Theoretical studies on space debris recycling and energy conversion system in the International Space Station

The space debris management and alleviation in the microgravity environment is a dynamic research theme of contemporary interest. Herein, we provide a theoretical proof of the concept of a lucrative energy conversion system that is capable of changing the space debris into useful powders in the International Space Station (ISS) for various bids. A specially designed broom is adapted to collect the space debris of various sizes. An optical sorting method is proposed for the debris segregation in the ISS by creating an artificial gravitational field. It could be done by using the frame-dragging effect or gravitomagnetism. An induction furnace is facilitated for converting the segregated metal-scrap into liquid metal. A fuel-cell aided water atomization method is proposed for transforming the liquid debris into metal powder. The high-energetic metal powders obtained from the space debris could be employed for producing propellants for useful aerospace applications, and the silicon powder obtained could be used for making soil for fostering the pharmaceutical-flora in the space lab in the future aiming for the scarce-drug discoveries for high-endurance health care management. The proposed energy conversion system is a possible alternative for the space debris extenuation and its real applications in orbiting laboratories through the international collaboration for the benefits to humanity

Fluid-throat-induced shock waves during the ignition transient of solid rockets

PREDICTION and control of pressure and pressure-rise rate during the ignition transient of solid-propellant rocket motors with a nonuniform port are of topical interest. In certain designs, an ignition pressure spike and a high rate of pressure rise may adversely affect the steadiness and stability of burning, thermoviscoelastic response of the grain and inhibitors, and the dynamic response of the hardware parts.1 An excessive pressurization rate can cause a failure even when the pressure is below the design limit.2,3 Although, a great deal of research has been done in the area of solid rocket motors (SRMs) for more than six decades, the accurate prediction of the ignition transient in ports of high-performance solid rocket, with sudden expansion and/or steep divergence/convergence or protrusions has not previously been accomplished

Engineering curriculum development based on education theories

Education theories stress not only societal context of education, but also educational philosophy, anthropology and psychology of learning. A formal curriculum theory, viz. Taba-Tyler rationale, has been proposed to incorporate philosophical, sociological, anthropological and psychological contexts of engineering education in the curriculum. The newly developed undergraduate curriculum at the Indian Institute of Technology Ropar is based on such education theories and has been presented as a case study. It has been demonstrated that the resulting curriculum can lead to unique courses that collectively bring out unique features such as core competency, strong connection to society, hands-on learning, creativity and innovation