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The objective of the current work is to explore the most appropriate temperature processing technologies (TPTs) and make their assessment based on the desired performance characteristics (assessment criteria) in the context of Indian cold chain (CC) industries. The assessment criteria and explored TPTs have been framed into a model for their theoretical and empirical assessment. The developed model has been analysed using an integrated approach based on Best Worst Method (BWM) and Evaluation Based on the Distance from Average Solution (EDAS) methods. The key findings of the work show that the criteria 'capability to achieve desired temperature' and 'Compatibility with environmental standards' play a crucial role in selecting a TPT for CC applications. Meanwhile, the refrigeration technologies such as 'solar energy-driven tri-generation refrigeration system' and 'passive cold devices as refrigeration technologies' can be adopted to achieve the optimum performance level of CC. To check the robustness of the results, sensitivity analysis has been performed. In addition, the study offers sound theoretical and managerial implications enriching the literature content into the subject domain and suggesting the most suitable TPT for temperature maintenance in CC, which might help the management to make decisions towards organisational growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of 0.1 and 0.3 volume% magnesium oxide nanofluid at a flow rate of 0.5, 1 and 1.5 litres per minute (lit/min) was analyzed on the flat plate solar collector in a gap of ten days. The 1.5 and 0.5 lit/min was not recommended due to lower outlet temperature and higher heat losses, respectively. At 1 lit/min, thermal efficiency declined by 61.2% for 0.3 volume% after ten days, while it dropped insignificantly for 0.1 volume%. The absorbed energy parameter, FR(τα) increased by 9.7%, and heat losses decreased by 50.5% for 0.1 volume%. The FR(τα) was about 17.7% and 4.8% for 1st and 10th day, respectively with 0.3 volume%. It purports that merely the optimum concentration of nanoparticles maximises the benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selective laser sintering (SLS) is one of the widely used rapid prototyping (RP) processes. The main challenge of this process is to choose the correct working parameters to attain the desired shape, size, and strength of different products. Therefore, this article pertains to an experimental study carried out to understand mechanical properties of selective laser sintered polyamide parts. Experiments were established based on face-centered central composite design (CCD) of response surface methodology (RSM). The effect of various process parameters on different properties (i.e., ultimate tensile strength, % elongation, yield strength, and Young's modulus) was analyzed. Analysis of variance was employed to check the adequacy of the developed models. Furthermore, the optimal combination of these process parameters has been evaluated. Considering ultimate tensile strength, % elongation, yield strength, and Young's modulus simultaneously, the optimum values of different process parameters have been obtained as: laser power, 32 W; scan spacing, 0.17 mm; bed temp, 178°C; and scan count, 2. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Decreasing shrinkage during selective laser sintering process improves quality and functionality of the product. A model has been purposed to predict the shrinkage in terms of process parameters such as laser power, scan spacing, bed temperature, hatch length, and scan count. Face centered central composite design response surface methodology was employed to develop a model, and the adequacy of the model was verified using analysis of variance. The experiments were conducted on duraform polyamide material by using vanguard HS SLS machine by 3D systems. The effects of the different process parameters on shrinkage were analyzed and optimized. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this article, cubic boron nitride (CBN) and coated carbide tools were used for finish turning of hardened steel with continuous and interrupted surfaces. The objective of this work is to investigate the conditions under which carbide tools can give optimal results in terms of both tool wear and surface integrity of the machined surface in comparison to costly CBN tools. The turning performance was evaluated in terms of maximum flank wear of the tools as well as surface integrity issues of the machined surface like white layer formation, microhardness decrease, and surface roughness increase. The results indicated that the longest tool life was achieved with CBN tool, but the accumulated machining time of all the four cutting edges in carbide tool was comparable with that of CBN tool. Significant affect of surface interruptions on tool life of carbide tool was observed, while life of CBN tool was not much affected by surface interruptions. The surface integrity achieved with carbide tools was comparable with that of CBN tools. The surface roughness value observed with both tools was below 1.6 µm. No white layer was observed while turning the interrupted and fully interrupted surfaces with both tools. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]