ME4 Project Proposals 2009/10:
Title: Automated modelling of standard components. (Proposer: S Dalton)
Objective: The objective of exercise is to automate the modelling of std
components in a 3d CAD system based on dimension in spreadsheet format.
Detailed description:
A company manufacture components to help in the lens making process.
Each variant while similar has different dimensions. The critical dimensions of
these inserts are provided in spreadsheet. Currently the insert is modelled
manually by reading the data from the spreadsheet.
The purpose of this exercise is to automate the process by developing
software which will: (a) Read the relevant cell from the excel spreadsheet. (b)
Drive the CAD program to implement the appropriate command to produce
the geometry automatically. Other std cmpts may also used.
This is CAD customisation project there an interest in computer programming
is desirable. Solid Edge Solid Works or AutoCAD may be used for this project.
Title: Strain gauge apparatus. (Proposer: S Dalton)
Objective: The objective of this project is to design and build an apparatus to
demonstrate the use of strain gauges in bending, torsion and combined.
Detailed description:
Sligo IT has a number of piece of equipment which are fitted with strain gauge
however the do not demonstrate the full capability of strain gauges under
complex loading conditions. The apparatus should demonstrate the use of
uniaxial, bi-axial and rosette strain gauges. A means of loading in both
bending and torsion would be desirable.
Sligo IT has recently acquired a Vishay strain gauges data acquisition unit.
Title: Geometric measurement using the Microscribe. (Proposer: S Dalton)
Objective: Develop software to enable the Microscribe measuring arm to be
used for geometric measurement.
Detailed description:
The microscribe is a measuring tool used to measure points in space and is
used for purposes of reverse engineering, however it has no metrology or
measurement capability. The objective of this project is the develop software
either independently or within Rhino to enable measurements of geometric
features to be obtained.
Title: Cam simulation using Cosmos. (Proposer: S Dalton)
Objective/detailed description
The objective of the project is to explore the capabilities of cosmos motion in
simulation various aspects of CAM design. Areas to explore should include
different profile types, forces generated etc.
ME4 Project Proposals 2009/10:
Title: A study and analysis of speed ramp design. (Proposer: S Dalton)
Objective: This objective of this exercise is to carry out a student of the
response of a vehicle as it travels over speed ramps of various.
Detailed description:
There a wide variety of speed ramps (or perhaps a lack of standardisation)
This objective of this exercise is to compare the vehicle response when
travelling over these ramps a various speeds. This is to be achieved by
carrying out simulation of the vehicle/suspension as it travels over the speed
ramp. You are required to carry out simulation of various speed ramp types
and come up with proposals for an optimum design which encourages a driver
to slow down sufficiently without causing undue frustration.
Title: Cutting forces. (Proposer: S Dalton)
Objective:
To investigate the effect of cutting parameters on cutting forces.
Detailed description:
The object of the following project is the investigate the effect of various
cutting parameters on cutting forces using the colleges Kistler Dynamometer.
Parameters to be investigated include: Stepover, stepdown, Feedrate,
Spindles speed etc.
Title: Turbine blade system development. (Proposer: D Tormey)
Objective:
To investigate the effect of cutting parameters on cutting forces.
Detailed description:
I have a potential project with a company who are interested in developing a
new turbine blade system. Project would need a self motivated student with
good 3D CAD skills and who would also be interested in developing their CFD
modelling skills. The idea would be to conduct blade design analysis using
wind tunnel testing on number of scaled physical prototypes which would
provide preliminary first stage data analysis on resulting efficiencies that
would also better define and narrow the scope of a further more detailed
second stage CFD analysis. Would get access to wind tunnel in GMIT.
Steps required:
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A parametric model of the turbine blade system will be developed using
solid works. A series of iterations of the model will be generated
through varying a number of critical geometrical parameters. (Need to
determine what geometric parameters will be varied for the different
model iterations??, pitch, camber, profile length??)
A series of physical scalded blade system prototypes will made from
ABS for each of the different geometric model instances.
ME4 Project Proposals 2009/10:
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Each blade system prototype will be mounted in the wind tunnel where
independent test results will be recorded.
Comparative analysis using Design of Experiments (DoE) techniques
will be conducted on the performance of all blade system designs
against each other as well as against other traditional blade systems.
First stage results and analysis to help determine ideal geometric
parameters and wind loads for optimum blade system efficiencies and
define scope of second stage CFD modeling and analysis.
The project would suit a supervisor involved in 4th year project who
has an interest in fluid dynamics.
Title: Component Design Improvement: (Proposer: T McSharry)
Design review and improvement of a component/ machine currently used in
industry or market place. Finite Element Analysis or Fluid Dynamic modeling
optional.
Title: Machine Design: (Proposer: T McSharry)
Design a unique machine to satisfy and unmet market need. Design will
include mechanical analysis to specify all key components.
Title: Wave Power: (Proposer: T McSharry)
Research current wave power generation systems and perform engineering
mechanical analysis or fluid dynamic analysis with a view to identifying design
improvement possibilities.
Title: Solar power: (Proposer: T McSharry)
Research current solar power generation systems and perform engineering
mechanical analysis or fluid dynamic analysis with a view to identifying design
improvement possibilities.
Title: Wind Power: (Proposer: T McSharry)
Research current wind power generation systems and perform engineering
mechanical analysis or fluid dynamic analysis with a view to identifying design
improvement possibilities.
Title: Veneer role winding automation: (Proposer: T McSharry)
Merenda is a leading manufacturer of wood veneer solutions and is based in
Manorhamilton. Currently they manually take a 100 metre role of veneer and
measure out 10 metre quantities to make smaller roles. As this is a time
consuming process, they would like to examine opportunities to automate this
process.
The Student would be expected to review their current process and develop
concept designs. A detailed design should then be completed using
Mechanical analysis, CAD etc to ensure design elements are correctly
specified and design will function correctly if fabricated.
ME4 Project Proposals 2009/10:
Proposer (Tom O Callaghan)
1. Assessment of Energy Efficiency opportunities of thermal system at IT
Sligo. This involves looking at heat production from existing boilers;
heat distribution and heat control in the Engineering building.
2. Energy Efficiency opportunities of the electrical uses (lighting, HVAC,
occupancy etc)
3. Project that address the 'Implementation of an Energy Management
Programme' at a work location.
4. Wind or Solar PV study from operation or design perspectives.
5. Project that involves Monitoring of load (electrical or thermal) and
develop profile data of usage.