Instructions to Students
Select at least six titles from the list below and send
them to m.k.dodd@ncl.ac.uk before 31st August 2002. You will be allocated one
of them before the start of term.
Dr B Agnew, Dr A Anderson
Dr R Bicker, Prof P M Braiden, Dr
S J Bull, Prof J S Burdess
Mr J F L Chan,
Mr R I Davidson
Prof J N Fawcett
Dr E H Fisher
Mr B Gallacher, Prof A G Gibson
Dr J M Hale, DR C Hicks, Dr
N A Hoenich
Prof G R Johnson
Dr I Potts
Dr D C Swailes
Prof P M Taylor, Prof D P Thompson
Prof J R White
THE FOLLOWING PROJECTS ARE STILL AVAILABLE.
ALL PROJECTS ALLOCATED
email: Sandy.Anderson@ncl.ac.uk
Anderson2.
Shock tube (unsteady gas flow involving travelling shock waves).
Compare a computer simulation with experiment for this standard laboratory apparatus.
Involves some practical instrumentation and calibration problems with the piezoelectric
pressure transducers available as well as the issue of how best to produce sudden
opening of a "valve" to generate a shock wave. Will involve computer
programming.
Anderson3.
Application of Taguchi Methods for Quality by Design.
Taguchi is associated with a set of statistical design and analysis of experiment
tools intended to help design quality into a product by choosing the composition
of controllable design factors that make it most robust. Learn about and apply
these to a production process or design problem being considered within the
Department.
Anderson4. Heuristic
optimisation methods (Genetic Algorithms, Simulated Annealing, Tabu search.
These are design optimisation techniques that mimic biological or physical processes.
Apply one or more (or variants of one) to some typical engineering optimisation
problems to see how will they work and how they might be improved. Will involve
computer programming and use of shareware.
Anderson5. Using
a reverse-carnot cycle to simulate accumulator/surge protection receiver performance.
Air receivers or accumulators are commonly used on hydraulic lines and liquid
pipe systems to protect against pressure surges. There is some evidence that
these behave like a reverse-carnot cycle. Use computer simulation to explore
whether this is feasible and whether it opens up a path to improved accumulator
design. Involves thermodynamics and heat transfers.
email: Robert.Bicker@ncl.ac.uk
Bicker1. - Dental Wear
Testing Machine
Heslop & Steuwer (2001) have designed and commissioned a prototype automated
testing machine for dental restorative material. The project was in collaboration
with the Newcastle University Dental School. A DC motor is used to rotate a
small ruby ball around an orbital path. The speed of rotation of the motor and
the progressive wear of the specimen were controlled using a PC. Whilst the
prototype has been shown to work in a satisfactory manner, the proposal is to
develop a cost effective mechatronic solution, which will allow a single PC
to monitor several machines. The project is directed towards Stage III or
IV students who elect to do the Mechatronics design (MMM320) and/or Sensors
& Actuators (MMM330) modules.
Bicker3. - Automated
Assembly using an Industrial Robot
Providing a robot with the ability to recognise parts, grasps, and then assemble
them is a challenging problem. The implementation is based on a real-time computer
link to the robot controller, and component parts are transported using a re-circulating
conveyor. The basic real-time communication with a Linux based operating system
has been developed by Heslop [2002]. Further work is required to integrate parts
recognition and force control using a vision system, and a 6-axis force/torque
sensor. This will facilitate more rigorous assembly operations where it will
be feasible to control the forces/torques exerted during the task. The project
will provide an opportunity to learn important concepts of sensor integration
and 'real-time' Linux based control software using C, as applied to robotics.
This project will suit students intending to do the Robotics module [MMM337].
Bicker4. - Robotic Deburring
This project will focus on the application of force control on a SCARA
industrial robot. Tasks such as polishing and deburring require the tool (which
is mounted on the robot) to apply a contact force on the workpiece, whilst simultaneously
moving over its surface. Typical applications include grinding and deburring
of machined components such as castings and gears. Recent projects (Horsley
2002 and Leong 99) have carried out the development of the basic control algorithms
and have been implemented on the robot which is fitted with a 4-axis force/torque
sensor. The project is directed towards students electing to do the Robotics
module [MMM337] with an interest in the application of robots in manufacturing
automation, and will provide an opportunity to gain a working knowledge of programming
using C.
Bicker5. - Dynamic Data
Capture using Laser Interferometer in collaboration with Rob Fraser,
Manager, Gear Metrology Laboratory.
The project focuses on developing reliable test procedures to determine both
systematic and random errors in the gear measuring machines using a Renishaw
laser interferometer with dynamic data capture software. The project will provide
a good opportunity to gain an understanding of data acquisition techniques,
applied to metrology and machine calibration systems, with experience in developing
software/programming skills. The aim of the project is to develop methods to
measure position, straightness, pitch and yaw errors on the linear axes of a
Hofler gear measuring machine (previous projects Wehmeyer [1999] and Marshall
& Horsley [2001]).
Bicker6. - Colonscopic
Actuation in collaboration with Dr. CR Allen, EEE)
Steuwer [2002] has studied the design of several ways in which an endoscope
can be automatically propagated through the bowel. The project will investigate
alternative methods of actuation, with a view to developing a prototype actuation
system for existing colonoscopes. Other related on going studies in collaboration
with Sunderland Royal Hospital include the development of techniques for measuring
and evaluating the flexural rigidity and monitoring of the forces applied to
colonoscopes during medical procedures. This element of the project will focus
on the design of data acquisition methods and test rigs for measuring applied
forces.
Bicker7. - Micromanipulator
for Minimally Invasive Surgery
Minimally invasive surgery permits a surgical thoracic procedure
via a small opening in the chest cavity. The instruments used during these procedures
are generally quite simple, and rely heavily on the coordination and dextrous
skill of the surgeon to manipulate the instrument inside the cavity whilst aided
by a remote viewing system. The project will evaluate the potential for developing
a multi-axis mechanical design of a small micro-manipulator, which can be operated
by the fingers of the surgeon to facilitate much improved dexterity without
loss of coordination, having been inserted through a small aperture. Similar,
but much larger systems, called master-slave manipulators, have been in use
for many years in the nuclear industry, and it is intended to develop a miniaturised
prototype version during the course of project.
Braiden2. The efficiency
of computer aided production management (CAPM) programmes.
A variety of methods are available for the scheduling and control of manufacturing
operations (eg. MRP systems). A method has recently been developed in this department
to determine the efficiency of these systems in terms of their contribution
to competitive advantage. This project would involve the further testing and
development of this methodology with a number of companies. (M.Eng)
Braiden4. Appropriate
methodologies for business process re-engineering (BPR).
A number of methodologies have been proposed for BPR and these are widely applied.
However, little attention has been paid to the selection of an appropriate methodology
with regard to the company type and the particular project being undertaken.
The objective of this work would be to evaluate the various methodologies with
respect to company type and project. The project follows a PhD programme recently
completed in the department. (M.Eng.)
email: s.j.bull@ncl.ac.uk
Bull3.The effect
of cold work and annealing on the mechanical poperties of copper alloys
Brass and bronze bellows are used as flexible hoses in a range of
water handling equipment including the power showers manufactured by Kohler
Mira Ltd. These bellows are manufactured from copper alloy strip by deep drawing
and press forming. However, due to the work hardening which occurs during drawing
and press forming several annealing stages are necessary to ensure that the
component does not fail during manufacture. This project will investigate the
use of hardness testing to monitor the manufacture and annealing processes in
order to identify the potential causes of intermittent failure in bronze bellows
produced by Kohler Mira. The project will involve trips to/liaison with the
company. (BEng S3/MEng S3/S4)
Burdess1. Measurement of Cable Tension
Skills: Design, manufacture and testing
The project consists of designing a strain gauged mast system to which a cable ,under tension, is attached. An oscillating rotor will be fixed to the cable at a defined point and the response of the cable measured to produce a transfer function. The transfer function will be used to produce an estimate of the cable tension.
Burdess5.Micro-mass-balance
Skills: Design, Manufacture and Testing
Changes to the natural frequency of a vibrating piezoelectric disc can be used as a measure of small amounts of added mass. The project will be concerned with (i) the creation of suitable electrode patterns on the piezoelectric disc, (ii) the design of a rig to support the disc and (iii) the measurement of added mass to selected regions of the disc via electrochemical deposition or evaporation. No prior knowledge of piezoelectric resonators is required. This form of micro-mass- balance has potential application as a biological/medical sensor.
Burdess6. Modal Matching in Vibrating Cylinders
Skills: Computing and Experimentation
The vibration characteristics of a cylindrical cup resonator will be considered
by finite element analysis. By considering different geometric forms of cup
-radius and length- a geometry will be found which gives two independent modes
of vibration ( called the cos2q and cos3q modes) identical natural frequencies.
A test cylinder will be produced in order to verify the special geometry. This
project has application to the design of a three-axis vibratory gyroscope.
Chan2. Boundary Element
Analysis of Thermal Stresses
The boundary element method will be employed to analyse thermal stresses generated
in engineering components which will be subjected to severe thermal shock during
their normal service life. A review of existing literature with respect to experimental
work on thermal shock will be undertaken. Computing models will then be developed
for analysing selected cases from the published work.
The computing packages of both BEASY and PAFEC will be used.
The candidate for this project should take MMM446 Fracture Mechanics and Stress Analysis as one of his/her final year options
Chan3. T8 Steady Bearing/Bush
Life Expectancy and Fluid Flow
This is an industrially based project to be undertaken at DuPont, Wilton site,
and will be jointly supervised by Dr D C Swailes.
Fluid flow inside large vessels will be modelled. From the information known about bush dimension and material, the life expectancy and maintenance philosophy for these critical parts of the plant will be developed.
There would be an opportunity for summer placement for the candidate who is undertaking this project.
The candidate for this project should take MMM345 Quality Assurance and Product
Liability as one of his/her final year options.
Chan4. M5
Plant Reliability and FMEA Study
This is an industrially based project to be undertaken at DuPont, Wilton site.
The aim is to progress and further develop the plant's Failure Mode and Effects
Analysis system. This involves working in a multi-disciplined team to achieve
result to a short time scale during a summer placement. The candidate will produce
a number of maintenance philosophies for key and critical parts of the plant.
This will be followed by a reliability engineering study for the plant during the next academic year. Root cause analysis, FMEA and other operational improvement methods will be studied and utilised in order to improve plant uptime.
The candidate undertaking this project should take MMM345 Quality Assurance
and Product Liability as one of his/her final year options.
Chan5. A comparative
Study of the Markov and Simulation Models for Plant Maintenance
Both the existing Markov and Simulation models will be further developed for
modelling the reliability of plants and production lines as part of a Total
Productive Maintenance (TPM) research programme.
This represents a challenging project for the mathematically competent and computing literate candidates. The candidate undertaking this project should take MMM345 Quality Assurance and Product Liability as one of his/her final year options.
ALL PROJECTS ALLOCATED
ALL PROJECTS ALLOCATED
Fisher1.
Simulation of the flow past wedge probes
The wedge probe is a simple device to measure flow direction and magnitude.
Design has been based traditionally on empirical data and the resultant probe
invariably requires calibration.
The project will involve both experimental work and simulation using the Fluent package. Attendance at the CFD Fluent sessions is thus a pre-requisite.
Objectives will include:
1. Windtunnel calibration of existing probes.
2. Fluent simulation of at least two-dimensional flow past probes at differing
yaw angles.
3. Comparisons with published empirical design data.
4. Possibly more detailed windtunnel investigations.
Fisher4. Full Matrix Quality
Procedures in Academic Course Design
Recent trends in Quality Assurance of academic courses have led to a
number of questionnaire based full matrix analyses. The results of this apparently
scientific approach are not always as specific as might be expected.
The project will involve:
1) A literature survey of the Quality literature to establish good practice
and other experience.
2) Review and revision of content and assessment matrices based on MMM modules
vs. Benchmark learning outcomes.
3) Consideration of the University Taught Programme Review approach.
Fisher5. A study of Victorian
water pumping engines with particular reference to Ryhope.
Possibly the major contribution to urban health in the 19th century
was the development of clean water distribution schemes. Central to this development
was the steam pumping engine.
Students will need transport to travel to Ryhope (near Seaham) and archives and other sites of interest throughout Northumberland and Durham.
The objectives are:
1. A brief review of water distribution developments in NE England during
the Victorian period.
2. An engineering overview of the Ryhope engine and any alternatives located
in the area.
3. Estimation of engine performance and design calculations for the main
components.
email: b.j.Gallacher@ncl.ac.uk
Gallacher1. A Study of
the Effect of Mass Imbalance on Vibrating Rings
Skills: Modelling, Design and Testing
In many situations the presence of mass imbalance in rings is a primary concern.
For example, mass imbalance may lead to instability of motorcycle tyres or reduced
performance in ring gyroscopes. This project is concerned with the effect of
the addition/removal of mass, on the natural modes of vibration of a ring. The
aim of the project will be to (i) design a suspended ring (ii) employ finite
element modelling and analytical techniques to predict the effect of the added/removed
mass on the natural frequencies (iii) fabricate the suspended ring (iv) measure
the natural frequencies for different mass arrangements (vi) compare measured
results with predictions. Laser vibrometry will be used to measure the natural
frequencies of the ring. No knowledge of laser vibrometry is required.
Gallacher3.
Modal Analysis of a Double Clamped Beam
Skills: Modelling and Experimentation
The vibrating beam has become a common element in many micromechanical applications.
In this project the natural modes of vibration of a double clamped beam fabricated
from steel will be studied. A piezoelectric excitation method will be employed
to drive the beam into resonance and its frequency response will be measured
for different drive voltages. The aim of the project is to (i) design a range
of double clamped beams (ii) employ both finite element and analytical techniques
to predict the natural frequencies (iii) measure the frequency response of the
beams for various drive voltages (iv) compare with predictions.
Centre for Composite Materials Engineering
(CCME)
email: a.g.Gibson@ncl.ac.uk
ALL PROJECTS ALLOCATED
Hale 1. Evolving muscles
The genetic algorithm (GA) is an established optimisation technique based on
natural selection, "learning" from early solutions to a given problem
and progressively homing in on improved solutions over a number of generations.
It has been used successfully in the design of complex, multi-variable engineering
structures such as gas turbines and communications networks.
It is proposed to test the ability of the GA to simulate real evolution by modelling
the development of human leg muscles. The distribution of bulk between the ten
major muscles driving the leg will become the design variables which the GA
will attempt to optimise to give maximum running speed for least energy expenditure.
The objective will be to get the GA to come up with the same design solution
as Mother Nature.
This project will build on the excellent work of current student, who has developed
a biomechanical model of the upper leg alone.
The project will be mainly computational, but may require some biomechanical
experimental work. It will suit a student with an interest in biomechanics and
computation.
MEng only
Hale 2. Automatic
Filament Winding Pattern Design
Filament winding is the process of making hollow bodies of glass reinforced
plastics (GRP) by winding long fibres over a mandrel of the required shape.
For shapes other than a cylinder, the difficulty is to devise a winding pattern
that will cover the surface evenly whilst obeying a number of well defined rules
that ensure successful winding.
The objective of the project will be to write a program that will design a winding
pattern for a given shape of mandrel. The work will be computer based, involving
fairly heavy vector maths. It will suit a student with good mathematical ability
and an interest in engineering production and computer programming.
MEng only
Hale 3. Bi-axial
dynamic strain measurements using piezoelectric paint
Piezoelectric paint is a new sensor material developed at Newcastle University.
We spray it onto the surface of a structure and it measures any shock and vibration
that is present. The material works well, but it is not clear exactly what it
measures when the stress and strain are not simply one dimensional.
The objective of the project is to find out. This will involve adapting an existing
test rig to generate stress and strain independently in two axes and making
a set of careful measurements.
A MEng student would also be expected to analyse the results in the light of
two dimensional stress and strain theory.
BEng or MEng
Hale 4. Engine simulation
and the optimisation of engine management systems
Engine management systems (EMS - "the computer at the heart of your car")
are actually rather crude closed loop controllers. The ignition timing, fuel
injection timing, etc. are obtained from engine speed and load according to
a "map" programmed into the EMS. The outputs are than modified to
take account of other factors such as temperature and exhaust gasses. These
maps and the add-on patches are developed for each engine in an ad hoc way over
the years to comply with emission regulations, but are far from ideal.
The genetic algorithm (GA) would be good for optimising an EMS map, but running
an engine for the time required would be very expensive. The alternative is
to use an engine simulator to try out the idea and test its viability. A suitable
fast running simulation program has been written and is ready for testing in
this application.
The objectives of the project would be:
to develop programs to run it over various urban cycles,
to couple the simulator program to an existing GA program,
and to run the GA to generate optimised EMS maps according to various criteria
(maximum performance, maximum fuel economy, etc) whilst meeting emission regulations.
This project will involve programming in C++. It will suit a student with good
computational ability and an interest in cars.
MEng only
Hicks1
The development of optimum
manufacturing layouts using genetic algorithms.
A range of optimisation methods have been used for generating manufacturing
layout. A relatively new approach is to use Genetic Algorithms (GAs) that imitate
evolution to produce solutions. GAs include a number of parameters: the population
size, number of generations and the probabilities of crossover and mutation.
This project will involve using statistical methods to identify "optimum"
Genetic Algorithm parameters for generating layouts for companies that produce
complex products in low volume. If the project is taken at Stage IV new genetic
operators would also be explored.
Hicks2.
Risk management in engineer-to-order companies (Stage 4)
This project will review the identification, quantification and classification
and classification of risk and will develop a framework that can be used for
companies to identify, model and mitigate risk.
Hicks3.
The role of specifications in capital goods
companies (Stage 4)
This project will review the role of engineering specifications and their role
in supply chain relationships. Business process based models of the specification
process will be developed in collaboration with local companies.
Hicks5. Evaluating
the impact of deregulation on the power generation industry
The deregulation of the power generation industry has had a major impact throughout
the world. This project will evaluate the impact of these changes on the technologies
used for power generation and the fuels used.
Hicks6. The development
and comparison of alternative genetic algorithms for generating "optimum"
manufacturing layouts (Stage 4 only).
A range of optimisation methods have been used for generating manufacturing
layout. A relatively new approach is to use Genetic Algorithms (GAs). There
are a range of alternative crossover and mutation operators that may be used.
This project will involve coding a range of operators, the performance of
which will be compared using statistical tests. This project will involve substantial
computer programming in Pascal.
email: nicholas.hoenich@ncl.ac.uk
Hoenich1. Analysis of
the flow distribution in artificial kidneys.
Currently used artificial kidneys utilise bundles of hollow fibres through which
the blood flows. The outer side of the fibres are rinsed continuously with a
salt solution to facilitate mass transfer. Although such devices are analogous
to the shell and tube heat exchangers, in which the arrays are tubular, regularly
spaced, allowing interactions between adjacent tubes at high packing densities
to be taken into consideration, for dialysers the fibres are randomly distributed
whose behaviour can deviate significantly from ideally distributed models.
The project will consist of setting up and running experimental studies to investigate
the flow distribution in both the blood and the rinsing fluid pathways and establish
the nature and magnitude of the deviations from an ideal regularly spaced hexagonal
array of fibres of clinically used devices and investigate the potential role
of device area in such deviations.
References.
1. Bao L, Liu_B, Lipscomb GG Entry mass transfer in axial flows through randomly
packed fibre bundles AICHE Journal 1999; 45: 2346-2356
2. Lemanski J, Lipscomb GG. Effect of shell side flows on hollow fibre membrane
device performance AIChe Journal 1995;41:2322-2326
3. Allen R, Frost TH, Hoenich NA . The influence of dialysate flow rate on hollow
fibre hemodialyzer performance. Artif Organs 1995; 19: 1176-1180
4. Leypoldt JK, Cheung AK, Agodoa LY, Daugirdas JT, Greene T, Keshaviah PR.
Hemodialyzer mass transfer-area coefficients for urea increase at high dialysate
flow rates Kidney Int, 1997; 51:.2013-2017
Hoenich2. Catheter
fluid dynamics.
Catheters are used in a variety of clinical applications which include access
to the circulation and delivery of drugs. Essentially they are a tapered plastic
tube. The purpose of the project is to investigate the flow characteristics
of two different types of catheter, one used in obtaining access to patients
circulation for the treatment of renal or kidney failure, the other used in
heart surgery. In addition to the determination of the catheter flow, it is
envisaged that a a series of laboratory studies will be undertaken using both
aqueous solutions and blood substitutes in which the role of differing catheter
tips will be studied leading to an understanding of the role of the tip on the
flow characteristics permitting the optimisation of the tip geometry.
References.
1. Muehrecke DD, Cornhill JF, Thomas JF, Cosgrove DM. Flow characteristics of
aortic cannulae. J.Card.Surg 1995;10:514-519
2. Arom KV, Ellestad C, Grover FL, Trinkle JK. Objective evaluation of the efficacy
of various venous cannulas. J. Thorac. Cardiovasc.Surg 1981;81:464-469
Hoenich3. Pharmacokinetic
modelling of renal replacement therapy.
During dialysis metabolite concentrations in the blood decrease at an exponential
rate determined by the rate of removal across the artificial kidney, and the
solute distribution volume within the body. Mathematical models exist to describe
such behaviour. The project will consist of two elements:
1. To utilize such relationships to guide or analyse dialysis therapy, and investigate
the potential roles that altering patient and treatment related parameters has
on the delivery of adequate therapy both in chronic and acute renal failure
2. Investigate the deviations introduced by the use of using continuous on line
measurements of ionic rather than metabolite transport.
References
1. Gotch FA. The current place of urea kinetic modelling with respect to different
dialysis modalities. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 1998;13 Suppl 6:10-4.
2. Locatelli F, Di Filippo S, Manzoni C, Corti M, Andrulli S, Pontoriero G.
Monitoring sodium removal and delivered dialysis by conductivity. Int J Artif
Organs. 1995 Nov;18(11):716-21.
3. Goldau R, Kuhlmann U, Samadi N, Gross M, Graf T, Orlandini G, Marcelli D,
Lange H. Ionic dialysance measurement is urea distribution volume dependent:
a new approach to better results. Artif Organs. 2002 Apr;26(4):321-32.
4. Di Filippo S, Manzoni C, Andrulli S, Pontoriero G, Dell'Oro C, La Milia V,
Bacchini G, Crepaldi M, Bigi MC, Locatelli F. How to determine ionic dialysance
for the online assessment of delivered dialysis dose. Kidney Int. 2001 Feb;59(2):774-82.
Hoenich4. Optimization
of anticoagulation in dialysis.
During dialysis because the blood comes into contact with foreign materials
the coagulation mechanisms oare activated. This sytem is controlled by the infusion
of an anticoagulant ( heparin) The project will investigate will investigate
patient dose response characteristics by the use of a bedside monitor to measure
anticoagulation efficiency and apply the data to a mathematical model to optimise
anticoagulation.
References
1. Seifert R, Borchert W, Letendre P, Knutson R, Cipolle R. Heparin kinetics
during hemodialysis: variation in sensitivity, distribution volume, and dosage.
Ther Drug Monit. 1986;8(1):32-6.
2. Kandrotas RJ, Gal P, Douglas JB, Deterding J. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
of heparin during hemodialysis: interpatient and intrapatient variability. Pharmacotherapy.
1990;10(5):349-55.
3. Mitsuoka JC. A calculator program to determine heparin requirements during
hemodialysis. Comput Biol Med. 1983;13(3):239-43.
4. Khazine F, Simons O. Pharmacokinetic monitoring of heparin therapy for regular
hemodialysis. Artif Organs. 1985 Feb;9(1):59-61.
Hoenich5. The investigation
of the fluid dynamics of continuous haemofiltration.
In haemofiltration, used in the treatment of acute renal failure, fluid is removed
continuously from the body via blood filtration. The fluid removed is replaced
by fluid transferring from other body compartments but as this rate of transfer
may differ from the rate of removal, an increae in red cell concentration of
the blood occurs. The purpose of this project is to investigate the role that
such concentration has in the fluid dynamic behaviour of the filter using the
Cassonian model of blood.
References.
1. Pallone TL, Hyver S, Petersen J. The simulation of continuous arteriovenous
hemodialysis with a mathematical model. Kidney Int. 1989 Jan;35(1):125-33.
2. Akcahuseyin E, Vincent HH, van Ittersum FJ, van Duyl WA, Schalekamp MA. A
mathematical model of continuous arterio-venous hemodiafiltration (CAVHD). Comput
Methods Programs Biomed. 1990 Mar-Apr;31(3-4):215-24.
ALL PROJECTS ALLOCATED
Potts1. Measurement of Oil Hold-up in Micro-Fibre based Air Filters (B.Eng. / M.Eng.)
Filters utilising glass micro-fibre media are commonly used to separate oil aerosol from compressed air. A novel, capacitance based measurement technique has been developed at Newcastle to determine the oil content of the filter medium dynamically, during filter operation. Results may be influenced by second order parameters other than oil content, however, and further testing is necessary in order to confirm the interpretation of results. The project will involve rig design and test work, mathematical and computer modelling. Some collaboration with a local filter manufacturer may be possible.
Potts3. CFD calculation of Transient Heat Transfer in Porous Media. (B.Eng. / M.Eng.)
This follows on from a previous Stage 3 project, undertaken in collaboration with a local SME, in which many of the mathematical models necessary for solution of real problems were established and tested. The task is to implement these models, probably as User Defined Functions (coded in the 'C' programming language) for inclusion in a commercial CFD package (Fluent), then compare theoretical predictions with existing test measurements. Refinement of the initial models may be necessary, and collaboration with the initiating SME may be possible.
Potts5. Computer Implementation of Steam Tables (B.Eng. / M.Eng.)
Because of the complicated equation of state for condensable vapours, steam
properties need to be obtained from steam tables, a simplified version of which
will be familiar to students. These tables are compiled from complex mathematical
relationships representing steam properties, which could be programmed directly
or in simplified form. Such computer models of steam properties would be useful:
(a) For ThermoFluid system analysis programs (eg. CFD) modelling processes involving
steam as a working fluid. Here the properties model could be called as a function
or sub-routine.
(b) In conjunction with a simple graphics user interface as a teaching aid.
Such a model is to be developed in the present project. Initial development
could possibly be undertaken using MATLAB, but for maximum utility it would
be preferable to code in the C computing language.
Potts6. CAL for ThermoFluid Dynamics (B.Eng.)
It is proposed to develop a Computer Aided Learning (CAL) application for possible use as a tutorial aid in Stage 1 ThermoFluid dynamics. One possible vehicle for this would be the Diagnosys package developed by Dr. Appleby. Developing and implementing a question database that provides both instruction and meaningful assessment will require a very sound understanding of the basic material and an appreciation of learning styles. It is hoped that opportunities will be available to trial any material produced on Stage 1 students, and acquire some feedback on the usefulness of the tool.
Potts7.
Prediction of Bluff Body Drag by CFD (Group Project)
Until recently, bluff body drag could only be determined from correlations or experimental measurements. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) offers the potential for prediction of drag from geometry alone, but the accuracy of results is dependent upon the numerical discretisation and turbulence models used. It is proposed to evaluate the predictive accuracy of the technique by comparing solutions based on the Fluent commercial CFD package with published data and with the results of 'in-house' experiments. (Use of the Fluent CFD package is taught as part of the MMM336 CFD module, and the group/individual would be expected to 'sit in' on the practical sessions for this course at least, if not taking the module).
Potts8.
The "Brain Drain" (B.Eng./M.Eng.)
Sufferers from hydrocephalus may need to have a 'shunt' tube surgically fitted to drain up to 500 ml per day of fluid from the brain. Testing the correct operation of such shunts is a major problem, and a local neuro-surgeon has an active interest in developing a non-invasive technique for sensing the flow in these devices. It is proposed to examine the feasibility of some postulated measurement devices by computer modelling and (non-clinical) experimental test and possibly to synthesise and test some alternative schemes. This is an open-ended project, and the conclusion could be that none of the systems examined are feasible within the constraints specified.
Swailes1. Void growth in polymerizing cements.
In hip replacement surgery the ball joint at the head of the femur is often replaced with an synthetic implant. This implant is secured within the neck of the femur using a cement that hardens through a process of polymerization. The heat released in polymerization causes small voids (air pockets) within the cement to expand, counteracting the contraction of the polymer as it hardens. The final size of these voids can be important in determining the life-time of the artificial joint: If the voids are too large they can reduce the structural integrity of the joint, whilst, if they are too small, the overall contraction of the cement volume may lead to the implant working lose.
Using ideas from heat conduction, gas thermodynamics and elasticity this project will develop simple models describing the growth of these voids. Results from the models will be assessed by reference to existing experimental data.
The work will make use of numerical methods and familiarity with MATLAB is necessary.
Swailes2. Fatigue crack growth under random loading.
The study of crack growth in metals undergoing cyclic loading has a long history, and there is a large body of both experimental and theoretical work on the subject. Whilst much of this work is concerned with the case of constant amplitude loading, many practical situations involve load amplitudes that vary in an unpredictable way.
This project will investigate some simple differential equations that model crack growth under cyclic random loadings. We will assess how the statistical properties of the loading influence crack growth rates, and develop and evaluate models that take into account the effects of intermittent overloads.
The work involves techniques from probability/statistics and will use numerical methods. Familiarity with MATLAB is desirable.
ALL PROJECTS ALLOCATED
Thompson1. Transformation toughened silicon nitride ceramics
Many rare earth aluminates exhibit martensitic transformations to a lower temperature form on cooling below 1200-1400oC with an associated volume increase. This volume change can be used to enhance toughness in the same way as the transformation toughening observed in zirconia-containing ceramics. This phenomenon will be explored in the Si3N4 - Ln4Si2O7N2 (Ln = rare earth element) and related aluminium-containing systems for the range of different aluminate-type structures which occur between Ln4Si2O7N2 and Ln4Al2O9. The project will involve material fabrication, characterisation by X-ray diffraction, microstructural observation by Scanning Electron Microscopy, and measurement of hardness and fracture toughness.
Thompson2. Fabrication of complex carbonitride and oxynitride ceramics
The observation that oxynitride ceramics can be produced with structures similar to those of the oxide zeolites, has triggered continued interest in the role nitrogen plays in such systems. A range of new oxynitride and carbonitride compounds will be fabricated in this project, and compared with existing (related) compounds in oxide and other oxynitride systems. Samples will be characterised by X-ray diffraction, and relevant properties (e.g. oxidation resistance and coefficient of thermal expansion), measured.
Thompson4. Elongated grain-growth in a-sialon ceramics
The grain morphology in a-sialon ceramics is normally equiaxed, but it is known that under certain conditions (high-oxygen content of the starting composition, high-liquid content at sintering temperature, use of high pressures) it is possible to grow elongated grains. This is important, because the high hardness characteristic of the a-sialons can be supplemented by an increased toughness. This effect will be explored in a range of mixed-cation a-sialons. Samples will be prepared by hot-pressing, and the a/b ratio measured by X-ray diffraction. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) will be used to directly observe grain morphology, and fracture toughness will be measured by indentation to correlate with the SEM observations.
White2.Recycling
Photo-Degraded Thermoplastic Polymers
Concern for the environment provides significant incentive to develop methods
for recycling materials. Although polymer recycling is increasing, the proportion
of
waste polymer that is recycled remains disappointing. There are several limitations,
most of which relate to the inferior performance of recycled material compared
to
virgin material. One concern is that polymer that has been photo-degraded by
exposure outdoors to sunlight may contain products of reaction that would accelerate
degradation of the recycled product. This phenomenon will be investigated by
conducting controlled laboratory photodegradation of selected polymers and
reprocessing the material into test bars which will be further exposed to UV
irradiation before making property measurements. If the problem is confirmed,
ways to
combat it will be considered.
White4. Effect of Tensile
Stress on Photodegradation of Polyethylene
Earlier studies showed that tensile stress accelerates the photodegradation
of polypropylene. It is expected that a similar effect will happen in polyethylene
but
experiments to confirm this have not yet been conducted. It is important to
see to how the sensitivity of polyethylene to tensile stress compares to that
of
polypropylene.