In the present study Duralumin(DA) based Mild Steel particles (MSp -6% wt. and 12% wt.) reinforced composite are fabricated by cold compacting the milled powders. The mechanically mixed powders are compacted in a die cavity by applying a uniaxial steady load in the range 22-38 T. The hardness of green compacts produced are increased by sintering. The SEM images showed an even dispersion of MS p in the duralumin alloy and elemental composition is confirmed by the EDAX spectrum. The sintered specimens were further subjected to aging treatment. Compacts were soaked at 550 0 C for a span of 2 h and then are quenched in water at ambient temperature. The temperatures selected for aging treatment are 100, 150, and 200 0 C and hardness was checked for every 60 minutes of time. The peak hardness obtained because of aging heat treatment is found to be much better than the corresponding sintered compacts. Compacts peak aged at 100 0 C exhibited better tensile strength than the rest of the other specimens. Impact Factor (JCC): 7.6197 SCOPUS Indexed Journal NAAS Rating: 3.11quantity of reinforcement can be dispersed in the matrix and also a better control of microstructure phases is achievable [5]. Also in specific by aluminum PM it is possible to produce high performance, net or nearly net to shapes of components, hence bringing down or avoiding the investment and running costs attached with complex machining operations [6]. In the recent year's researchers have used ceramic particles for producing the composites. But the major drawback with ceramics reinforced MMC's are their relatively lower toughness and toughness. Also, the relatively higher costs would make them economically unsuitable for various applications. In contrast, steels are competitively low cost, which has made them attractive in a wide range of applications [7].In the light of above, the present investigation concentrates on to develop the composite by dispersing the mild steel particles in different proportions in duralumin matrix by employing the cold compacting approach. The composite developed is expected to provide superior mechanical properties suitable for high strength, heat and wear resistant applications.

In the present investigation, an attempt is made to fabricate the Duralumin(DA) based Silicon Carbide (SiC p-6 and 12% wt.) reinforced composite by cold compacting the ball milled powders. The mechanically mixed powders taken into the die cavity are applied with a steady axial load in the range 22-30 T to produce the cylindrical compacts. The compacts are further subjected to sintering by holding it at a constant temperature of 580 0 C in Muffle furnace for 5 h and allowed to cool in the same for 18 h. The hardness of sintered composite is found to have improved as compared to the sintered duralumin compact prepared under similar process conditions. The SEM images showed the uniform distribution of the reinforcements in the matrix and the elemental composition is confirmed by the EDAX spectrum. The sintered specimens were further subjected to age hardening heat treatment. Specimens were soaked at 550 0 C for 2 h followed by water quenching at room temperature. The quenched specimens were artificially aged in the furnace at temperatures of 100, 150, and 200 0 C for various durations of time. The peak hardness obtained because of aging heat treatment is found to be much better than the corresponding sintered compacts. Compacts peak aged at 100 0 C exhibited better tensile strength than the other category of specimens. The composites developed in the present study would be most suitable in the applications requiring high strength and resistance to heat and wear.

Abstract-Conventional energy solutions are necessary in developing countries as current hot water production methods are becoming hazardous to the environment, economic development and the overall health and wealth of the population. In this work a conical shaped solar energy absorber has been developed and the system efficiency is determined. Solar water heater has been designed in a conical shape in order to utilize maximum amount of solar energy available and convert it into heat energy for the purpose of heating the water. Low cost materials have been used in the construction of the solar water heater and the heating has been achieved without the usage of the solar panels or solar cells and mirrors which decreases the cost of the equipment, thereby making it economically feasible. The flow system for water heater has been placed in a spiral manner due to its configuration. Heating efficiency of water has been increased by placing sand in a conical basin which is in contact with the surface of the tubes. A glass covering has been provided over the surface of the tubes thereby decreasing the reflectivity of the sunlight and enhancing maximum absorption. Based on the above design considerations the solar water heater has been fabricated and tested. The system efficiency is found out to be 61%