Quark-lepton complementarity model based predictions for θ23PMNS\theta_{23}^{PMNS} with neutrino mass hierarchy

After the successful investigation and confirmation of non zero $\theta_{13}^{PMNS}$ by various experiments, we are standing at a square where we still encounter a number of issues, which are to be settled. In this paper, we have extended our recent work towards a precise prediction of the $\theta_{23}^{PMNS}$ mixing angle, taking into account the neutrino mass hierarchy. We parameterize the non-trivial correlation between quark (CKM) and lepton (PMNS) mixing matrices in quark-lepton complementarity (QLC) model as $V_{c}= U_{CKM}. \psi. U_{PMNS}$, where $\psi$ is a diagonal phase matrix. Monte Carlo simulations are used to estimate the texture of $V_{c}$ and compare the results with the standard Tri-Bi-Maximal (TBM) and Bi-Maximal(BM) structures of neutrino mixing matrix. We have predicted the value of $\theta_{23}^{PMNS}$ for normal and inverted neutrino mass hierarchies. The value of $\theta_{23}^{PMNS}$ obtained for two cases are about $1.3\sigma$ away from each other, implying the better precision can give us a strong hint for the type of neutrino mass hierarchy.Comment: 3 pages, 3 figure

Harnessing Electrical Power from Vortex-Induced Vibration of a Circular Cylinder

The generation of electrical power from Vortex-Induced Vibration (VIV) of a cylinder is investigated numerically. The cylinder is free to oscillate in the direction transverse to the incoming flow. The cylinder is attached to a magnet that can move along the axis of a coil made from conducting wire. The magnet and the coil together constitute a basic electrical generator. When the cylinder undergoes VIV, the motion of the magnet creates a voltage across the coil, which is connected to a resistive load. By Lenz's law, induced current in the coil applies a retarding force to the magnet. Effectively, the electrical generator applies a damping force on the cylinder with a spatially varying damping coefficient. For the initial investigation reported here, the Reynolds number is restricted to Re < 200, so that the flow is laminar and two-dimensional (2D). The incompressible 2D Navier-Stokes equations are solved using an extensively validated spectral-element based solver. The effects of the electromagnetic (EM) damping constant xi_m, coil dimensions (radius a, length L), and mass ratio on the electrical power extracted are quantified. It is found that there is an optimal value of xi_m (xi_opt) at which maximum electrical power is generated. As the radius or length of the coil is increased, the value of xi_opt is observed to increase. Although the maximum average power remains the same, a larger coil radius or length results in a more robust system in the sense that a relatively large amount of power can be extracted when xi_m is far from xi_opt, unlike the constant damping ratio case. The average power output is also a function of Reynolds number, primarily through the increased maximum oscillation amplitude that occurs with increased Reynolds number at least within the laminar range, although the general qualitative findings seem likely to carry across to high Reynolds number VIV

Electrochemical incineration of wastes

The novel technology of waste removal in space vehicles by electrochemical methods is presented to convert wastes into chemicals that can be eventually recycled. The important consideration for waste oxidation is to select a right kind of electrode (anode) material that should be stable under anodic conditions and also a poor electrocatalyst for oxygen and chlorine evolution. On the basis of long term electrolysis experiments on seven different electrodes and on the basis of total organic carbon reduced, two best electrodes were identified. The effect of redox ions on the electrolyte was studied. Though most of the experiments were done in mixtures of urine and waste, the experiments with redox couples involved 2.5 M sulfuric acid in order to avoid the precipitation of redox ions by urea. Two methods for long term electrolysis of waste were investigated: (1) the oxidation on Pt and lead dioxide electrodes using the galvanostatic methods; and (2) potentiostatic method on other electrodes. The advantage of the first method is the faster rate of oxidation. The chlorine evolution in the second method is ten times less then in the first. The accomplished research has shown that urine/feces mixtures can be oxidized to carbon dioxide and water, but current densities are low and must be improved. The perovskite and Ti4O7 coated with RuO2 are the best electrode materials found. Recent experiment with the redox agent improves the current density, however, sulphuric acid is required to keep the redox agent in solution to enhance oxidation effectively. It is desirable to reduce the use of acid and/or find substitutes

Wax Defects in Investment Casting and its Minimization

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