Seminars

Talk by Dr Ravi Prakash

The behaviour of collapsed homopolymers and diblock copolymers subjected to extensional flow is examined using fluctuating hydrodynamic simulations. The copolymer blocks are labeled H and P to represent hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions with the solvent. Collapsed homopolymers are found to undergo a transition in their conformational state from a globular to a stretched state at a critical Weissenberg number. The existence of globule-stretch hysteresis is also demonstrated with the width of the globule-stretch hysteresis window depending significantly on the quality of the solvent.

Prof. Tanmay's Talk

Abstract: Cell adhesion to the substratum occurs through active force generation by intracellular motor proteins that walk along cytoskeletal filaments. I will present new measurements of the mechanical behavior of modular force generating units called stress fiber sarcomeres inside the living endothelial cell. I will also present recent work on understanding force generation on the intracellular nucleus and conclude with an application of nanotechnology for manipulating cytoskeletal forces.

Prof. Daren's Talk

Abstract: Nanotechnology one of ongoing international initiatives will be a strategic branch of science and engineering for the 21st century. Nanoparticles are considered as the building blocks in nanotechnology. Experimental tools play an important role in developing nanoscale science and engineering. These tools bring together researchers from multiple disciplines e.g. material scientists engineers biologists and chemists to pursue the common goal of investigating nanoscale phenomena.

Dr. Sumit's Talk

Abstract: Experimental evidence suggests that protein molecules adsorbed to hydrophobic surfaces are thermally more stable than in the bulk. To understand this observation adsorption of a model lattice protein on hydrophobic surfaces was studied using Monte Carlo simulations. It was observed that surfaces with intermediate hydrophobicities can stabilize the secondary structure in adsorbed protein molecules. This happens because an unfolded protein molecule loses conformational freedom upon adsorption thereby driving the melting point to higher values.

Talk on EDEM simulation tool

A brief writeup of the talk and the EDEM tool is given below. A flyer regarding the same is also attached with the mail. EDEM presentation (*one hour duration*) would highlight the following topics: 1. Introduction to Caezen Technologies (India) and DEM Solutions Ltd (UK). {5 mins} 2. Discrete Element Methods – technology position and value {5 mins} 3. Capabilities of EDEM Software – the global leader in general purpose DEM simulations {15 mins} 4. Application of EDEM in industries with case studies.

Prof. Nitin's Talk

ABSTRACT: Issues in plantwide control system design for throughput maximization are considered in this work. The impact of the basic plantwide regulatory control structure and an explicit supervisory optimizing controller on maximizing the throughput is quantitatively evaluated for a simple process module. The module consists of the reaction A + B --> C occurring in a CSTR followed by a distillation column separating the product from the recycled unreacted reactants.

Dr. Ravi's Talk

Abstract: Electrochemical power sources have had significant improvements in design and operating range and are expected to play a vital role in the future in automobiles power storage military and space applications. Lithium-ion chemistry has been identified as a preferred candidate for high-power/high-energy secondary batteries. Application of batteries ranges from implantable cardiovascular defibrillators (ICDs) operating at 10 µA current to hybrid vehicles requiring pulses of up to 100 A.

Prof. Kesava's Talk

Abstract: Prolonged consumption of water containing excess fluoride (F–) by people leads to fluorosis. The geographical extent and adverse effects of fluorosis provide a strong motivation for our work on two aspects: (i) estimation of F– at the field level: a colorimeter had been developed in our group some years ago but was plagued by problems related to the replication of the device. An accidental observation led to the development of a modified circuit that overcame these problems. The cost of the device is about Rs.

Dr. Anshu Anand Talk

Summary: Particulates are tiny subdivisions of solid matter placed in a fluid. Particulate flows are prevalent across a diverse range of industrial and geophysical processes. Examples include pharmaceutical processes conveying lines for transporting minerals ores food and agricultural products fluidized bed reactors debris flows and sediment transport. Despite recent advances owing to computer simulations particulate flow processes remain poorly understood.

Dr. Benno Lueke's Talk

Abstract of the Talk: Firstly the two electrolysis processes and their relevance for the global demand of chlorine and caustic will be described in short. Secondly the technological status of the processes in terms of energy consumption environmental impact and overall viability will be discussed. Thirdly needs for further developments are explained because the cost pressure on the bulk chemical production and general environmental requirements (CO2) will increase steadily.