ME4 Projects 2008.doc
A. Title: Setting up and Managing Life Cycle Analysis within a small
company
Description: It is envisaged that this would involve the researching the
resource implications for the company and methodology by which such a
programme could be implemented. Life Cycle Inventory and the programme
management will be addressed as well as sources, type and accuracy of data
to be included.
The Project will involve:
 Researching current methodology for such programmes.
 Investigating the application of LCA within a small company.
 Devising a programme for LCA implementation.
 Recommendations on how best a LCA programme might be implemented
and managed within a small company.
B. Title: European Legeslation for the Recycling of Automobiles – What
is the current state of Implementation of Legislation in Ireland?
Description: It is envisaged that this would involve researching European
Legislation on the subject investigating how, who if any is practically
implementing the recommendations in Ireland. What are the long term
ecological and economic implications for the country? The project should
address motor vehicle recycling methodology and associated energy
requirements. Some details of the time and procedure required to dismantle a
part of a vehicle (e.g., a door) should be investigated.
The Project will involve:
 Researching existing European Legislation.
 Investigate the application of legislation in this country.
 Research the where the country is with regard to motor vehicle recycling.
 Develop and research into motor vehicle recycling and the ecological
implications this may have for the future in Ireland.
 Carry out a practical dismantling of a some specified part of a motor
vehicle and devising methodology and time requirements.
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C: Anti Tailgating device/brakeing control system
Description: A cause of many accidents is the issue of tailgating, a practice
which reduces time available to react in case of an emergency. The objective
of this project is devise system to discourage / prevent tailgating both front
and rear. In relation to the car in front this may involve audible warning signal
alternately direct application of the brakes may be considered. The safe
driving distance will be speed dependant.
The Project will involve:
 Reviewing of recommended safe driving distances.
 Research the developments in self driving vehicles.
 Simulation of braking under various conditions
 Design of a brake control system to prevent based on vehicle speed
and proximity to vehicle in front.
 Simulation of the resulting design.
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1. Title: Machining time estimation based on NC prog and m/c
dynamics.
Description: When generating CNC machining programs a simple estimate is
made of the machining time based on length of movement and the
programmed feed rate. This does not take into account the
acceleration/deceleration at the beginning and end of each movement. This is
even more significant when using high speed milling machines.
The object of this project is to develop software capable of accurately
estimating machining time based on actual machine dynamics.
The Project will involve:
 Development of Software in a standard programming language.
 Investigating of machines capabilities / performance.
2. Title: Automating the design of standard components using
AutoCAD.
Description: The objective of this project is to automate the design of
standard components (to be selected) using AutoCAD. Typical compents
would be window frames, custom kitchen doors.
The purpose of this exercise is to automate the production of drawings for
standard components using a number of primary dimensions. Such dimension
may be supplied in spreadsheet form.
The Project will involve:
 AutoCAD customisation using designated programming language.
 Extraction of data from Excel spreadsheet.
 Design of dialog boxes.
3. Title: Automated modelling of standard components.
Description: Sola lenses make lenses for
glasses. Mould insert is required for each lens
type. The critical dimensions of this insert are
provided in spreadsheet. Currently the insert is
modelled manually by reading the data from the
spreadsheet.
The objective of this project is to automate this process of modelling these
inserts by used Visual Basic customisation tool to:
 To extract data from a spreadsheet
 To drive solid edge to automatically create the necessary
protrusions/cutouts to produce the finished component model.
The Project will involve:
 Familiarisation with Visual Basic programming tools
 Familiarisation with Solid Edge software development kit.
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

Using ‘Dynamic data exchange’ to extract data from excel spreadsheet.
Interfacing with Solid Edge to drive the modelling process.
4. Title: Automating the application of tolerances.
Description: The objective of this project is to customises AutoCAD (or other)
to Automate the application of tolerances. This would involve among other
aspects the application of tolerance base on fit type (H7) and feature size,
hole or shaft basis. This software would select the appropriate tolerance
based on the above information.
The Project will involve:
 Programming to customise CAD program
5. Title: Automated gear train design.
Description: A number of tools are available to automate the design of
standard components. For example some CAD program include a toolbox to
enable standard components such as nuts, bolts, gears and bearings etc. to
be created by entry of a number of standard parameters. While tools exist to
automate the modelling gears, no tool exists to design a gear train.
The objective of this project is to develop tools to design gear train design
based on a variety of inputs. In the first instance this software would
determine appropriate gear design for the transmission of a specific torque
and gear ratio for standard spur gears. A further enhancement may be to add
extra functionality to cater for different gear types to cater for different shaft
orientations.
The Project will involve:
 Familiarisation with Visual Basic programming tools
 Familiarisation with Solid Edge software development kit.
 Interfacing with Solid Edge to drive the modelling process.
6. Title: Analisys of forces in Front loader/other mechanism.
Description: The objective the project is to use working
model to analyse the forces in your selected
mechanism. This will require the simulation of the
mechanism by putting it through is normal sequence of
operation. Preliminary investigation can take place in 2d
followed by simulation in 3d.
This project should be done in relation to an actual
product so it will be required to source actual product inf.
The Project will involve:
 Mechanism simulation in working model/Cosmos
 Marcro program to implement the correct sequence of movement
 Stress analisys of critical components
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 Proposals for improvement of design
Above based on Stira folding attic stairs
Mechanism of your choice
7. Title: Analisys of Vehicle suspension and factors affecting
performance.
Description: The object of the above project is the carry out a student of
vehicle suspension to study the factors affecting their performance, including
spring stiffness, damping and suspension geometry.
The project will require the simulation of suspension behaviour and a study of
the effect of various parameter and various surface.
The Project will involve:
 Mechanism simulation in working model/Cosmos
 Marcro program generation assorted surface types
 Detailed analysis of the parameters.
8. Title: Modeling and simulation of single cylinder engine.
Description: The purpose of this project is to carry out a simulation of an
engine using Cosmos motion. This simulation should also show the correct
valve movement. Initial simulation will be based applying movement to the
input shaft. Following this simulation may be created based on the controlled
application of a downward to the top of the piston.
The concept of variable Valve timing may be worth some investigation.
The Project will involve:
 Mechanism simulation in working model/Cosmos
 Marcro program to regulate the piston downward force.
9. Title: Modeling and simulation of assorted engine
configuarations.
Description: One characteristic which sets certain engine types apart from
other is the smoothness. E.g. V8.
The objective of this project is to simulate a variety of engine configuration
and in investigate the relative the smoothness of each engine type.
The Project will involve:
 Mechanism simulation in working model/Cosmos works
 Analisys of forces generated.
10. Title: Centrifugal clutch.
Description: The purpose of this exercise is to create a simulation of a
centrifugal clutch. A centrifugal clutch is clutch which engages automatically
when radially moving spring loaded shoes (attached to the input shaft) come
into contact with an outer rim attached to the output shaft. The purpose of this
project is the analyse clutch performance and the factors which affect it.
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The Project will involve:
 Modelling/simulating of a variety of centrifugal clutch configurations
 Analysing the effect of varying parameter.
 Perform a critical evaluation of the Cosmos motion capabilities.
11. Title: Clutch/brake simulation.
Description: Use cosmos motion to analyse brake or clutch performance.
Analyse the above product in a variety of configurations.
The Project will involve:
 Modelling/simulating of a variety of brake configurations
 Analysing the effect of varying parameter.
 Evaluate Cosmos motion ability to realistically simulate the above.
12. Title: Door closing mechanism
Description A number of different types of spring loaded mechanisms exist
for doors. Some of the mechanisms return the door to the closed position
regardless of the position which it is opened. Other door mechanisms allow a
door to remain open when pushed to fully open position.
The purpose of the project is to design a door closing mechanism which is
switch able between, catching in the open position and not catching in the
open position. This challenge offers good potential for the design of a novel
mechanism to achieve this task.
Project activities will include.
 Simulation of the mechanism using Working Model
 Analysis of component stresses using finite element analysis.
 Mathematical analysis of the final mechanism using manual calculation.
13. Title: Automatic the generation of robot program
Description:
The purpose of this project is to automate the
generation robot programs. In its simplest form a simple
2d cad drawing could be used to provide the data
necessary to perform vertical insertion. A more advance
implementation would involve the use of a 3d cad model
to provide the necessary geometric information
necessary to perform assembly operations at various
angles.
Project activities will include.
 CAD customisation.
 Computer programming
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14. Title: Microscribe
Description: Similar in principle to a CMM the
microscribe uses a digitising probe at the end of
an articulated arm to measure components.
Measurements may be either by digitising
discrete points or by scanning a continuous line
of points. Its primary purpose is for reverse
engineering.
The purpose of this project is the develop software capable in interfacing with
the micros to enable it to measure 2D geometric features (and possibly 3d)
and the evaluate dimension information.
The Project will involve:
 Computer programming, Geometric modelling lines, arc and circles.
15. Title: Design of custom made product using scan data
Description: The objective of this project is to explore the area of custom
made personal products based on human measurements obtained using scan
data. Typical areas using these techniques include hearing aids, custom
made shoe soles. etc
The Project will involve:
 Investigation of reverse engineering technologies
 Exploration of where this technology is used for personal products.
 Implementation and evaluation in respect of a hearing aid / shoe sole.
16. Title: Design of a Aluminium can crusher
Description: The objective of this project is to design an Aluminium can
crusher base on a comprehensive engineering analysis using both the
computer simulation and manual calculation.
The Project will involve:
 Determination of the load displacement curve.
 Design of the device in question
 Full simulation of the crushing using WM2D and/or Cosmos Motion.
 Stress analysis of the design using Cosmos Works.
17. Title: Measurement of Aerofoil surface pressure
Description: Lift in an aircraft results from pressure difference between top
and bottom surfaces. The objective of the project is to construct a model with
a series of holes along it surface to which pressure gauges will be attached in
order to measure surface pressure. This model will be tested in winds of
various speeds in order to measure the pressure difference with give rise to
‘lift’. It is anticipated that this/these model/s will be made using rapid
prototyping.
Related project: Design of a Rig to measure forces on Aerofoil in wind tunnel.
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18. Alternative Fuels For Automotive Applications
The project involves research into the following areas: specific fuels available,
energy requirements to produce them (fuel required for agricultural
machinery, fuel required for purification processes, for example), land and
processing plants required to produce fuel, calorific value, storage, engine
modifications, combustion issues, pollutants produced, distribution, legislation,
future plans, data relating to different countries.
19. Alternative Fuels For Space Heading
This is a similar brief to that of the project “alternative fuels for automotive
applications”, but would include fuels such as wood pellets.
20. Renewable Energy
Investigation into renewable energy sources; wind, solar, tidal etc. This will
involve research into the various technologies, cost of commissioning plant,
output capacity (comparing to conventional oil/coal burning power plant),
environmental issues, sites, legislation.
21. Energy From Biomass
Energy can be produced from waste in two main ways;
 Energy from waste incineration. Example of issues to investigate:
capacity, environmental impact.
 Energy produced by biogas from decomposition process. Examples of
issues to investigate: gas quantity, composition, pollutants, economics
for piping, running engine (engine modifications).
22. Domestic Heat Pump
With fuel consumption being a major issue, heat pumps are being installed in
many homes in Ireland (and elsewhere). These operate on the refrigeration
cycle.
The project involves research into the following areas: heat pump types,
operation, coefficient of performance, climate response, cost of installation
and running, government grants. The project could also include the estimated
payback period for different technologies for a modern insulated detached
house.
23. Program To Determine Heat Flow and Temperature Distribution
Use a programming language such as visual basic to write a program to
calculate and visually display the heat flow and temperature distribution in a
variety of situations, e.g. 1-Dimensional steady state, 1-Dimensional transient,
2-Dimensional steady state, etc.
A computer program could be developed to model the heat transfer
equipment in the college.
Another area of programming would be to use the computer application
COSMOS to compare results with those produced from the visual basic
program.
24. Gyroscopic Torque Apparatus
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Design and build apparatus to demonstrate gyroscopic torque. This is the
torque produced when the axis of a rotating system is itself rotated.
It is envisaged the apparatus will be a flywheel enclosed in a Perspex
case for safety, and driven up to speed by an internal motor or by an external
motor (maybe hand-drill with designed attachment). The device has to be
able to be held by handles in line with the flywheel axis. The ability to display
the flywheel speed and perhaps gyroscopic torque would be desirable.
Related activity: Gyroscope simulation using Cosmos Motion 3D
25. Impact of Jet Apparatus
When a mass changes direction a force acts. The same is true when a
fluid mass changes direction. A jet of water deflected by a surface will exert a
force on the surface. A pelton wheel (water wheel) and hydroelectric
generator work on this principle.
The project is to design and build apparatus to demonstrate the force
produced by a jet impacting on a surface. A method of measuring and
varying the diameter and velocity of the jet would have to be determined, and
a method for measuring the resultant force also incorporated.
Another aspect may be to incorporate the facility to attach a turbine and
measure the torque output of the turbine.
26. Force on Submerged Surface Apparatus
Due to the weight of a static fluid, a surface in contact with the fluid will
experience a force. This can be quantified by theory.
The project is to design and build apparatus to demonstrate the resultant
force on a submerged surface. The apparatus for a flat surface could be built,
with the apparatus for a curved surface designed. Or depending on the
complexity, a general purpose apparatus for measuring a force on either a flat
or curved surface could be built.
27. Piston/Cylinder Pressure and Temperature Readings
The work done in compressing or expanding a gas depends on the heat
transfer that occurs. These processes have to be modelled on experimental
data.
The project is to design and build a test rig consisting of a piston/cylinder
driven by a motor with sensors attached to measure the pressure and
temperature against crank angle. The data is then to be logged on a
computer, and the pressure/crank angle and temperature/crank angle graphs
plotted. The work done can then be determined. This can be compared with
the work input from the motor and the mechanical efficiency determined.
Mathematical curves can be fitted to the experimental data for different
compression and expansion processes, and used to model the processes.
28. Variation of Boiling Point with Pressure Apparatus
We think of the boiling point of water as 100°C. This is the temperature at
which water will boil at atmospheric pressure. If we increase the pressure the
water is exposed to, the boiling temperature (saturation temperature) will
increase. This is the principle of the pressure cooker. If the pressure is
decreased, the saturation temperature will also decrease.
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The project is to design and build apparatus to determine and measure
the saturation temperature/saturation pressure relationship for H2O over a
limited pressure range. The H2O inside the device should be seen to observe
the bubbling (boiling) water. The pressure and temperature have to be
measured, and a means of pressurising and evacuating the vessel
incorporated.
29. Investigation into the Design of a Vacuum Cleaner Driven Brush
The project is to design an attachment for a vacuum cleaner that
incorporates a brush to agitate the dirt; the movement of the brush being
driven by an impellor turned by the air flow to the vacuum cleaner. This will
involve designing concepts, optimising the turbine, determining the
torque/speed relationship and building a prototype.
30. General Purpose Attachment For Wind Tunnel Testing
The school of science possesses a wind tunnel. The project is to design
and build a general purpose attachment to fit the wind tunnel, to enable the
easy mounting of models, and measurement of the forces (drag and lift).
31. Pressure Distribution Over a Surface in a Flowing Fluid.
The pressure acting on a surface exposed to a flowing fluid will vary
depending on the surface geometry and flow characteristics. The project is to
produce various surface geometries (standard shapes; sphere, aerofoil, and
more complex shapes, automobile profile, for example) using the rapid
prototyping machine. The surfaces are to incorporate holes to obtain
pressure tapping. The associated pressure reading devices are to be
acquired and the pressure distribution over the surface produced.
This data can then be used to determine resulting forces.
32. Design of Device to measure Acceleration
An accelerometer is a device for measuring acceleration.
This project is to research accelerometers: types, principle of operation,
range, size, method of displaying acceleration (can it be wireless?) and cost.
A suitable accelerometer may then be purchased for measuring the
acceleration of a variety of objects. Alternatively a simple accelerometer can
be designed and built and used to obtain data for a variety of accelerated
motion.
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33. Title: Airport trolley
Description: The objective of this project is to design an airport trolley to
overcome the difficulties of manoeuvring a long chain of interlocked trolleys
when being moved by airport staff.
It is anticipated that the final design would consist of a mechanism, which
allows trolleys to interlock in such a manner that allows a steering motion
applied to the rear trolley to be transferred through linkages to the steering
wheels of the front trolley.
Design issues to be explored.
 To design a novel mechanism to achieve the above objective
 Perform mechanical strength analisys ensure a robust solution.
34. Title: Bar code mobile phone (elec)
Description: Despite the convenience of 'pay as you go' mobile phones one
major disadvantage is the tedious process of toping up credit by entering the
10 digit number.
In this project it is proposed to design a mobile phone with built in bar code
reader. If top up slips were then provided with the number coded in bar code
form, this would enable the phone to be topped by simply swiping the card
over the reader eliminating the need to enter the number by hand.
Design issues to be explored.
 Investigation of bar coding standards
 Investigate the feasibility of developing a compact bar code reader
 Demonstration principle by printing and reading a bar code.
See symbol data-wand for product which uses similar principal
35. Title: Bar code reservation system
Description: When making reservation on line for either flights or concerts
the user is usually given a unique booking reference number. This however
requires human intervention to read and verify this number.
The objective of this exercise it to develop a system which prints a unique bar
code on a reservation, this could then be presented to a bar code reader a the
relevant venue this allowing automated access at venues.
Design issues to be explored.
 Investigation of bar coding standards
 Devise the necessary control software to monitor the issuing of reservation
and to prevent any given bar code being used more than once.
 Demonstration principle by printing and reading a bar code
See symbol data-wand for product which uses similar principal
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36. Title: Oil level detection system
Description: The objective of this device is to prevent a domestic oil heating
system running dry and becoming air locked. Other features could also be
included in such a system.
Design issues to be explored.
 Investigate methods of level detection e.g. ball cock or pressure sensing
 Resolution of measure e.g. Full / empty or % contents.
 Determine how device should be attached to tank i.e.
 Method of display
37. Title: Automatic guitar tuner
Description: The objective of this project is to design an automatic guitar
tuner with a motorised drive mechanism which tightens a guitar string
automatically to achieve the desired pitch.
Design issues to be explored.
 Tuner location: top beside tuning heads or at bottom in body.
 Tuning technique, tension alone or sound based
 Mechanism for switching between strings, manual or automatic
 Gearing system to be used
 Full engineering analysis / simulation required.
38. Title: Domestic shower
Description: The purpose of this project is to improve existing domestic
showers (in which temperature control can be difficult) to produce a shower,
which delivers water at a consistent temperature and pressure.
The project will require the analisys of fluid flow and thermodynamic etc.
Features of the product might include
 Powerfull motor for consistent pressure delivery
 Electric water heating where supply is cold.
 Heat recovery from drain water
39. Title: Compact Portable speed camera (elec)
Description: To investigate the principal of and to design a compact speed
camera. A major disadvantage of speed camera is that their location is well
known. The objective of this project is to develop a compact speed camera
which can be easily transported and attached to any telegraph pole or sign.
Design issues to be explored.
 Investigate and compare technologies to measure speed detection.
 Determine the information all data which must be recorded.
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40. Title: Black box for Cars (elec)
Description: When a crash occurs, it can often be difficult to determine the
precise circumstances of an accident i.e. who was responsible. If car were
fitted with black boxes similar to those used in airplanes these could be useful
in determining the precise circumstances of an accident. The objective is this
project is design a black box for cars. To do this you will need to determine
the precise functionality and the type of information it will record.
Issues to be explored.
 What information should be recorded, eg speed, vehicle dynamics,
sound, weather condition, video.
 What duration should be recorded i.e. should there be a limit on the
amount of information obtain leading up to accident.
 You should consider whether the device can be inspected at any time
or have access to the data limited to crash situations.
41. Title: Shorts dispenser logger
Description: The objective of this exercise is to develop a system for
monitoring the dispensing of shorts in a busy pub. The client requires this as
a means of stock control and to ensure that the quantity dispensed is equal to
the quantity recorded. It is anticipated that the device would be fitted with a
switch (mechanical or other). This would be connected to a central logging
station, either by wire, or blue tooth.
Design issues to be explored include.
 How to fit the switch to the dispenser
 How to account for the fact that the optic is removed during bottle change.
 How to account for device sticking causing a possible miss count.
 Where should the logger be, and how to communicate with it.
42. Title: Domestic lotto ticket checker
Description: It can be tedious checking lottery tickets especially when a
number of draws have been entered. The objective of the project is to
develop a domestic lotto ticket checking system.
This project will involve.
 Determination of a means of obtaining the winning numbers e.g. Web
 Selection of a suitable bar code reader
 Determination of the bar code syntax used.
 Development of software to compare the bar code data with winining
 Design of an enclosure the house the final product.
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43. Title: Fully Automated wine bottle opener
Description: The object of this project is to develop automated wine bottle
opener either table mounted or hand held. The primary objective is to
develop a mechanism to successfully remove and dispose of the cork.
Design issues to be explored.
 Desk top or hand held
 Item for the disabled.
 Mechanism required for creating spiral forward motion with linear
retraction.
44. Title: Strain gauge apparatus.
Description The objective of this project is design a piece of
equipment to illustrate the use of strain gauges. A range of
fundamental principles to be illustrated through the application
of strain gauges to a shaft capable of being subjected to Pure
bending, Pure torsion and mixed bending and torsion.
The project will necessitate devising a means of interfacing
with a PC and the development of a simple software interface
for displaying the strain gauge values.
Analisys capabilities of the device should include
 Measurement of bending using single/dual gauge
 Measurement of poisons ratio
 Measurement of Pure torsion using 45 degree strain gauges
 Measurement of mixed loading using strain gauges rosettes.
A wide variety of strain gauges are available on www.vishay.com
45. Title: Analysis of Aerofoil Sections
Description The objective of the project is to construct a test rig to analyse
the forces generated by airflow over an aerofoil section using IT wind tunnel.
Project activities
 Design a device for supporting an aerofoil section within the tunnel
incorporating a facility for tilting the section to any angle.
 Devise some method of force measurement in order to measure drag
and lift generated by airflow over the section.
 Carry out experiments to analyse the effect of airflow rate and angle of
aerofoil section on the lift generated.
Other Fluids projects
 Analisys of flow / pressure drop in pipes
 Analisys fo flow in a venturi
 Analisys of flow around solid bodies /golf ball
 A study of vehicle aerodynamics and wind tunnel testing
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46. Title: Vibration analisys
Description Vibration is a phenomenon, which affects many products. It is
important for engineers/designers to understand what causes vibration and to
understand how it can be minimised or eradicated.
The purpose of this project is to set up the new vibration apparatus, explore
its capabilities and limitations and to devise a number of vibration experiments
to illustrate various concepts.
Aspect of the project will include.
 Commissioning of the vibration apparatus
 Determining its capabilities and operating range
 Devise a variety of experiments to illustrate, free vibration, damped
vibration, resonance, single mass/double mass vibration, in phase and
out of phase.
 Develop a number of worksheet for the experiments devised
 Create working model simulations of the various experiments
 Illustrate the mathematical solution of the various experiments.
Solve a real life vibration problem e.g. suspension etc
47. Title: Upgrade Vibration analisys apparatus
Description The vibration analisys apparatus is designed using old
technology and its means of displacement measurement is a pen an roll of
paper. The objective of this project is to instrument the apparatus to enable it
to capture data electronically.
Aspect of the project will include.
 Selection or rotary encoder to monitor drive motor movement
 Selection of linear encoder to measure displacement of the mass.
 Selection of a data acquisition card to process above inputs
 Selection of appropriate software to analyse above data
 Possible software development to automated the process of the above
data.
48. Title: Design of a system for remote marking of games pitches
The objective is that the student would research and design a solution to the
problem of remote marking out of hurling football soccer etc pitches.
The solution should show levels complexity which could and probably should
involve:
The system to mark the pitch involving the application of the marking out paint
The control of the machine movements to move the device round the pitch as
appropriate The remote positioning of the system using GPS or infra red or
equivalent The accommodation of various pitch size and types on the one
control system The movement of the machine using electric motors or engine
Ensuring that unevenness and pitch surface irregularities do not affect the
pitch markings etc.
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Work would involve system design, and analysis using CAD etc, electronics or
machine control etc, investigation of materials, pitch information, material
selection paint application
This is a potential group project, or can be split into components as above.
49. Title: Design of a system for measurement of 2D planar strain
using video analysis during testing of materials
This would involve the development of an automated system to collect video
data during materials testing process, the product material needs to be
adequately marked so progressive displacements can be tracked from video
frame to frame, and the movement of these markers calculated on a frame by
frame basis to establish the strain to the point of fracture.
Factors to be considered are:
The limitations on the size of specimen
The method of setup, and lighting of the specimen, the collection of data and
the frame by frame analysis for calculation of strain (well established formulae
are available, but need to be programmed using a stand alone system or into
something like Matrox Inspector Software)
All facilities etc area available in house to do this project.
50. Title: An Investigation of factors affecting the process of cutting
CIBA Tool
CIBA Tool is used in product mock-ups' and can be used to produce good
high quality surface finishes but there are many factors which have an effect
on the process like effects of variation in cutting speed, cutting depths,
material variations, cutting tool materials, coolant types (maybe not), and
cutting tool geometries on the cutting forces when cutting CIBA tool, with a
view to assessing the viability of use of extremely small cutting diameter tools
and or manufacturing extremely thin wall sections in machined parts.
Factors to be considered are:
Tool condition, tool materials, Cutting energies, surface finish etc etc.
51. Title: CNC Machining and Manufacture of high quality thin walled
products from FDM models.
Despite the fact that FDM modelling produces thin wall features of adequate
quality for inter-surface representation the external surface on free form
surface of these products is of poor quality for assessment of surface
geometry. However it is not possible to produce interior thin walled surfaces
on CIBA Tool. In this project the student will investigate the following:
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Manufacture of 3D surfaces and thin walled products using FDM Techniques
for setup of such products on a CNC machine Generation for NC Code and
machining of the exterior surface to produce a part with complex 3d exterior
high quality surfaces
52. Title: Investigation of the factors associated with the use of halo
pins in the fixation of halo rings to human skulls for stabilisation
of neck fractures
Halo rings are used in the fixation of vertebrae fractures post operative
treatment to support the skull and prevent skull movement during normal
activity.
The halo ring is attached to the patient skull using halo pins. These pins have
been shown to be prone to loosening during patient movement and allow
movement of the skull which can have effects on patient trauma and healing
time if not retightened.
The student will investigate the various factors associated with various halo
pin designs including the torquing of the pins during tightening, the pin bone
interface, use of lubricants, the pin materials, and the effects of the pin forces
on the bone.
53. Title: Design of an in vivo uniaxial/biaxial skin tester
This would involve the design of a device, which can attach to an area of skin,
say the forearm and apply a uniaxial/biaxial strain to it. The force applied to
the skin surface will be measured and recorded. The strain applied to the skin
will also be recorded. Such a device would be very useful in measuring the
mechanical properties of skin.
The project would involve:
 performing a lit review on existing testers
 designing and building a rig
 use of LabView to record data
 performing experimental tests to validate the rig
 possibly some FEA work.
54. Title: Design of an in vitro uniaxial/biaxial skin tester
This project would be similar to the above except the devise would perform
uniaxial/biaxial tests on excised skin samples.
The force and strain applied to the skin sample would be measured and
recorded.
The project would involve
 performing a lit review on existing testers;
 designing and building a rig
 use of LabView to record data
 performing experimental tests to validate the rig
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 possibly some FEA work.
55. Title: Specification of a suitable material to use as a skin
substitute in experimental tests
Skin is a complex multi-layer material, which exhibits a highly non-linear
stress/strain curve. In addition to this, skin properties vary from person to
person and between different areas on the body. Because of its high
variability, skin is a difficult material to perform experiments on. Excised skin
degrades rapidly with time. A material that contained similar mechanical
properties to skin would be very useful in experimental work. It would also be
advantageous for the material to have the same look and feel of skin and
have similar wrinkling characteristics of skin.
The project would involve
 performing a lit review on properties of skin and potential substitute
materials
 Performing stress/strain tests on skin and substitute materials
 Evaluating material in terms of it’s potential to replace skin in an
experiment
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