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J. P. Kukillaya ¹, K. Padmanabhan ², E. Krishnan ²

Affiliations
1 IX 695C, "Chetas", Erattakannanpalam, Talap, Pallikunnu P.O., Kannur, Kerala, IN
2 Kerala Samuhya Jalasechana Samithy, Thrissur - 5, Kerala, IN

Abstract

Short and medium duration pumping test data from a well-field, in conjunction with outcrop fracture pattern studies, are used to understand the nature of a system of fracture aquifers in a metamorphic terrain in Kerala State. Satellite imagery shows a minor E - W lineament intersecting a major regional NNW - SSE lineament in the area. Drawdown and time lag data indicate greater connectivity along the minor lineament compared to the major one. The E - W elongation of the drawdown contours correlates with dominant E - W fracture sets seen on outcrops. The NNW - SSE fracture zone probably forms a regional conduit for groundwater flow, with the degree of hydraulic. connectivity modified locally by other intersecting fracture zones. A large-scale heterogenity in the form of an E-W fracture zone is indicated in this area. The pumping tests give responses similar to double-porosity and semi-confined models. Some data suggest localised linear flow near pumped well. Heterogeneity in fracture distribution results in a complex response to pumping. Celtain broadly-defined zones and groundwater flow conditions are discernible within this heterogeneity.

Keywords

Groundwater, Fractured Aquifers, Hard Rock Terrain, Pumping Test, Kerala.

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J. P. Kukillaya ¹, K. Padmanabhan ², K. Radhakrishnan ²

Affiliations
1 TC 5/1184(2), 'Chandrika Vilas' Survey School Road, Peroorkada PO, Trivandrum - 695005, IN
2 Hydrogeologists, Kelala Samuhya Jalasechana Samithi, Thrissur, Kerala, IN

Abstract

Brackish groundwater occurs in fractured hard rock aquifers along a narrow N-S fracture zone in Puzhakkal-Avanur area which is more than 17 km from the sea. Relative propoition of chloride and bicarbonate suggests intrusion of saline water into this fracture zone from low lying areas connected to saline backwaters. Pumping test data and variations in intensity of fracturing suggest similarity to discontinuous fracture network model. The possible causes for spatial and temporal changes in electrical conductivity of groundwater are discussed. Present studies indicate overflow of blackish groundwater from the semi confined aquifers through bores in some dug-cum-borewells of the area.

Keywords

Groundwater, Fracture Aquifers, Hard Rock Terrain, Brackish Water, Spatial and Temporal Variations, Thrissur, Kerala.

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S. Ananthi ¹, G. Venkata Ramu ², K. Padmanabhan ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Network Systems and Information Technology, University of Madras, Chennai, IN
2 Instrumentation Department, University of Madras, IN

Abstract

Model predictive (MPC) is a common method used in chemical process industries. Usually, the state space method is applicable for linear systems with a quadratic performance index to find the optimised control law based on a solution of the Riccatti equation. However, a nonlinear system can only be modeled by a fuzzy logic based function of the variables. The method of optimal control requires a performance index to be met, which is not necessarily a quadratic type of index but a nonlinear function of the process variables. It could be similarly modeled by another fuzzy inference system. The MPC method for such a fuzzy modeled state space system would be able to provide good predictive control for any nonlinear control system. The evaluation of the control steps by prediction for such a fuzzy model with fuzzy performance index is described in this paper. The optimal control steps are found by iterative search using the Box's Complex search method over a range of control values. Then, the prediction outputs are checked for constraint inequality satisfaction, such as pressure limit for example. Such a control step is applied at the current time step. The paper describes such a technique for a nonlinear process with a nonlinear performance index, also with constraints in the process variables.

Keywords

Fuzzy Control System, Control Law Optimisation, Model Predictive Control, Model Predictive Control.

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A. Deepa ¹, K. Padmanabhan ¹, G. Raghunadh ²

Affiliations
1 SMEC, VIT University, Vellore - 632014, Tamil Nadu, IN
2 School of Mechanical Engineering, VIT University, Vellore - 632014, Tamil Nadu, IN

Abstract

Objective: To find the effect of hygrothermal loading on CFRP and GFRP composite materials by finding the properties like capacitance, micro hardness, moisture diffusivity and area of fraction. Methods: Hand layup and vacuum bag methods were used for fabrication of composites. Finding: Three-point bending test was done on each specimen by varying load, i. e, zero load, with 30% load, 50% load and 70% load for different time periods. Micro hardness and capacitance were determined using Vickers Hardness tester and LCR meter respectively on both the composites before and after the thermal treatment. The capacitance increased with time whereas the percentage area of fraction of the fibre decreased. Also, the reduction in strength and damage to fibre were investigated using SEM. It was observed that with increase in %weight gain, micro hardness of specimen decreased. Application/Improvement: FRPs can substitute traditional steel reinforcements in reinforced concrete structures. The continuous loading under thermal actions due to natural environmental factors lead to degrading effect that needs to accurate investigations in evaluating durability of fibre reinforced polymers.

Keywords

Area of Fraction, Capacitance, Failure Modes, Hygrothermal Loading, Micro Hardness.

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D. Kumaran ¹, A. Rajadurai ², K. Padmanabhan ³

Affiliations
1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, SRM University, Chennai - 603203, Tamil Nadu, IN
2 Department of Production Technology, Madras Institute of Technology, Chennai - 600044, Tamil Nadu, IN
3 School of Mechanical and Building Sciences, VIT-University, Vellore - 632014, Tamil Nadu, IN

Abstract

Objectives: The present work reports the possible solution of using the high thermal stability polymer fibres with superior mechanical properties as that of, or, even better than metals for light weight applications like aerospace and automobile. Methods/Statistical Analysis: The PBO filament fibre was used as reinforcement. The PBO fibres were electroless copper coated to protect the polymer fibre from oxidation during processing and to improve the interfacial properties between the reinforcing polymer and the metal matrix. LM6 aluminium cast alloy was used as a matrix metal. The electroless copper coated PBO fibres preform were unidirectional placed inside a mould and infiltrated by molten liquid metal. Findings: After casting, it was found that the liquid melt could infiltrate only partially through the first layer of the fibre preform, and could not infiltrate further, which was evident from the infiltrated metal front. This was mainly because of the forced convective heat transfer made by the argon cover gas, which cools the molten metal front and thereby increases the surface tension of the advancing front. It was further noticed that some charring of the polymer fibres after two hours of casting, which reflects that, there was oxidation of polymer fibres after prolonged heating by the hot infiltrating metal front in absence of argon cover gas after first one hour of its use after casting. Application: The new material proposed for development could find applications in light weight high performance vehicles like aerospace and automobiles..

Keywords

Composites, High-Modulus, High-Strength, Metal-Matrix, Polymer, Reinforced

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K. Padmanabhan ¹, Jibi Paul ¹, S. Sudhakar ², P. Senthil Selvam ³, V. Sathya Priya ⁴, S. Veena Kirthika ¹

Affiliations
1 Dr.MGR Educational and Research Institute, Deemed to be University, Maduravoyal, Chennai-600095, IN
2 Meenakshi College of Physiotherapy, Chennai, IN
3 School of Physiotherapy, Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies, Chennai, IN
4 Department of Biochemistry, A.C.S Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, IN

Abstract

AIM: The aim is to study the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis using quantitative calcaneal ultrasound among female population. METHODOLOGY: It was a cross-sectional study with a sample size of 270 female subjects between 30-70 years for 3 months duration. Subjects who underwent hysterectomy, under hormone replacement therapy, under calcium and vitamin D supplements and diabetes mellitus were excluded. Recruited subjects were screened for osteopenia and osteoporosis using quantitative calcaneal ultrasound. Demographical information including age, height, weight, body mass index, menstrual status, blood pressure and socio-economic status were recorded. RESULT: Out of 270 subjects 57.4% were osteopenic, 15.9% were osteoporotic and 26.7% were normal. There was a close association between the demographical status and the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis. CONCLUSION: Osteopenia seems to be more prevalent than osteoporosis. Early diagnosis of osteopenia among females is necessary to delay the onset of osteoporosis.

Keywords

Osteopenia, Osteoporosis, Quantitative Calcaneal Ultrasound, Women.

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K. Ramanathan ¹, S. Veena Kirthika ¹, K. Padmanabhan ¹, Selvaraj Sudhakar ¹, S. Senthil Kumar ²

Affiliations
1 Dr. M. G. R. Educational and Research Institute, Maduravoyal, Chennai – 600095, IN
2 School of Physiotherapy, Saveetha University, Chennai, IN

Abstract

Aim: To find the effect of a combined exercise intervention namely Brandt-Daroff exercise (BDE) combined with Cawthorne Cooksey exercises (CCE) for treatment of vertigo among posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) subjects. Materials and methods: A total of 20 male and female subjects in the age group of 25-45 years were included if they were diagnosed with posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. The recruited subjects were randomly divided into two groups. Group A (Experimental group) n=10 subjects received both BDE and CCE and Group B (Control group) n=10 subjects received only BDE. Results: The statistical analysis shows that both groups have significant improvement in their symptoms. Group A has greater improvement than Group B which is statistically significant. Conclusion: This study concludes that addition of Cawthorne -Cooksey habituation exercises along with Brandt-Daroff exercises is more effective in treatment of vertigo among posterior canal BPPV subjects.

Keywords

Conservative Therapy, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, Vestibular Rehabilitation, Brandt-daroff Exercise, Cawthorne Cooksey Exercises.

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