Cutting force and chip reduction coefficient is the important index of machinability as it determines the power consumption and amount of energy invested in machining actions. It is primarily influenced by process parameters like cutting speed, feed and depth of cut. This paper presents the application of Taguchi’s parameter design to optimize the parameters for individual responses. For multi-response optimization, Taguchi’s quality loss function approach is proposed. In the present investigation, optimal values of cutting speed, feed and depth of cut are determined to minimize cutting force and chip reduction coefficient during orthogonal turning. The effectiveness of the proposed methodology is illustrated through an experimental investigation in turning mild steel workpiece using high speed steel tool.

Selection of industrial robots for the present day’s manufacturing organizations is one of the most difficult assignments due to the presence of a wide range of feasible alternatives. Robot manufacturers are providing advanced features in their products to sustain in the globally competitive environment. For this reason, selection the most suitable robot for a given industrial application now becomes a more complicated task. In this paper, four models of data envelopment analysis (DEA), i.e. Charnes, Cooper and Rhodes (CCR), Banker, Charnes and Cooper (BCC), additive, and cone-ratio models are applied to identify the feasible robots having the optimal performance measures, simultaneously satisfying the organizational objectives with respect to cost and process optimization. Furthermore, the weighted overall efficiency ranking method of multi-attribute decision-making theory is also employed for arriving at the best robot selection decision from the short-listed competent alternatives. In order to demonstrate the relevancy and distinctiveness of the adopted DEA-based approach, two real time industrial robot selection problems are solved.

The article presents solution procedure of geometric programming to solve the structural model with imprecise coefficients. We have considered a single objective structural optimization model with weight as an objective function. Geometric programming provides a powerful tool for solving a variety of imprecise optimization problems. Here we use nearest interval approximation method to convert a triangular fuzzy number to an interval number. In this paper, we transform this interval number to a parametric interval-valued functional form and then solve the parametric problem by geometric programming technique. The advantage of this technique is that we can find directly optimal solution of the objective function without solving two-level mathematical programs. Numerical example is given to illustrate the model through this approximation method.

The present work deals with the cutting forces and cutting temperature produced during turning of titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V with PVD TiN coated tungsten carbide inserts under dry environment. The 1st order mathematical models are developed using multiple regression analysis and optimized the process parameters using contour plots. The model presented high determination coefficient (R2 = 0.964 and 0.989 explaining 96.4 % and 98.9 % of the variability in the cutting force and cutting temperature, which indicates the goodness of fit for the model and high significance of the model. The developed mathematical model correlates the relationship of the cutting force and temperature with the process parameters with good degree of approximation. From the contour plots, the optimal parametric combination for lowest cutting force is v 3 (75 m/min) – f 1 (0.25 mm/rev). Similarly, the optimal parametric combination for minimum temperature is v 1 (45 m/min) – f 1 (0.25 mm/rev). Cutting speed is found to be the most significance parameter on cutting forces followed by feed. Similarly, for cutting temperature, feed is found to be the most influencing parameter followed by cutting speed.

This paper deals with the development of an inventory model for time varying demand and constant demand; and time dependent holding cost and constant holding cost for case 1 and case 2 respectively. Previous models incorporating that the holding cost is constant for the entire inventory cycle. Mathematical model has been developed for determining the optimal order quantity, the optimal cycle time and optimal total inventory cost for both cases. Differential calculus is used for finding optimal solution. Numerical examples are given for both cases to validate the proposed model. Sensitivity analysis is carried out to analyze the effect of changes in the optimal solution with respect to change in various parameters.

Capacity waste management is highly essential because under utilization of capacity is often referred to as a major reason for lower productivity among industries around the world. For better estimation of capacity and its utilization and then for its improved management; newer techniques are being devised in industrial sector. The current case of capacity waste problem has been taken up as a Six Sigma project, where we try to analyze critical factors responsible for the capacity waste. Decisions on critical factor selection in analysis phase of Six Sigma are always very crucial. The paper discusses an approach for selection of capacity waste factors at an automotive industry using fuzzy logic based AHP method. The fuzzy AHP is a well recognized tool to undertake the fuzziness of the data involved in choosing the preferences of the different decision variables engaged in the process of capacity waste factors selection. In this context, we have explored six crucial parameters for selection of capacity waste factors. Final ranking is calculated through priority vector thus obtained and it is seen that conveyor malfunction is found to be the key factor for capacity waste among all alternatives at the selected site.

The adsorption behavior of a potential polynuclear Schiff base, (s)-2-(anthracen-9(10H)-ylideneamino)-3-phenyl propanoic acid (A9Y3PPA) on carbon steel (CS) in 1M hydrochloric acid solution has been investigated using weight loss measurements, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization studies. The surface morphology of the carbon steel specimens in the presence and absence of the inhibitor was evaluated by AFM analysis. The corrosion inhibition efficiencies of parent amine and parent ketone on carbon steel in 1M HCl solution have also been investigated using weight loss studies. The adsorption of A9Y3PPA obeys Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Thermodynamic parameters (Kads, ∆G0ads) were calculated using the adsorption isotherm. Activation parameters of the corrosion process (Ea, ∆H* and ∆S*) were also calculated from the corrosion rates obtained from temperature studies. Tafel plot analysis revealed that A9Y3PPA acts as a mixed type inhibitor. A probable inhibition mechanism was also proposed.

The use of solar energy has been adduced as an alternative way for generating electricity. This electricity is generated by solar panel but as temperature increases efficiency of panel decreases too. The main objective of this research paper is to minimize the use of the amount of water, electrical energy and required time needed for cooling of a solar panel. This paper discusses a new approach by acquiring water as a coolant for accomplishing Photovoltaic panels at their moderate temperature and limits it from overheating. It is the cheapest method to enhance the efficiency of the Photovoltaic panel in developing countries like India. This paper also analyses the material used in increasing the efficiency of PV panel.

Six-Sigma approach is a systematic and scientific operations management methodology aimed at achieving major enhancements in production process through the elimination of waste. In this case, a casting unit manufacturing cylinder blocks has been selected which was experiencing a rejection rate as high as 30% due to formation of blowholes, other than the surface. The main objective of this paper is to identify various causes of occurrence of blow-holes and recommend corresponding remedies to counter these defects by systematic imple-mentation of DMAIC cycle. Both preventive and corrective actions have been recommended to reduce the blowholes and overall improvement is validated through two-proportion test. Results of investigation demonstrated the net significant reduction of blowholes defect from 28,111 to 9,708 parts per million, which results in the net annual savings of INR 12,56,640.

The present work reports the retrospective investigation of force transducers widely used for force measurement related applications in variety of areas. The paper discusses the salient features of different types of force transducers along with their design and metrological features. The force transducers are covered from the analogue type to modern force transducers. The paper attempts to discuss the limitations of the different types of force transducers.