The spray droplets were deposited over a rotating copper substrate to achieve a disc shape preform. The thickness uniformity of the preform was found to depend on the preform distance from the nozzle, preform offset distance from the axis of the atomizer and inclination of the preform from the horizontal plane. Mathematical equations were developed to represent the thickness variation of the preform with aforementioned parameters. The porosity, hardness, strength, wear and microstructural studies of the Al-Si-Pb spray deposited alloys were conducted for different lead content, top to bottom distance of the deposit and the distance from centre to periphery of the deposit. Overspray and worn debris particles were also analyzed. Particles/droplets of two different types were observed to deposit on the substrate. First type particles were aluminum rich and second type were lead rich.

Shear and compression wave velocities have been demonstrated to be quite useful for determining basic engineering properties of the soil mass by earlier researchers. To achieve this, resonant column, cyclic triaxial and tortional shear tests have been employed. However, these methods are not only quite elaborate and expensive but require skilled manpower, are cumbersome and time consuming. This calls for development of an alternate methodology that can be employed for characterizing the soil mass, which is not very intricate and is cost-effective. In this situation, usage of piezoceramic elements seems to be a good option. With this in view, an attempt has been made to develop a simple and cost-effective methodology for measuring these parameters in different types of soils, compacted to different compaction states. The suitability of the methodology has been demonstrated for characterization of the soil mass for engineering purpose.