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#IP 979 27 Jun - 3 Jul 2011

'Shape Memory alloys for Seismic and other Applications'

Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) are a special class of materials which possess the unique ability to recover their original shape after undergoing large deformations at a given temperature either through heating (referred to as the shape memory(SM) effect) or by the removal of the external load (referred to as the super-elastic(SE) effect. The shape memory   properties are the   manifestations of a reversible martensitic phase transformation occurring in the system between a crystallographically high-symmetry (cubic crystal structure) austenite phase to low symmetry (monoclinic crystal structure) martensite phase. The transformations are hysteretic in nature and the stress strain relationships are non linear both during loading and unloading.

Both the SM and SE effect have found applications in various sectors such as medical, consumer appliances and aerospace. Of late research efforts are underway to design and build SMA based passive seismic control devices that exploit the special properties of SMA. In order to build such devices it is necessary to have a thorough understanding of the SMA material behavior in relation to the dependence of mechanical properties such as energy dissipation on service temperatures, strain rates etc. The evolution of cyclic and fatigue behavior in response to the loads is also important. Finally it is necessary to have work out clear concepts for the SMA incorporated passive control devices that one proposes to build for seismic and or other applications.

This talk dwells on the various aspects that need to be understood to build such seismic devices and also covers R&D activities in the area of SMAs for airframe structural applications being carried out a NAL.

Abstract of an invited talk by Dr. G. N. Dayananda (24 June, 2011 16.00 hrs at Golden Jubilee Seminar Hall, Civil Engg. Dept, IISc)

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#IP 978 20 -26 Jun 2011

S&T Minister Visits NAL

Dr. Ashwani Kumar, Hon'ble Minister of State for Planning, Parliamentary Affairs, S&T, and Earth Sciences along with Dr. K. Kasturirangan and Dr. Suamitra Chaudhuri, Members, Planning Commission visited CSIR-NAL on 10 June, 2011. Dr.  A. R. Upadhya, Director, NAL made a presentation on NAL's activities and future R&D proposals including that of NCAD. The Hon'ble Minister referred to the declaration of the Decade of Innovation, and stressed on the need for increasing the pace of development, and promised all help from the Government. He was very enthusiastic about the NCAD proposal and expressed full support from the Government to the project, which he also reiterated later in the Press Conference. He also stressed up on the need for national level supercomputing facilities.

 Later, the Minster paid a brief visit to the Flosolver Unit where he was briefed about the Varsha software and its monsoon predictions.

The visit continued with a forty minute press conference which was well received. In his statement at the beginning of the conference Dr. Ashwani Kumar announced to the media that CSIR-NAL will be designing and developing a National Civil Aircraft for regional connectivity. He also said CSIR-NAL has completed a feasibility study on design and development of the aircraft that will help to connect Tier-II and Tier-III cities with major metros. He further said the development of the programme was of techno-economical interest as it would have several spin-offs. “I wish we had more aircraft, considering our own domestic demand; of course we are a bit delayed in this venture, but we will make up for the lost time”, He said. He further added, “CSIR-NAL needs to move from pure science/research to developing innovative technology. The Government of India will fully support these programmes accommodating all the financial needs,”

Dr. A.R. Upadhya, Director, CSIR-NAL responding to a question from a correspondent said, “CSIR-NAL would incorporate the latest technology to ensure the aircraft to be on par with the any futuristic aircraft”. The RTA is being explored for regional transport, with a passenger capacity of 70-100 seats. The development phase is expected to be completed in six years with the development of prototype; the certification and the induction of the first batch of five aircraft is expected in about seven years after the launch. He also said CSIR-NAL was already partnering with German firms on the project: “We have already signed MoUs to help us in areas such as advanced avionics and next generation engines”.

Photo and photo collage designed by Team Photography, KTMD, NAL

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Congratulations Dr. J. J. Isaac

DRDL team under the leadership of Dr. V. Ramanujachari, Project Director, HSTDV received the Best Innovation/Futuristic Development award of DRDO for its contributions to the development of the scramjet combustor at DRDL in collaboration with CSIR-NAL. Dr.  J. J. Isaac, former Head, Propulsion Division is a member of the team that received the Best Innovation / Futuristic Development award. Dr. J. J. Isaac has received this recognition for his significant contribution to the scramjet combustor development.

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Deputy Heads for CSMST

Mr. T. H. Samiullah and Mr. G. M. Kamalakannan are the two Deputy Heads for the formed division CSMST which turned one year on June 1, 2011.

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National Technology Day 2011

Thirteen years back, on eleventh day of May India conducted a series of nuclear tests to establish its nuclear capabilities to the world. This day from the following year is being observed as National technology day after the then Prime Minister's call to mark the India’s emerge technological power in the new millennium.

To quote from the first Technology Day address of the then Prime Minister, Shri. A.B. Vajpayee, on May 11, 1999: “What was unleashed in the pokharan was not merely the energy of the atom: Pokharan also produced the power of patriotism and imparted it to all the 100 crore children of Mother India”. He declared to the world that, “India would now onwards pursue peace from the position of strength, but not from weakness. Pokharan not only brought strength to our national security, but also self-confidence to our national mind. It became the symbol of a resurgent India”. He exhorted scientists to work towards removing all impediments in India's march towards becoming a major technological power in the next century.

Echoing this very spirit, in his technology address, the chief guest of the Technology Day at CSIR-NAL Mr. M. R. Sivaraman, Chairman, NALTECH, Bangalore, Former Revenue Secretary, GoI, former DGCA and Director-IMF, delivered a very scintillating  lecture. The topic Technology and Society actually refers to cyclical co-dependence, co-influence, co-production of technology and society up on the other. This synergic relationship occurred from the dawn of humankind, with the invention of simple tools and continues into modern technologies. He narrated how technology is being used to solve problem for humanity on one side and that for destruction on the other. He observed humans have become clogs in the wheel of technology. He wondered whether we are driving technology or technology is driving us.  He was of the opinion that Technology should be used for the welfare of the society at large. Technology should be put in the right place so that we can live in harmony with the nature.

At NAL National Technology Day was celebrated on 11 May, 2011. Mr. M. K. Sridhar, Advisor   (M&A) welcomed the gathering and introduced the distinguished chief guest. It was truly a remarkable feat to have a distinguished economist to speak on technology so well.

Dr. A. R. Upadhya, Director, NAL in his presidential address said  May11,1999 was a very important date for NAL, as it was on this day we had our first flight of the indigenous aircraft HANSA. He said science precedes technology as science day precedes technology day.

The function ended with a vote of thanks by Dr. S. Sridhara Murthy, Head, KTMD. The programme was compeered bilingually by Mrs. Gomathy Sankaran. 

Photo and photo collage designed by Team Photography, KTMD, NAL

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#IP 977 13 - 19 Jun 2011

Micro Air Vehicle Aerodynamic Research Tunnel

Dr. A.R. Upadhya, Director, CSIR-NAL laid the foundation stone for the Micro Air Vehicle Aerodynamic Research Tunnel (MART) at NWTC campus.

The low Reynolds number regime is significant in that it projects a fundamental shift in physical behavior at MAV scales and speeds - an environment more common to the smallest birds and the largest insects. Basic understanding of the aerodynamics encountered here is very much limited. Neither the range, payload and performance of Bees & Wasps, nor the agility of the Dragon fly is predictable with established high-Reynolds number aerodynamics traditionally used in aircraft aerodynamic design.

The laminar and transitional nature of the flow, the propulsive induced flow on larger part of the wing, the aerodynamic behavior due to the flexibility in the wing, effect of unsteady aerodynamics in the case of flapping wing are some of the aspects to be studied in the wind tunnel.

MART would address all the aerodynamics, propulsion and aero elastic issues using advanced investigating tools like low-load force balances, MEMs-based pressure and shear sensors, optical flow diagnostics (LDV,PIV,VIC,V3V) etc. The open jet type test section would provide the advantage of studies related to flapping and rotary wings. The gust generation mechanism would help in studying stability and aero elasticity issues in MAVs.

The following areas are the proposed research areas in this wind tunnel - Low Reynolds number flows, Laminar Separation bubble, Flexible wings, Propulsive induced flows, Propeller characterization, Unsteady aerodynamics, Gust response, Control surface effectiveness, Flow Control.

After this event, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Dr. V. J. Sundaram, Advisor, Micro and Nano System formally inaugurated the new MAV Work Centre – 1 at NWTC campus. The dignitaries & invitees were taken around and shown the various activities planned in this work center. The MAVs designed and developed as a part of NAL-ADE project on Fixed Wing MAV were shown. Various others research & development activities like the two-kg class mini UAVs, pulse jet engine, hotwire foam cutting CNC machine, wind tunnel MAV models, 2D airfoil smoke flow visualization in the 0.2mx0.2m research tunnel, flapping wing static demonstration, propeller characterization test rig, flight simulator, three axis Motion simulator, MEMS evaluation board, inertial measurement unit were explained and demonstrated to the dignitaries. Real time video from a high resolution camera mounted on a Hex-rotor UAV was demonstrated as part of the event.

The event was concluded by some nostalgic remarks from Gen. Sundaram on the genesis of MAV program and its present status. He also told that the MAV program has reached the current height in India because of the participation of NAL in the key milestone events at MAV-08 held in Agra and INDUS MAV at Bangalore. Dr. A. R. Upadhya appreciated the entire effort put by the NAL team on the MAV program over the years and stressed on the development of indigenous technology for the future Nano Air Vehicle program.

The program ended with a vote of thanks by Dr. G. Ramesh.

 

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#IP 976 6 - 12 Jun 2011

Dr B R Ambedkar Birthday celebrations at NAL - 2011

“I Measure the Progress of a Country by the Degree of Progress which Women Have Achieved” - Bharath Ratna Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.

CSIR-NAL celebrated Bharath Ratna Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s 120th birthday on April, 29, 2011; Dr. R. Rajendran, Scientist and Liaison Officer, CSIR-NAL SC/ST Cell, welcomed the gathering. In his introductory remarks Dr. Rajendran said that Babasaheb was a great social reformer who devoted all his energies in liberating the SC/ST's from social degradation, and in spite of being born in a poor family reached the highest position in the country and left an indelible mark on the social fabric of India. Cherishing Dr. Ambedkar's thoughts, deeds and values of human rights, he quoted from Dr. Ambedkar's last message: "With great difficulty I have brought this Caravan as seen today; if my successors would not be able to take the Caravan ahead let them not take it, but under no circumstances they should allow it to go back to its original position".

The function started with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp.Light is a symbol of knowledge and its propagation and enlightenment; all the dignitaries on the dais lit the ceremonial lamp lead by Prof. E. T. Puttaiah, The Vice Chancellor, Gulburga University, the Chief guest for the occasion. Prof. Puttaiah, who has deeply studied the life and achievements of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, delivered the 18th Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Birthday Lecture on “Dr. B. R. Ambedkar - a Social Reformer”. 

Prof. Puttaiah addressed the gathering in lucid Kannada. In his address, Prof. Puttaiah commended CSIR-NAL and the SC/ST employees’ welfare association for encouraging and awarding the meritorious SC/ST students for securing highest marks in their SSLC examination. He said, “Encouragement of this kind will pilot students in becoming great personalities like Sir. M. Visweswariah, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and Dr. J. C. Bose”. In the course of his lecture he said “Dr. Ambedkar always highlighted the need for education, particularly that of women and children, as they form the backbone of the society, and the progress achieved by women will mark the progress of a society”. He pointed out that Dr. Ambedkar, the Chairman of the Indian Constituent Assembly, laid a strong foundation for the Democratic, Secular and Social Indian Republic. He further said that Dr. Ambedkar was not only an Indian leader, but many of his ideologies have been adopted all around the world, and he is recognized as a world leader and a great thinker. Dr. B. R.  Ambedkar was influenced by great leaders of his time, and struggled hard for equality, liberty and human rights in the Indian society. As a great freedom fighter, political leader, lawyer, philosopher, thinker, writer, economist and an editor he guided the drafting of the Indian constitution, which begins with the words "We the People of India …", which reflected his strong conviction that that we are all Indians, be it any caste, creed or religion. Dr. Ambedkar argued for extensive economic and social rights for women and drafted the “Hindu Code Bill”.  But the then Indian Parliament did not pass the bill, following which he resigned from the Government. In the year 1956, Dr. Ambedkar embraced Buddhism since he believed that it was only in that religion he saw no discrimination and believed that all would enjoy the freedom and equanimity.  

Prof. Puttaiah distributed awards to meritorious SC/ST students who had scored highest marks in science subjects in the last SSLC examination.  

In his presidential address, Dr. A. R. Upadhya, The Director, CSIR-NAL, paid his respects to the memories of Dr. Ambedkar, as well as to the great social reformers Sri Basaveshwara and Lord Buddha who inspired Dr. Ambedkar. He congratulated all the students who had done extremely well in their SSLC examination, and advised them to strive hard and get inspired by such great leaders and set them as their role models. Dr. Upadhya, while recalling the importance of such events, said “We must all gather together and think deeply the words, actions and life of such great individuals, who have, in spite of great adversities and struggles, achieved highest level of success, performance and contributions, both as professionals and as National and International leaders, and contributed immensely to the betterment of the contemporary society and for the future; we should draw inspirations from their life for our own actions and deeds; there is a lot we can learn from the life of Dr. Ambedkar”. 

The function concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. L Rangaraj, President, CSIR-NAL SC/ST Employees welfare association. The programme was ably anchored by Mrs. Gomathy Sankaran, Scientist, KTMD, with her eloquent punches in chaste Hindi.

S Navaneetha

Photo and photo collage designed by Team Photography, KTMD, NAL

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#IP 975 29 May - 5 Jun 2011

Homage to a great lady and a doctor

As Dr. Lalitha’s junior, I knew that I may have to write a tribute to commend her wonderful work at the NAL Health Centre when she retires; but I was certainly not prepared to write her obituary following her premature and tragic death on May 23, 2011. The wave of shock, disbelief and sympathy that we saw following her passing away speaks eloquently of her popularity within the NAL fraternity.

My earliest memories of her at NAL are of a brisk, purposeful and devout home maker and doctor who had already established a niche for herself in every NAL heart. She also made me, a reticent and insecure newcomer; feel welcome at the work place and at her home. As a bachelor I always had a welcome offer of a meal or a drink of hot Horlicks whenever I went to her house. In fact she had instructed her husband and aunt that Horlicks must be purchased and made available for me anytime I visited because I had stopped drinking Coffee or Tea!!!

As neighbors in the adjacent quarters, I came closer to her soft-spoken husband and two young school-going daughters. I could observe her professional and social interactions with the steady stream of patients and visitors who came to her door seeking medical help, advice, or just a receptive ear. Dr. Lalitha would help them unburden their laden heart, offer them a shoulder to cry on, or invite them for a friendly chat and thereby assuage their panic reaction. She was a healer, friend, confidant, neighbor, agony aunt, arbiter, role model, mentor, guide, and benefactor all rolled into one.

I think she believed in me; we had a mutual respect that strengthened over the years. When she took over as the head of the NAL Health Centre we shared some of the additional work happily, as equals with freedom, understanding and the belief that everything was going right. She was frank and never hesitated to seek a colleagues’ opinion if she felt that it was the required; be it a trivial matter of assigning duties or of some major capital expenditure. Being upright she handled the official cash transactions strictly and also refused most of the complimentary gifts that the pharmaceutical companies offered her.

In the early days, when medical facilities around NAL were not so well established, she was the sole source of succor when the patients needed her, be it during a busy day break or late after midnight. With kind words, a healing touch and a dose of medication, Dr. Lalitha sent her distraught patients back home happy and relieved. I distinctly remember the difficult winter nights which brought the long suffering asthmatics in agony to Dr. Lalitha’s or my quarters for the inevitable intravenous injections under the fading light of an emergency lamp or torch. She never showed any irritability when the patients came and disturbed her with trivial complaints. She habitually received calls from people who believed in her opinion on not only their illnesses but also of their extended family and friends!

At the Health Centre, the patients, male, female, the elderly and the children waited for their turn patiently outside her room to be treated by their favourite doctor, perking up at the sight of her. She earned the respect of employees and pensioners of all cadres and I have at times joked to her that her “loyal” patients may refuse to see the other doctors at the Centre for treatment even after her retirement! She also treated the contract staff when they needed her help. She was the much loved and respected “Lalithamma Doctor” for the less educated and “Lady Doctor” for the others.

The doctor-patient relationship can be deeply emotional and satisfying to the doctor, though it puts unreasonable pressures on the doctor at times. It is critical to gain the confidence of people and establish one’s reputation in a closed community like NAL, likely to feature numerous interactions and a long relationship. Dr. Lalitha did just that by being herself. I do not think she aspired for any abiding loyalty; the respect for her happened naturally.

She epitomized the present day successful working woman who managed to balance her home and office and did it well. She was a devoted mother and care giver to her husband and parents. She had her circle of relatives, close friends, well wishers and fellow devotees around whom her limited social life revolved.

A deeply religious person, she prayed with enviable regularity at the NAL Ganesha Temple and participated in all its activities. She was musically trained, and was part of the “Sahasranama” chanting group that learnt to sing the 1036 “shlokas” of Narayaneeyam set to classical Carnatic music. Her efforts to bring in support for the temple activities are well known to the campus residents. Her religious bent of mind made her philanthropic towards not only religious events and activities but also towards the less fortunate and deprived people that she came across. 

She showed a strength of character five years ago when she was diagnosed to have the beginnings of interstitial lung disease, a positive titer for a few auto antibodies of Scleroderma, and a resultant alteration of the food pipe musculature. She accepted it without much ado and just went about doing what the specialist told her to do - get aerobic exercise, keep up her stamina and the lung power and undergo a regular check up every year. She found time to walk briskly every day morning and progressively reduced her food intake.

All the fervent prayers across religious barriers, of all those who received succor from her, and hoped for a miracle, did not elicit that spark of divine grace required to cure her. She leaves behind memories, questions and a void in the hearts the people who loved and respected her. All of us at the NAL Health Centre convey our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

Dr. Amarnarayan

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