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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Using‘Dynamic data exchange’ to extract data from excel spreadsheet.
- Interfacing with Solid Edge to drive the modelling process.
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- Proposals for improvement of design
Above based on Stira folding attic stairs
Mechanism of your choice
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- Gyroscopic Torque Apparatus
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.