No abstract

No abstract

This paper details the implementation of a lowcost, open hardware, cloud-based intelligent farm automation system. Physical parameters such as soil moisture, temperature and humidity are measured by employing sensors sited across the monitored area. The parametric data is transmitted to the Atmel ATmega328P microcontroller from the sensors using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). The cloud performs real time intelligence operations based on periodic sensor inputs obtained from the farm and transmits control commands to the microcontroller. The novelty of the system lies in the use of BLE and in the intelligence provided by the cloud. The physically monitored, as well as virtually obtained parameters, at the cloud level allow intelligent command generation, facilitated by a data exchange system that leverages the existing telecom network prevalent in developing countries. Based on the cloud commands, the ATmega328P microcontroller controls the operation time period of the irrigation system thus conserving both water and energy. The approximate cost of implementing the proof of concept system elaborated in this paper by using off the shelf components at retail price is about USD 16. It is expected that the system cost will further reduce on mass production and commercialization.

Abstract. Aluminum Boron Carbide Metal Matrix Composites (Al-MMC) have revolutionized aeronautical and automobile industries, in the recent times due to their exceptional mechanical and physical properties. However it is seen that the machinability of these composites is greatly reduced by the hardness of constituent reinforcement particles. Moreover these constituent reinforcement particles serve as disadvantage by increasing tool wear accompanying undesirable depression in life of tool. This paper presents the experimental investigations on turning of Al6061 matrix metal reinforced with 10 % by weight of boron carbide (B4Cp) particles -which was fabricated using Stir casting method. Fabricated samples are turned on medium duty lathe of 2kW spindle power with Polycrystalline Diamond (PCD) inserts of 1500 grade at various cutting conditions by varying parameters. Hence, parameters such as power consumed by main spindle, machined surface roughness and tool wear are studied and recorded. Furthermore, study results are supported using concurring images obtained from Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). It is observed that surface finish and power consumed for 1500 grade insert are comparatively better at higher cutting speeds. Additionally it is observed that tool wear is strongly dependent on abrasive hard reinforcement particles.

An attempt is made to modify the surface metallurgically and enhance the wear resistance of AISI 316LN austenitic stainless steel using friction stir processing. Friction stir welding tools made up of tungsten based alloy with pin and pinless configuration was used. Fine equiaxed grains were observed in the friction stir processed zone irrespective of tool configuration used. Dry sliding wear resistance was evaluated using pin-on-disc wear tester and it is found that, the friction stir processed zone showed superior wear resistance compared to the base metal. Microstructure, micro hardness, and worn surfaces were used to correlate the results obtained.