Stratosphere Troposphere Interactions Associated With the Dynamical Processes in the Atmosphere

The aim of the present study is to understand the biennial scale stratosphere-troposphere interactions over India, and synoptic to interannual timescale meridional stratosphere-troposhere exchanges caused by upper tropospheric/lower stratospheric longwaves using NCEP/NCAR reanalysis data and satellite measured total ozone data. The biennial timescale interaction between lower stratosphere and troposphere over Thumba is analysed using high-resolution radiosonde data. The results suggest that TBO and QBO are two different phenomena with nearly biennial periodicity. Interannual timescale meridional stratosphere-troposphere exchanges caused by the newly documented Asia Pacific Wave (APW) were analysed using ozone as tracer of atmospheric motion. Synoptic timescale meridional stratosphere-troposhere exchanges caused by subtropical upper tropospheric long waves over Asia were studied using global total ozone measurements from TOMS. This research work can be extended to study the influence of decadal scale epochal nature in Indian summer monsoon activity on the APW generated total ozone anomalies around the globe and the trend estimates in total ozone

Studies on Rubber Composition as Passive Acoustic Materials in Underwater Electro Acoustic Tranducer Technology and Their aging Characteristic

The research work has been in the area of compounding and characterization of rubbers for use in under water electro acoustic transducers. The study also covers specific material system such as encapsulation materials, baffle material, seal material, etc. Life prediction techniques of under water rubbers in general have been established with reference to more than one functional property. Ranges of passive materials, besides the active sensing material go into the construction of underwater electro acoustic transducers. Reliability of the transducer is critically dependent on these passive materials. Rubbers are a major class of passive materials. The present work concentrates on these materials. Conventional rubbers are inadequate to meet many of the stringent function specific requirements. There exists a large gap of information in the rubber technology of underwater rubbers, particularly relating to underwater electro acoustic transducers. This study is towards filling up the gaps of information in this crucial area. Water intake into rubber is considered as the single most important issue for the long-term performance of rubbers, especially Neoprene. In this study, the cause and effects of a range of parameters affecting the water absorption by diffusion and permeation have been investigated.

Development of an instrument to assess Human Resource Quality (HRQ) and measuring the impact of TQM efforts on HRQ using the instrument

This research is aimed at developing an instrument for measuring human resource quality in organizations. The researcher has developed the instrument for measuring HRQ based on extensive literature survey and expert opinion. Statistical validity of the Instrument has also been established. This instrument was used to measure the changes in Human Resource Quality in selected organizations wherein quality management practices are being implemented. Data collected was analyzed and presented in this thesis. It has been found that there are significant changes in all the indicators of Human Resource Quality. There is improvement in Cultural Change Index(CCI), Quality of Work Life Index(QWLI) and Employee Satisfaction Index(ESI). The Human Resource Quality index has also increased significantly in all the organizations. It has been observed from the study that implementation of TQM leads to significant changes in Human Resource Quality. This instrument is capable of measuring minor variations in each indicator of HRQ and can be used to identify areas of weakness and strength in the case of Human Resource Quality. The instrument can further be modified by future research. This research work provided excellent opportunities for the researcher for self-development and has made him confident to undertake such activities for the benefit of the learning community.

Inherent Powers of the High Court under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure 1973

This thesis is shows the result of the research work on the inherent Powers of the High Court in criminal jurisdiction. The criminal justice system in India recognizes inherent powers only of the High Court. The Theory and Philosophy of inherent powers are concerned the Distinction between civil and Criminal laws are of very little consequence. In formulating the research programme the confusion created by the concept of inherent powers and its application by High Court form the central point. How fully the concept is understood, how correctly the power is used, and how far it has enhanced the rationale of the administration of criminal justice, what is its importance and what are the solutions for the inherent power to earn a permanent status in the province of criminal jurisprudence are the themes of this study. The precipitation of new dimensions is the yardstick to acknowledge the inherent powers of the High Court and Supreme Court. It is of instant value in criminal justice system. This study concludes innovativeness provided by the inherent powers has helped the justice administration draw inspiration from the Constitution. A jurisprudence of inherent powers has developed with the weilding of inherent powers of the Supreme Court and the High Court. It is to unravel mystery of jurisprudence caused by the operation of the concept of inherent powers this research work gives emphasis. Its significance is all the more relevant when the power is exercised in the administration of criminal justice. Application or non application of inherent powers in a given case would tell upon the maturity and perfection of the standard of justice

Selected Cardiovascular Studies Based on Photoplethysmography Technique

Photoplethysmography (PPG) is a simple and inexpensive optical technique that can be used to detect blood volume changes in the microvascular bed of tissues. There has been a resurgence of interest in the technique in recent years, driven by the demand for low cost, simple and portable technology for the primary care and community based clinical settings and the wide availability of low cost and small semiconductor components, and the advancement of computer-based pulse wave analysis techniques. The present research work deals with the design of a PPG sensor for recording the blood volume pulse signals and carry out selected cardiovascular studies based on these signals. The interaction of light with tissue, early and recent history of PPG, instrumentation, measurement protocol and pulse wave analysis are also discussed in this study. The effect of aging, mild cold exposure, and variation in the body posture on the PPG signal have been experimentally studied.

Studies on Electrical and Thermal Properties of Certain Selected Photonic Materials

The present thesis is centered around the study of electrical and thermal properties of certain selected photonic materials.We have studied the electrical conduction mechanism in various phases of certain selected photonic materials and those associated with different phase transitions occurring in them. A phase transition leaves its own impressions on the key parameters like electrical conductivity and dielectric constant. However, the activation energy calculation reveals the dominant factor responsible for conduction process.PA measurements of thermal diffusivity in certain other important photonic materials are included in the remaining part of the research work presented in this thesis. PA technique is a promising tool for studying thermal diffusivities of solid samples in any form. Because of its crucial role and common occurrence in heat flow problems, the thermal diffusivity determination is often necessary and knowledge of thermal diffusivity can intum be used to calculate the thermal conductivity. Especially,knowledge of the thermal diffusivity of semiconductors is important due to its relation to the power dissipation problem in microelectronic and optoelectronic devices which limits their performances. More than that, the thermal properties, especially those of thin films are of growing interest in microelectronics and microsystems because of the heat removal problem involved in highly integrated devices. The prescribed chapter of the present theis demonstrates how direct measurement of thermal diffusivity can be carried out in thin films of interest in a simple and elegant manner using PA techniques. Although results of only representative measurements viz; thermal diffusivity values in Indium, Aluminium, Silver and CdS thin films are given here, evaluation of this quantity for any photonic and / electronic material can be carried out using this technique in a very simple and straight forward manner.

A Study of the impact of ISO 9001:2000 on Quality Management Practices in Selected Organisations in Kerala

The research work which was carried out to study the impact of ISO 9001: 2000, in selected organisations in Kerala, spread over various types of activities, such as fabrication of aero space hardware, glass ware, construction industries, health care units etc, encompassing, government and private enterprises, public sector undertakings, small and medium scale industries and research and development establishments. The ambience, work culture and collaboration prevalent in these organisations were varying on account of the environment in which they have been working. Fifty percent of the organizations selected for the study had obtained the ISO 900 I: 2000-certification since seven years or more. The process of study undertaken could invoke interest in the respondents, when a brief explanation on the purpose and need of the study was given to them prior to conducting the survey. There has been total cooperation from the management and the employees of all the organisations for the conduct of the study. Personal discussions were held with the senior management to draw their total support and involvement for the study.

Investigations on Photoconductivity and Electrical Switiching in Selected Chalcogenide Glasses

In this thesis, we present the results of our investigations on the photoconducting and electrical switching properties of selected chalcogenide glass systems. We have used XRD and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis for confinuing the amorphous nature of these materials and for confirming their constituents respectively.Photoconductivity is the enhancement in electrical conductivity of materials brought about by the motion of charge carriers excited by absorbed radiation. The phenomenon involves absorption, photogeneration, recombination and transport processes and it gives good insight into the density of states in the energy gap of solids due to the presence of impurities and lattice defects. Photoconductivity measurements lead to the determination of such important parameters as quantum efficiency, photosensiti\'ity, spectral sensitivity and carrier lifetime. Extensive research work on photoconducting properties of amorphous semiconductors has resulted in the development of a variety of very sensitive photodetectors. Photoconductors are finding newer and newer uses eyery day. CdS, CdSe. Sb2S3, Se, ZnO etc, are typical photoconducting materials which are used in devices like vidicons, light amplifiers, xerography equipment etc.Electrical switching is another interesting and important property possessed by several Te based chalcogenides. Switching is the rapid and reversible transition between a highly resistive OFF state, driven by an external electric field and characterized by a threshold voltage, and a low resistivity ON state, Switching can be either threshold type or memory type. The phenomenon of switching could find applications in areas like infonnation storage, electrical power control etc. Investigations on electrical switching in chalcogenide glasses help in understanding the mechanism of switching which is necessary to select and modify materials for specific switching applications.Analysis of XRD pattern gives no further infonuation about amorphous materials than revealing their disordered structure whereas x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,XPS) provides information about the different constituents present in the material. Also it gives binding energies (b.e.) of an element in different compounds and hence b.e. shift from the elemental form.Our investigations have been concentrated on the bulk glasses, Ge-In-Se, Ge-Bi-Se and As-Sb-Se for photoconductivity measurements and In-Te for electrical switching. The photoconducting properties of Ge-Sb-Se thin films prepared by sputtering technique have also been studied. The bulk glasses for the present investigations are prepared by the melt quenching technique and are annealed for half an hour at temperatures just below their respective glass transition temperatures. The dependence of photoconducting propenies on composition and temperature are investigated in each system. The electrical switching characteristics of In-Te system are also studied with different compositions and by varying the temperature.

Studies on grain refinement and alloying additions on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-8Zn-4Al alloy

MAGNESIUM ALLOYS have strong potential for weight reduction in a wide range of technical applications because of their low density compared to other structural metallic materials. Therefore, an extensive growth of magnesium alloys usage in the automobile sector is expected in the coming years to enhance the fuel efficiency through mass reduction. The drawback associated with the use of commercially cheaper Mg-Al based alloys, such as AZ91, AM60 and AM50 are their inferior creep properties above 100ºC due to the presence of discontinuous Mg17A112 phases at the grain boundaries. Although rare earth-based magnesium alloys show better mechanical properties, it is not economically viable to use these alloys in auto industries. Recently, many new Mg-Al based alloy systems have been developed for high temperature applications, which do not contain the Mg17Al12 phase. It has been proved that the addition of a high percentage of zinc (which depends upon the percentage of Al) to binary Mg-Al alloys also ensures the complete removal of the Mg17Al12 phase and hence exhibits superior high temperature properties.ZA84 alloy is one such system, which has 8%Zn in it (Mg-8Zn-4Al-0.2Mn, all are in wt %) and shows superior creep resistance compared to AZ and AM series alloys. These alloys are mostly used in die casting industries. However, there are certain large and heavy components, made up of this alloy by sand castings that show lower mechanical properties because of their coarse microstructure. Moreover, further improvement in their high temperature behaviour through microstructural modification is also an essential task to make this alloy suitable for the replacement of high strength aluminium alloys used in automobile industry. Grain refinement is an effective way to improve the tensile behaviour of engineering alloys. In fact, grain refinement of Mg-Al based alloys is well documented in literature. However, there is no grain refiner commercially available in the market for Mg-Al alloys. It is also reported in the literature that the microstructure of AZ91 alloy is modified through the minor elemental additions such as Sb, Si, Sr, Ca, etc., which enhance its high temperature properties because of the formation of new stable intermetallics. The same strategy can be used with the ZA84 alloy system to improve its high temperature properties further without sacrificing the other properties. The primary objective of the present research work, “Studies on grain refinement and alloying additions on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-8Zn-4Al alloy” is twofold: 1. To investigate the role of individual and combined additions of Sb and Ca on the microstructure and mechanical properties of ZA84 alloy. 2. To synthesis a novel Mg-1wt%Al4C3 master alloy for grain refinement of ZA84 alloy and investigate its effects on mechanical properties.

A Beacon based Localization System for Autonomous Mobile Robots and its Applications in Traffic and Transport Control

ACCURATE sensing of vehicle position and attitude is still a very challenging problem in many mobile robot applications. The mobile robot vehicle applications must have some means of estimating where they are and in which direction they are heading. Many existing indoor positioning systems are limited in workspace and robustness because they require clear lines-of-sight or do not provide absolute, driftfree measurements.The research work presented in this dissertation provides a new approach to position and attitude sensing system designed specifically to meet the challenges of operation in a realistic, cluttered indoor environment, such as that of an office building, hospital, industrial or warehouse. This is accomplished by an innovative assembly of infrared LED source that restricts the spreading of the light intensity distribution confined to a sheet of light and is encoded with localization and traffic information. This Digital Infrared Sheet of Light Beacon (DISLiB) developed for mobile robot is a high resolution absolute localization system which is simple, fast, accurate and robust, without much of computational burden or significant processing. Most of the available beacon's performance in corridors and narrow passages are not satisfactory, whereas the performance of DISLiB is very encouraging in such situations. This research overcomes most of the inherent limitations of existing systems.The work further examines the odometric localization errors caused by over count readings of an optical encoder based odometric system in a mobile robot due to wheel-slippage and terrain irregularities. A simple and efficient method is investigated and realized using an FPGA for reducing the errors. The detection and correction is based on redundant encoder measurements. The method suggested relies on the fact that the wheel slippage or terrain irregularities cause more count readings from the encoder than what corresponds to the actual distance travelled by the vehicle.The application of encoded Digital Infrared Sheet of Light Beacon (DISLiB) system can be extended to intelligent control of the public transportation system. The system is capable of receiving traffic status input through a GSM (Global System Mobile) modem. The vehicles have infrared receivers and processors capable of decoding the information, and generating the audio and video messages to assist the driver. The thesis further examines the usefulness of the technique to assist the movement of differently-able (blind) persons in indoor or outdoor premises of his residence.The work addressed in this thesis suggests a new way forward in the development of autonomous robotics and guidance systems. However, this work can be easily extended to many other challenging domains, as well.

Consequence modelling,vulnerability assessment and fuzzy fault tree analysis of hazardous storages in an industrial area

The hazards associated with major accident hazard (MAH) industries are fire, explosion and toxic gas releases. Of these, toxic gas release is the worst as it has the potential to cause extensive fatalities. Qualitative and quantitative hazard analyses are essential for the identitication and quantification of the hazards associated with chemical industries. This research work presents the results of a consequence analysis carried out to assess the damage potential of the hazardous material storages in an industrial area of central Kerala, India. A survey carried out in the major accident hazard (MAH) units in the industrial belt revealed that the major hazardous chemicals stored by the various industrial units are ammonia, chlorine, benzene, naphtha, cyclohexane, cyclohexanone and LPG. The damage potential of the above chemicals is assessed using consequence modelling. Modelling of pool fires for naphtha, cyclohexane, cyclohexanone, benzene and ammonia are carried out using TNO model. Vapor cloud explosion (VCE) modelling of LPG, cyclohexane and benzene are carried out using TNT equivalent model. Boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion (BLEVE) modelling of LPG is also carried out. Dispersion modelling of toxic chemicals like chlorine, ammonia and benzene is carried out using the ALOHA air quality model. Threat zones for different hazardous storages are estimated based on the consequence modelling. The distance covered by the threat zone was found to be maximum for chlorine release from a chlor-alkali industry located in the area. The results of consequence modelling are useful for the estimation of individual risk and societal risk in the above industrial area.Vulnerability assessment is carried out using probit functions for toxic, thermal and pressure loads. Individual and societal risks are also estimated at different locations. Mapping of threat zones due to different incident outcome cases from different MAH industries is done with the help of Are GIS.Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) is an established technique for hazard evaluation. This technique has the advantage of being both qualitative and quantitative, if the probabilities and frequencies of the basic events are known. However it is often difficult to estimate precisely the failure probability of the components due to insufficient data or vague characteristics of the basic event. It has been reported that availability of the failure probability data pertaining to local conditions is surprisingly limited in India. This thesis outlines the generation of failure probability values of the basic events that lead to the release of chlorine from the storage and filling facility of a major chlor-alkali industry located in the area using expert elicitation and proven fuzzy logic. Sensitivity analysis has been done to evaluate the percentage contribution of each basic event that could lead to chlorine release. Two dimensional fuzzy fault tree analysis (TDFFTA) has been proposed for balancing the hesitation factor invo1ved in expert elicitation .

Analysis and Optimization of Machining Process Using Evolutionary Algorithms

To ensure quality of machined products at minimum machining costs and maximum machining effectiveness, it is very important to select optimum parameters when metal cutting machine tools are employed. Traditionally, the experience of the operator plays a major role in the selection of optimum metal cutting conditions. However, attaining optimum values each time by even a skilled operator is difficult. The non-linear nature of the machining process has compelled engineers to search for more effective methods to attain optimization. The design objective preceding most engineering design activities is simply to minimize the cost of production or to maximize the production efficiency. The main aim of research work reported here is to build robust optimization algorithms by exploiting ideas that nature has to offer from its backyard and using it to solve real world optimization problems in manufacturing processes.In this thesis, after conducting an exhaustive literature review, several optimization techniques used in various manufacturing processes have been identified. The selection of optimal cutting parameters, like depth of cut, feed and speed is a very important issue for every machining process. Experiments have been designed using Taguchi technique and dry turning of SS420 has been performed on Kirlosker turn master 35 lathe. Analysis using S/N and ANOVA were performed to find the optimum level and percentage of contribution of each parameter. By using S/N analysis the optimum machining parameters from the experimentation is obtained.Optimization algorithms begin with one or more design solutions supplied by the user and then iteratively check new design solutions, relative search spaces in order to achieve the true optimum solution. A mathematical model has been developed using response surface analysis for surface roughness and the model was validated using published results from literature.Methodologies in optimization such as Simulated annealing (SA), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Conventional Genetic Algorithm (CGA) and Improved Genetic Algorithm (IGA) are applied to optimize machining parameters while dry turning of SS420 material. All the above algorithms were tested for their efficiency, robustness and accuracy and observe how they often outperform conventional optimization method applied to difficult real world problems. The SA, PSO, CGA and IGA codes were developed using MATLAB. For each evolutionary algorithmic method, optimum cutting conditions are provided to achieve better surface finish.The computational results using SA clearly demonstrated that the proposed solution procedure is quite capable in solving such complicated problems effectively and efficiently. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is a relatively recent heuristic search method whose mechanics are inspired by the swarming or collaborative behavior of biological populations. From the results it has been observed that PSO provides better results and also more computationally efficient.Based on the results obtained using CGA and IGA for the optimization of machining process, the proposed IGA provides better results than the conventional GA. The improved genetic algorithm incorporating a stochastic crossover technique and an artificial initial population scheme is developed to provide a faster search mechanism. Finally, a comparison among these algorithms were made for the specific example of dry turning of SS 420 material and arriving at optimum machining parameters of feed, cutting speed, depth of cut and tool nose radius for minimum surface roughness as the criterion. To summarize, the research work fills in conspicuous gaps between research prototypes and industry requirements, by simulating evolutionary procedures seen in nature that optimize its own systems.

Utilisation of Coir Geotextiles for Unpaved Roads and Embankments

The increasing tempo of construction activity the world over creates heavy pressure on existing land space. The quest for new and competent site often points to the needs for improving existing sites, which are otherwise deemed unsuitable for adopting conventional foundations. This is accomplished by ground improvement methods, which are employed to improve the quality of soil incompetent in their natural state. Among the construction activities, a well-connected road network is one of the basic infrastructure requirements, which play a vital role for the fast and comfortable movement of inter- regional traffic in countries like India.One of the innovative ground improvement techniques practised all over the world is the use of geosynthetics, which include geotextiles, geomembranes, geogrids, etc . They offer the advantages such as space saving, enviromnental sensitivity, material availability, technical superiority, higher cost savings, less construction time, etc . Because of its fundamental properties, such as tensile strength, filtering and water permeability, a geotextile inserted between the base material and sub grade can function as reinforcement, a filter medium, a separation layer and as a drainage medium. Though polymeric geotextiles are used in abundant quantities, the use of natural geotextiles (like coir, jute, etc.) has yet to get momentum. This is primarily due to the lack of research work on natural geotextilcs for ground improvement, particularly in the areas of un paved roads. Coir geotextiles are best suited for low cost applications because of its availability at low prices compared to its synthetic counterparts. The proper utilisation of coir geotextilcs in various applications demands large quantities of the product, which in turn can create a boom in the coir industry. The present study aims at exploring the possibilities of utilising coir geotextiles for unpaved roads and embankments.The properties of coir geotextiles used have been evaluated. The properties studied include mass per unit area, puncture resistance, tensile strength, secant modulus, etc . The interfacial friction between soils and three types of coir geotextiles used was also evaluated. It was found that though the parameters evaluated for coir geotextiles have low values compared to polymeric geotextiles, the former are sufficient for use in unpaved roads and embankments. The frictional characteristics of coir geotextile - soil interfaces are extremely good and satisfy the condition set by the International Geosynthetic Society for varied applications.The performance of coir geotextiles reinforced subgrade was studied by conducting California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests. Studies were made with coir geotextiles placed at different levels and also in multiple layers. The results have shown that the coir geotextile enhances the subgrade strength. A regression analysis was perfonned and a mathematical model was developed to predict the CBR of the coir geotextile reinforced subgrade soil as a function of the soil properties, coir geotextile properties, and placement depth of reinforcement.The effects of coir geotextiles on bearing capacity were studied by perfonning plate load tests in a test tan1e This helped to understand the functioning of geotextile as reinforcement in unpaved roads and embankments. The perfonnance of different types of coir geotextiles with respect to the placement depth in dry and saturated conditions was studied. The results revealed that the bearing capacity of coir-reinforced soil is increasing irrespective of the type of coir geotextiles and saturation condition.The rut behaviour of unreinforced and coir reinforced unpaved road sections were compared by conducting model static load tests in a test tank and also under repetitive loads in a wheel track test facility. The results showed that coir geotextiles could fulfill the functions as reinforcement and as a separator, both under static and repetitive loads. The rut depth was very much reduced whik placing coir geotextiles in between sub grade and sub base.In order to study the use of Coir geotextiles in improving the settlement characteristics, two types of prefabricated COlf geotextile vertical drains were developed and their time - settlement behaviour were studied. Three different dispositions were tried. It was found that the coir geotextile drains were very effective in reducing consolidation time due to radial drainage. The circular drains in triangular disposition gave maximum beneficial effect.In long run, the degradation of coir geotextile is expected, which results in a soil - fibre matrix. Hence, studies pertaining to strength and compressibility characteristics of soil - coir fibre composites were conducted. Experiments were done using coir fibres having different aspect ratios and in different proportions. The results revealed that the strength of the soil was increased by 150% to 200% when mixed with 2% of fibre having approximately 12mm length, at all compaction conditions. Also, the coefficient of consolidation increased and compression index decreased with the addition of coir fibre.Typical design charts were prepared for the design of coir geotextile reinforced unpaved roads. Some illustrative examples are also given. The results demonstrated that a considerable saving in subase / base thickness can he achieved with the use of eoir geotextiles, which in turn, would save large quantities of natural aggregates.

MQFD: A Model for Synergizing TPM and QFD

This thesis presents the methodology of linking Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and Quality Function Deployment (QFD). The Synergic power ofTPM and QFD led to the formation of a new maintenance model named Maintenance Quality Function Deployment (MQFD). This model was found so powerful that, it could overcome the drawbacks of TPM, by taking care of customer voices. Those voices of customers are used to develop the house of quality. The outputs of house of quality, which are in the form of technical languages, are submitted to the top management for making strategic decisions. The technical languages, which are concerned with enhancing maintenance quality, are strategically directed by the top management towards their adoption of eight TPM pillars. The TPM characteristics developed through the development of eight pillars are fed into the production system, where their implementation is focused towards increasing the values of the maintenance quality parameters, namely overall equipment efficiency (GEE), mean time between failures (MTBF), mean time to repair (MTIR), performance quality, availability and mean down time (MDT). The outputs from production system are required to be reflected in the form of business values namely improved maintenance quality, increased profit, upgraded core competence, and enhanced goodwill. A unique feature of the MQFD model is that it is not necessary to change or dismantle the existing process ofdeveloping house ofquality and TPM projects, which may already be under practice in the company concerned. Thus, the MQFD model enables the tactical marriage between QFD and TPM.First, the literature was reviewed. The results of this review indicated that no activities had so far been reported on integrating QFD in TPM and vice versa. During the second phase, a survey was conducted in six companies in which TPM had been implemented. The objective of this survey was to locate any traces of QFD implementation in TPM programme being implemented in these companies. This survey results indicated that no effort on integrating QFD in TPM had been made in these companies. After completing these two phases of activities, the MQFD model was designed. The details of this work are presented in this research work. Followed by this, the explorative studies on implementing this MQFD model in real time environments were conducted. In addition to that, an empirical study was carried out to examine the receptivity of MQFD model among the practitioners and multifarious organizational cultures. Finally, a sensitivity analysis was conducted to find the hierarchy of various factors influencing MQFD in a company. Throughout the research work, the theory and practice of MQFD were juxtaposed by presenting and publishing papers among scholarly communities and conducting case studies in real time scenario.

Novel Melt Transurethane Process for Cycloaliphatic Polyurethanes and Their Self-Organization for Nano-Materials

In this introduction part, importance has been given to the elastomeric properties of polyurethanes. Emphasis has been laid to this property based on microphase separation and how this could be modified by modifying the segment lengths, as well as the structure of the segments. Implication was also made on the mechanical and thermal properties of these copolymers based on various analytical methods usually used for characterization of polymers. A brief overview of the challenges faced by the polyurethane chemistry was also done, pointing to the fact that though polyurethane industry is more than 75 years old, still a lot of questions remain unanswered, that too mostly in the synthesis of polyurethanes. A major challenge in this industry is the utilization of more environmental friendly “Green Chemistry Routes” for the synthesis of polyurethanes which are devoid of any isocyanates or harsh solvents.The research work in this thesis was focused to develop non-isocyanate green chemical process for polyurethanes and also self-organize the resultant novel polymers into nano-materials. The thesis was focused on the following three major aspects:(i) Design and development of novel melt transurethane process for polyurethanes under non-isocyanate and solvent free melt condition. (ii) Solvent induced self-organization of the novel cycloaliphatic polyurethanes prepared by the melt transurethane process into microporous templates and nano-sized polymeric hexagons and spheres. (iii) Novel polyurethane-oligophenylenevinylene random block copolymer nano-materials and their photoluminescence properties. The second chapter of the thesis gives an elaborate discussion on the “Novel Melt Transurethane Process ” for the synthesis of polyurethanes under non-isocyanate and solvent free melt condition. The polycondensation reaction was carried out between equimolar amounts of a di-urethane monomer and a diol in the presence of a catalyst under melt condition to produce polyurethanes followed by the removal of low boiling alcohol from equilibrium. The polymers synthesized through this green chemical route were found to be soluble (devoid of any cross links), thermally stable and free from any isocyanate entities. The polymerization reaction was confirmed by various analytical techniques with specific references to the extent of reaction which is the main watchful point for any successful polymerization reaction. The mechanistic aspects of the reaction were another point of consideration for the novel polymerization route which was successfully dealt with by performing various model reactions. Since this route was successful enough in synthesizing polyurethanes with novel structures, they were employed for the solvent induced self-organization which is an important area of research in the polymer world in the present scenario. Chapter three mesmerizes the reader with multitudes of morphologies depending upon the chemical backbone structure of the polyurethane as well as on the nature and amount of various solvents employed for the self-organization tactics. The rationale towards these morphologies-“Hydrogen Bonding ” have been systematically probed by various techniques. These polyurethanes were then tagged with luminescent 0ligo(phenylene vinylene) units and the effects of these OPV blocks on the morphology of the polyurethanes were analyzed in chapter four. These blocks have resulted in the formation of novel “Blue Luminescent Balls” which could find various applications in optoelectronic devices as well as delivery vehicles.