonlocality reduces the wave velocity irrespective of the presence of the magnetic field and does not influences it in the higher frequency region. Further it is found that the presence of elastic matrix introduces the frequency band gap in flexural wave mode. The band gap in the flexural wave is found to independent of strength of the longitudinal magnetic field. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Abstract: The present work pertains to the improvement of mechanical properties of AA 5456 Aluminum alloy welds through pulsed tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding process. Taguchi method was employed to optimize the pulsed TIG welding process parameters of AA 5456 Aluminum alloy welds for increasing the mechanical properties. Regression models were developed. Analysis of variance was employed to check the adequacy of the developed models. The effect of planishing on mechanical properties was also studied and observed that there was improvement in mechanical properties. Microstructures of all the welds were studied and correlated with the mechanical properties.

Abstract: This article presents the buckling analysis of isotropic nanoplates using the two variable refined plate theory and nonlocal small scale effects. The two variable refined plate theory takes account of transverse shear effects and parabolic distribution of the transverse shear strains through the thickness of the plate, hence it is unnecessary to use shear correction factors. Nonlocal governing equations of motion for the nanoplate are derived from the principle of virtual displacements. The closed-form solution for buckling load of a simply supported rectangular nanoplate subjected to in-plane loading has been obtained by using the Navier’s method. Numerical results obtained by the present theory are compared with available exact solutions in the literature. The effect of nonlocal scaling parameter, mode numbers and aspect ratios of the nanoplates on buckling load are investigated and discussed in detail in the present work. It can be concluded that the present theory, which does not require shear correction factor, is not only simple but also comparable to the first-order and higher order shear deformable theory.

Abstract: Where force suction flushing is not feasible, alternative methods to clear the debris effectively from the gap between the electrodes in electro-discharge machining (EDM) have been attempted, e.g. the application of a magnetic field, special planetary motion of the tool electrode or low frequency vibration of the electrode. The orbital motion of the electrode helps in improving the machining rate. It also improves, to some extent, form and dimensional accuracy in the machining process. This paper presents the experimental investigation of EDM of titanium alloy with a copper-tungsten electrode in respect of metal removal rate, electrode wear, surface roughness by varying currents and electrode rotations. An effort has also been made to compare these results with those of stationary electrodes. Experiments were statistically designed, and a mathematical model of the process has been developed. It is found that rotating the electrode improves the metal removal rate due to improved flushing action and sparking efficiency. However, this results in high surface roughness. The electrode wear rate also increases with increasing speed. However, the wear ratio is not significantly affected.

Abstract: Large amplitude free flexural vibrations of laminated orthotropic plates are studied using C 0 shear flexible QUAD-8 plate element. The nonlinear governing equations are solved using the direct iteration technique. Numerical results are obtained for isotropic, orthotropic and cross-ply laminated plates with simply-supported boundary conditions on immovable edges. It is observed that hardening behaviour is increased for thick plates and orthotropic plates.