Aluminium (Al) based metal matrix composites (MMC) have many potential engineering applications. There has been a critical need for casting of cost-effective MMC. Not much work hitherto been reported for casting of Al based MMC with vacuum moulding. An approach to macro-model the micro hardness and dimensional accuracy for casting of MMC of Al and its alloys have been proposed and applied. Relationship between micro hardness, dimensional accuracy and other parameter has been deduced by using Taguchi's technique L9 orthogonal array (OA). Results indicate that the hardness of MMC developed depends significantly on the component volume, pouring temperature and composition. The comparison with experimental results will also serve as future validation of the model.

The conventional fossil fuel resources for power generation are fast depleting in India and there is growing concern over the environmental degradation caused by conventional power plants. In order to combat these challenges the renewable energy sources and biomass in particular are expected to be wider spread and play a significant role in in India's energy sector. This book examines utilization agricultural biomass in energy sector for power and densified fuel. The potential of unused agricultural biomass for power generation in Punjab state has been determined. A model has been developed to optimize the collection and transportation of the biomass to optimum number of power plants in Punjab. To overcome the difficulty in handling of loose biomass, reduce transportation cost and produce a uniform, clean, stable fuel, the densification process has been reviewed. The densification technologies, system variables, compaction models and economics have been studied in order to set up a optimized densification plant. The emission of pollutants in India due to biomass energy has also been studied. The book in overall explores the optimal usage of unused agricultural biomass.