The problems of measuring viscosity using Brookfield viscometers directly in vessels with controlled liquids without transferring into a special measuring tank are considered. To increase the accuracy of viscosity measurements in vessels of arbitrary shape and size, experimental and theoretical studies of the LVF Brookfield viscometer sensitivity to the influencing values were carried out, which are the diameter of the vessel with a liquid, the distance from the spindle to the bottom of the vessel, and the immersion level of the spindle. A general characteristic of the factors influencing the accuracy of viscosity measurements is given. Based on the known formulas for rotational viscometers, equations for approximating the dependences of the viscometer readings on the diameter of the vessel and the distance from its bottom to the end of the spindle are derived. Formulas that allow making corrections to the measurement results when the mentioned influencing values change are obtained. The correction factors necessary for measuring viscosity in vessels, the sizes of which differ from the recommended ones, are determined. It was found that the distance from the spindle to the bottom of the vessel with the liquid affects the measurement results only when using the LV1 spindle and the immersion level affects only when using the LV4 spindle. The results of the viscometer calibration using viscosity standard samples REV-100, REV-300, REV-1000, Brookfield 12500, Brookfield 100000 are presented. A correction factor for the case of using the LV3 spindle without a guard leg was obtained. The research results presented in the article allow measuring viscosity with a Brookfield viscometer in vessels with diameters up to 40, 30, 23, 10 mm for spindles LV1, LV2, LV3, LV4, respectively.

The review of literature data related to the preparation, properties, and application of carbon nanotubes for sorption recovery of elements is given. Experimental data on the application of Taunit carbon nanofor radionuclide preconcentration from different solutions, as well as of Taunit-based solid-phase extractants for recovery of actinides and rare-earth elements from nitric acid solutions are presented.

Considered computer-measuring system includes in the structure a subsystem of the research and calculation of the optimum curing cycles of the glutinous prepreg products. Subsystem of research allows to determine the thermophysical, kinetic, rheological and dielectric characteristics directly in the process of curing prepregs, which are used by a subsystem of calculation for search of curing cycles of the polymer composite materials. The system in an automatic mode operates experiment, carries out acquisition, processing and ordering of the experimental data, allows to solve the optimization problem of finding the temperaturetime cycles of the curing of composites products, including thick-walled products.

The mathematical model and method of calculation of optimum curing cycles for large-sized products of any thickness of the polymer composite materials on base of glutinous prepregs is considered. The method is based on numerical simulation and the search of a temperature-time cycle of surfaces of a heating product or the multilayered technological package minimizing one from criteria of an optimality and providing creation of a qualitative finished product for minimal time, with the minimal power consumption or with the minimal residual stresses.

The need for innovations in the research and development training of students is connected with the fact that the requirements for the design competence of the new specialist continue to expand. The objective of the proposed technology is to organise such a system of future mechanical engineering specialists' training that will be able to prepare students for research and development activities, to enable students to master modern methodology, to study organisational forms and means of CAD and CAM and their effective application in future professional activities. Technology development is based on the comparative analysis of the prime characteristics of the modem engineering professional and the training environment, on detection of the contradiction between them and development of the curriculum according to the regional component of the State Educational Standard. Distinctive features of the given technology include maximising the connection between education and professional activity structures, phased familiarisation of students with typical research problems and identifying their solutions.

The problems of engineering institution administration for the realisation of innovative processes in education are considered in this paper. The Tambov State Technical University in Tambov, Russia, is the only engineering institution in the Tambov region, which is why its main goal is to solve the problems of engineers training in almost every necessary field in the region, to be the scientific-research centre, and to be the centre of the international scientific and cultural collaboration. The guaranteeing of such multifunctional university work is based on the original administrative system, the use of modem educational technologies, the system of continuous education as well as international experience exchange.

The results of the functioning of the multilevel structure of higher education at a technical university are presented in the paper, notably that from the Tambov State Technical University (TSTU) in Tambov, Russia. The restructuring of the TSTU made way for a more efficient system that helps to manage the University properly and considerably improves the mobility of its structural units whilst also more effectively realising the dominant idea of continuous education. The mobile university structure is also shown. The interrelation of basic professional educational programmes of two kinds providing training of engineers and a Masters of Engineering and Technology is presented. The problems of pedagogical training of tutors at a technical educational institution are also discussed.

The recent development of information technology has made mt enormous impact on society as a whole, and in particular on the process of the formation of professional engineers. Universities am presently grappling with the problem how to adjust their curricula to cope with the influx of information technology and what curricular content should be converted to be available through the electronic means. The paper endeavours to address and discuss the most important bends in the development at higher and secondary professional education is the process of modernisation and adaptation of professional training on the basis of applying new information technologies in the education process.

In the paper a method of calculation of an optimal temperature-time curing cycle of rubber composite articles is submitted. The method is based on the use of a mathematical model, described by system of nonlinear differential equations. A method of determination of mathematical model parameters is considered. The description of limitations, imposed on the curing process is indicated. Results of calculation of optimum curing cycles for products of various thickness of the same type of a rubber composite are shown.