OCTOBER 19-20, 2012 - YMCA University of Science & Technology

Proceedings of the National Conference on
Trends and Advances in Mechanical Engineering,
YMCA University of Science & Technology, Faridabad, Haryana, Oct 19-20, 2012
MODERN TRENDS, PROBLEMS, SOLUTIONS AND ETHICS IN
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Niranjan Lal Mangla,
Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering Department, YMCAUST, Faridabad.
email: niranjanmangla@gmail.com
Abstract
Modern trends like nano technology, computer aided manufacturing, spacecraft to Mars etc. seem interesting
but have failed to solve unemployment, mental stresses, food and social problems that have sprung from
industrialisation. Green technology is heard of, but global warming continues. In spite of more efficient
combustion systems and new sources of energy, the energy crisis is spiralling. New management skills are being
developed to manage resources in industries but vast natural resources like Yamuna’s mineral water are
unavailable. The solution lies right in the vedic texts. The alternate technologies, that can generate employment,
that are environmental friendly and sustainable and at the same time help in space exploration and solve most of
the above problems, have been discussed in light of the ancient Sanskrit literature on science and engineering.
But this is for people who have human and professional ethics. Some universal values have been revealed from
the vedic texts on code of conduct.
Modern Trends and the Problems
Some of the modern trends which are important and of concern will be discussed one by one. The problems
associated and their subtle causes will be highlighted.
1. Efficient Thermal Power Plants, two and four stoke power engines
Modern trend is to have pollution free thermal plants using tons of coal and fuel oil. The trend is also for
efficient two stroke and four stroke engines used in motor cycles, cars, trucks etc. Research is towards using biofuel
or Hydrogen etc. The problem is that global warming is taking place. What is the reason Is carbon dioxide
a problem It is probably not. There are four basic reasons. First is the release of “Amedhya” substance into
the atmosphere. What is this “Amedhya” Ayurveda comes to our help. Sanskrit comes to our help. It literally
means something that is not conducive to the analysing capacity of brain. But practically such a substance when
released in atmosphere even in parts per million or billion will have an enormous effect on the atmosphere. Some
seeding effect in the destruction of the ozone layer or the electromagnetic fields that protect our atmosphere from
outside bombardment of hazardous substances or radiations takes place. Complete combustion of the fossil fuels
or collecting carbon dioxide will not help, unless we trap the “Amedhya” contentst in the fossil fuels. These
“Amedhya” substances are very difficult to be traced out. That is why the nature has buried the fossil fuels
underneath so that with the passage of time their “Amedhya” content gets eliminated. How foolish it is on our
part to dig the garbage out and burn it. That is why Lord “Manu” clearly instructs “Do not put “Amedhya” into
fire” [1]. Just a simple instruction but of a great importance.
The second reason is the excessive use of oxygen. The amount of oxygen needed in producing the energy from
even complete combustion of the fossil fuels or bio- fuel or hydrogen is enormous. How The oxygen consumed
in driving a car is 22.5 kg/hour which is 750 times the oxygen needed by a human being [2]. Now, millions of
automobiles and thousands of power plants are burning millions of tons of fossil fuels. Won’t the ozone layer
and oxygen in the atmosphere get affected
The third reason is the heat released in the atmosphere. The efficiency of the modified Rankine cycle used in
steam power plants is around 37% for the given temperatures and pressures [3]. If the efficiency of the steam
boilers is assumed to be 90 (on the higher side), the over all efficiency is around 33%. Similar figures are there
for reciprocating engines. That means around 70% of the heat produced in burning fossil fuels is being
transferred to the atmosphere or the water in the oceans. This is an alarming amount when figures are counted.
The nuclear power plants are no exception to this reason. As a result, global warming is imminent.
The fourth reason is the vibrations released into the atmosphere. A horse gallop is pleasing to listen. A fine
tuned classical music gives a soothing effect to the body and mind. However the shrill noise of a reciprocating
engine is certainly displeasing. It is not the displeasure that is disturbing. The after effects of this shrill noise on
the atmosphere are disturbing. Modern trends are to reduce the noise level. One has to be careful here. Noise is
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