Functional materials have assumed a very prominent position in several high-tech areas. Such materials are not being classified on the basis of their origin, nature of bonding or processing techniques but are classified on the basis of the functions they can perform. This is a significant departure from the earlier schemes in which materials were described as metals, alloys, ceramics, polymers, glass materials etc. Several new processing techniques have also evolved in the recent past. Because of the diversity of materials and their functions it has become extremely difficult to obtain information from single source. "Functional Materials: Preparation, Processing and Applications "provides a comprehensive review of the latest developments.
Serves as a ready reference for Chemistry, Physics and Materials Science researchers by covering a wide range of functional materials in one bookAids in the design of new materials by emphasizing structure or microstructure - property correlationCovers the processing of functional materials in detail, which helps in conceptualizing the applications of them

Comprehensive, illustrated guidebook to the magical land of Ladakh in the far north of India, beyond the Himalayas. Up to date information on hotels and transport and practical advice on planning and budgeting your trip. Detailed explanatory descriptions of the regions' famous Buddhist monasteries and other sights besides the stupendous road journeys to Ladakh from Manali and Kashmir, with entire sections on these two regions. There are extensive sections on Zanskar, Nubra, and the Pangong-Tsomoriri lakes, besides a chapter on the treks in Ladakh. Also included is a detailed introduction to Tibetan Buddhism and a section on the people and history of Ladakh. Apart from a foldout map of the Ladakh-Kashmir region at the back, there are some 25 other maps in the books, and about 270 colour photographs.

Modelling and analysis of dynamical systems is a widespread practice as it is important for engineers to know how a given physical or engineering system will behave under specific circumstances.

This text provides a comprehensive and systematic introduction to the methods and techniques used for translating physical problems into mathematical language, focusing on both linear and nonlinear systems. Highly practical in its approach, with solved examples, summaries, and sets of problems for each chapter, "Dynamics for Engineers" covers all aspects of the modelling and analysis of dynamical systems.

Key features: Introduces the Newtonian, Lagrangian, Hamiltonian, and Bond Graph methodologies, and illustrates how these can be effectively used for obtaining differential equations for a wide variety of mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical systems. Develops a geometric understanding of the dynamics of physical systems by introducing the state space, and the character of the vector field around equilibrium points. Sets out features of the dynamics of nonlinear systems, such as like limit cycles, high-period orbits, and chaotic orbits. Establishes methodologies for formulating discrete-time models, and for developing dynamics in discrete state space.

Senior undergraduate and graduate students in electrical, mechanical, civil, aeronautical and allied branches of engineering will find this book a valuable resource, as will lecturers in system modelling, analysis, control and design. This text will also be useful for students and engineers in the field of mechatronics.

Materials Under Extreme Conditions: Recent Trends and Future Prospects analyzes the chemical transformation and decomposition of materials exposed to extreme conditions, such as high temperature, high pressure, hostile chemical environments, high radiation fields, high vacuum, high magnetic and electric fields, wear and abrasion related to chemical bonding, special crystallographic features, and microstructures. The materials covered in this work encompass oxides, non-oxides, alloys and intermetallics, glasses, and carbon-based materials. The book is written for researchers in academia and industry, and technologists in chemical engineering, materials chemistry, chemistry, and condensed matter physics.

This manual on monolithic refractories is primarily designed as a handbook for practising ceramic engineers, scientists, raw material suppliers, and other research and development personnel in the refractory manufacturing industries and industries associated with high temperature material processing. The book may also be used as course material for ceramic engineering students specializing in refractories. Various monolithic refractories are described, with particular attention to their chemical and physical behaviours during manufacturing, installation, and duty cycle. Critical aspects of reactions involved within the refractory body as it approaches the use temperature within the processing environment are addressed from a practitioner's point of view. To assure the optimum performance, the application, installation, and design of refractory components are given in detail. In short, the book contains a comprehensive discussion of monolithic refractories, regarding its formulation, manufacturing and use.

Comprehensive, illustrated guidebook for treks in the Everest region of Nepal that comes with a detailed, easy-to-read foldout trekking map. With some 150 colour pictures and over a dozen section maps (apart from the fold-out map at the back), the guidebook is packed with exhaustive day-by-day descriptions of the popular Everest trails: Lukla-Kala Patthar/Everest Base Camp; Gokyo-ChoLa Pass; Side-trips to Thame, Chukhung and over RenjoLa Pass; Jiri-Lukla walk-in. There is, in addition, practical advice on planning the treks, plus background reading on the Sherpas, the people who live in the shadow of Everest, and an entire chapter on the fascinating history of the discovery and conquest of Mt Everest.

Brings the knowledge of 24 experts in this maturing field out from the narrow confines of academic circles, and makes it accessible to graduate students and power electronics professionals alike.
* Provides practicing engineers with the knowledge to predict power requirement behavior.
* The insights gained from this all-inclusive compilation will ultimately lead to better design methodologies.

Modelling and analysis of dynamical systems is a widespread practice as it is important for engineers to know how a given physical or engineering system will behave under specific circumstances.

This text provides a comprehensive and systematic introduction to the methods and techniques used for translating physical problems into mathematical language, focusing on both linear and nonlinear systems. Highly practical in its approach, with solved examples, summaries, and sets of problems for each chapter, "Dynamics for Engineers" covers all aspects of the modelling and analysis of dynamical systems.

Key features: Introduces the Newtonian, Lagrangian, Hamiltonian, and Bond Graph methodologies, and illustrates how these can be effectively used for obtaining differential equations for a wide variety of mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical systems. Develops a geometric understanding of the dynamics of physical systems by introducing the state space, and the character of the vector field around equilibrium points. Sets out features of the dynamics of nonlinear systems, such as like limit cycles, high-period orbits, and chaotic orbits. Establishes methodologies for formulating discrete-time models, and for developing dynamics in discrete state space.

Senior undergraduate and graduate students in electrical, mechanical, civil, aeronautical and allied branches of engineering will find this book a valuable resource, as will lecturers in system modelling, analysis, control and design. This text will also be useful for students and engineers in the field of mechatronics.

Sashanka S Banerjee, the author of this book and retired Indian diplomat, was closely associated with some of the leading figures of the Bangladesh Liberation Struggle. Starting with his first contact with Bangladesh's founding father, Shaikh Mujibur Rahman, in the early 60s, he persuaded Mujib to not only agree a Parliamentary system of Government based on the principles of secularism, but also to appoint Justice Abu Sayeed Choudhury, with whom Banerjee had a strong working relationship, as the first President of Bangladesh. Mujib and Banerjee together sang and informally agreed the national anthem of Bangladesh on a historic flight they shared from London to Dhaka, via Delhi, shortly after the end of the 1971 Bangladesh War. In this first publication of these critical, behind-the-scenes, events, Sashanka Banerjee also recounts his chilling encounters with Mujib's future conspirator, General Ziaur Rahman, and assassin, Colonel Farook Rahman. In spite of Banerjee's dire warnings to Mujib to take heightened security precautions, fondness for his countrymen resulted in his untimely and violent death, and triggered a long souring of the relationship between Bangladesh and India, remote-controlled by Pakistan. With the return to power of Mujib's daughter, Shaikh Hasina, Bangladesh has rediscovered its original path of secular democracy and economic development, whilst ensuring the horrific war crimes of the mass rape and murder of over two million Bangladeshis by Pakistan's soldiers are finally aired and justice brought to bear. This unique insider's account of the Bangladesh Liberation Struggle not only reads like a gripping thriller, it also sets out the historical context of the dawn of Islamic extremism and terrorism emanating from Pakistan. The loss of almost a half of its original territory was a body-blow to the psyche of Pakistan's Punjabi-dominated military rulers. The author argues that the bloody Af-Pak conflict in Central Asia, beginning in 2001 and continuing even today, was born in the battle fields of Bangladesh during the India-Pakistan War of 1971. Fearing further losses to the other ethno-national groups of the Balochis, Pashtuns and Sindhis, the Pakistan military embarked on a self-destructive strategy of the wholesale radicalisation to extreme Islam, hoping it would serve as a glue to keep the country together, giving Pakistan a new national identity. The Army helped establish countrywide Madrassas, religious seminaries, and created and sponsored a host of extremist terrorist groups, from Lashkar e Tayyaba, to the Haqqani Network and the Taliban itself. It engaged in a ferocious proxy war of revenge not only against India but extending it to Afghanistan, and most strikingly against the the United States of America through its close affiliation and protection of Osama Bin Laden and Al Qaeda. The Bangladesh story not only helps to explain the context in which Pakistan embarked on this strategy, it also contains within it the kernel of a democratic resolution. The Bengalis of East Pakistan led by example and chose to fight their way to freedom from the repression and economic stranglehold of Pakistan. Mujib offered to help his fellow ethno-national groups to throw off the shackles of exploitation immediately after Bangladesh secured its own independence. At that time, however, the people of Balochistan, NWFP, and Sind were not able to rally to his call, and emulate the bravery of the Bengalis.