Conference Papers

Feedback Dynamics in the Academic and Industrial Environment

David Kennedy et al. — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 09:05:51 PDT

Feedback is essential in all companies, in society and in educational environments. We learn, improve and develop from it in our examinations, group work, work environment and relationships. Feedback however must be supported with good communications and be consistent. In the classroom environment this means providing feedback in a positive and supportive manner, and being consistent to all. Most if not all managers and leaders, including lecturers have not undertaken any form of training in feedback methods and therefore it is not translated effectively, causing stress or misguidance to students and colleagues. This paper highlights the importance of good feedback, how it can be provided effectively and why it is rarely communicated. Students are consistently asking for feedback and highlight it in quality reports and surveys as a major weakness in the delivery of modules and course work. Some of the issues raised are associated with poor preparation, habits and styles of delivery. With the increasing requirement from Validation and Accreditation authorities to verify if learners are receiving appropriate feedback, this is one area where staff and managers can enhance the quality of the learning environment. Feedback is not only a two way process between lecturers and students but is also a critical activity between management and staff in developing a healthy working environment. Relevant feedback to first year students in particular via verbal or electronic means sets the standard for subsequent years. It is also essential that the quality work undertaken by lecturers to students is acknowledged and supported by management.

Improving Core Skills in Apprentice Education

Peter Kenny — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 08:25:49 PST

Many Motor trade apprentice students enter the later years of their studies ill prepared for the level of the material encountered. This is due to several factors including the level of mathematics they have on leaving school. A lot of basic material has been covered during earlier years of their training but by the time they reach the third year of their apprenticeship (Phase 6) it is not safe to assume that they have a full grasp of the basics required. I have developed a diagnostic test to measure the level of preparedness of these students. This test covers basic mathematics, science and engine technology.

In addition to this the diagnostic test also forces students to revise and master the basics from their earlier years. Along with the test a series of online resources have also been provided to the students.

In this paper the test is outlined in detail. We enumerate the problem areas encountered by students studying mathematics and related subjects and suggest possible improvements that could be made by this initiative.

Improving Core Mathematical Skills in Motor Apprentice Education in Ireland

Peter Kenny — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 08:25:48 PST

In order to enter into an apprenticeship in Ireland a qualification in mathematics is not essential. Throughout their apprenticeship many motor trade apprentices find that many past mathematical weakness resurface. In addition to this the level and standard of mathematics increases as apprentices progress through their training.

A maths diagnostic test has been developed and sat by a selection of Motor Mechanic apprentices attending off the job training at the Dublin Institute of Technology during the 2011 to 2012 academic year.

The results of this test indicate that many students experience difficulty with mathematically related subjects. The test was then repeated by the same students mid way through the course in order to review their progress. In the intervening period students were encouraged to study a series of online resources. A full statistical analysis and discussion of the results is presented here.

Diagnosing Weakness in Basic Principles of Electricity in Motor Apprentice Education in Ireland

Peter Kenny — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 08:25:47 PST

Many Motor trade apprentice students enter the later years of their studies ill prepared for the level of material encountered. This is due to several factors including the level and knowledge of basic electricity and electrical/electronic principles.

A lot of basic material in these areas has been covered during earlier years of their training but by the time they reach the final year of their apprenticeship (Phase 6) it is not safe to assume that they have a full grasp of the basics required.

We have developed a diagnostic test to measure the level of preparedness of these students. This test covers basic electricity and electrical/electronic principles associated with motor vehicle technology.

In addition to this primary diagnostic test a series of online tests have been devised that force students to revise and master the basics from their earlier years. In addition to these tests a series of online resources have also been provided to assist students.

In this paper the test is outlined in detail. We enumerate the problem areas for the students and list the improvements that have been made by this initiative.

Process Refinement Through Design of Experiments (Taguchi) to Reduce Porosity Levels of Thin Flame Spray NiCrBSi Coatings on Cast Aluminium Alloys

David Culliton et al. — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 01:48:55 PDT

Thin(16matrix of key deposition parameters was constructed to develop the optimum spray parameters. The effects of parameter variations on the porosity levels of these coatings were assessed. Key parameter interactions were reported. Quantifiable interactions between the selected parameters were noted for the LM24 substrate. However, on the LM25 substrate these interactions were much less defined. Corrosion performance of the optimised coatings, based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, was reported. The presence of through-pores in the coatings were shown to reduce the corrosion resistance of the coated systems by a factor of 10, in dilute NaCl solutions, compared to bulk 316L stainless steel.

Localised Galvanic Corrosion Processes in Thermal Spray Coated/Cast Aluminium Alloy systems

David Culliton et al. — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 01:42:08 PDT

Cast Aluminium Alloys, because of the propensity of aluminium to react with impurities and alloying elements, are prone to developing IM impurities during the solidification process. These IM phases can act, in some fluids, as initiation sites for localised corrosion processes, resulting in degradation phenomena, such as pitting. Whilst Thermal Spray coatings can improve the wear resistance of Cast Aluminium Alloys, their corrosion performance may be hampered by the presence of through porosity within the coating.

The present work details some preliminary studies of the localised corrosion processes occurring at the interface area between a Thermal Spray coating and a cast aluminium alloy. Using the SVP100 SVET system, cross sections of the coated samples, immersed in a NaCl or NaCl/HCl solution, were scanned, over extended periods, in order to map the progressive development of cathodic and anodic areas. EIS sampling, over periods of up to 72 hours, and the results of the Acidified Salt Spray cabinet testing are also presented.

Although only preliminary work has been performed thus far, the premise that the presence of more noble metals along the path of open pores in Thermal Spray coatings on cast Aluminium Alloy, LM25, in the presence of an aggressive aqueous solution, results in the expedited corrosion of the substrate is demonstrated. This occurs, preferentially, around the intermetallic phases, predominantly Fe-based, and results in further destruction of the coating, through spalling, exposing additional substrate to corrosive attack.

Development of a Robotic Platform for Upper Limb Rehabilitation

Stephen Curran et al. — Mon, 21 May 2012 06:56:00 PDT

The aim of this project is to develop a rehabilitation robot intended for use in a non-specialised or domestic setting. Robots have been shown to have a positive effect on limb rehabilitation and developing rehabilitation robots for use outside of specialist rehabilitation centres could be beneficial in terms of access to, intensity and cost of treatment. The device is intended for the rehabilitation of the shoulder/elbow region of the upper limbs. The design requirements for such a device mean that it must be low cost, portable, robust and have a detailed focus on safety. Other areas of interest pertaining to rehabilitation robotic devices intended for this purpose are also discussed. One of these areas of interest is robot based patient assessment methods. The current widely accepted assessment scales are manually applied, which is inefficient for rehabilitation on a non-specialised or domestic setting and also leads to issues relating to intrarater and inter-rater reliability. Another area of interest is high level control strategies that could be potentially suitable for this type of robot.

Reducing Whole Body Vibration Levels in Off-road, Heavy-duty Vehicles: A Case Study with Computer Modelling

Shaun McFadden et al. — Wed, 09 May 2012 01:22:45 PDT

This paper describes a case study involving the dynamic ride performance of a 30-ton, articulated dumper vehicle. The vehicle in question was originally fitted with a front-end, solid axle with leading arm mechanism. After an engineering design program, the vehicle was custom-fitted with a Timoney Independent suspension system. Extensive testing and modelling activities using LMS Virtual.lab Motion® were undertaken to determine the productivity levels of each vehicle. It was demonstrated that the vehicle fitted with a Timoney suspension could achieve a productivity increase of up to 50%. A health analysis is also presented which shows the Timoney Independent suspension system reduces the potential health risk.

Review of the Maxus 8 Sounding Rocket Experiment to Investigate Solidification in a Ti-Al-Nb Alloy

Robin P. Mooney et al. — Thu, 03 May 2012 07:56:45 PDT

A review of the MAXUS 8 sounding rocket microgravity experiment to investigate solidification structures in a Ti-Al-Nb intermetallic alloy is presented. The experiment was part of the Intermetallic Materials Processing in Relation to Earth and Space Solidification (IMPRESS) EU FP6 project. Key objectives were to investigate columnar and equiaxed solidification, and to achieve Columnar-to-Equiaxed Transition (CET) in the alloy. A microgravity experiment was designed to achieve this using a controlled power-down method. Two alloys were tested: one inoculated with a grain refiner and the other without grain refinement. Unrefined samples displayed axial and radial columnar growth. Boride inoculated samples displayed an equiaxed structure. No clear CET was achieved. The design, details, and results of the experiment are presented.

Heat Pump Research Programme at University College Dublin (1976)

Seamus Timoney et al. — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 07:15:51 PST

This paper describes heat pump research at University College Dublin in 1976 relating to an air-to-air heat pump. The plant under test and its instrumentation are described and some measured performance data are presented. A heat pump simulation program is described. A theoretical comparison of refrigerants 12, 22 and 502 is presented with graphs of performance parameters as a function of operating conditions.

A Virtual-system Concept for Exergy Analysis of Flow Network Plant; Part II: Exergetic and Exergonomic Analysis Illustration

Jim McGovern et al. — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 02:32:08 PST

This paper is a continuation of Part I — Principles, to which it refers extensively. The virtual system concept and the methodology introduced in Part I are illustrated by means of a numerical example. This is an exergetic and exergoeconomic analysis of the CHP steam plant that was described in Part I without operating values and parameters. Matrix methods developed by Valero et al. (1986) are adapted to the new concept. It is shown that these methods are made simpler and less subjective. Bond-graph-type diagrams for exergetic and economic costs are presented.

A Virtual-system Concept for Exergy Analysis of Flow Network Plant; Part I: Principles

Jim McGovern et al. — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 01:18:14 PST

A new type of virtual system, named a flow constraint system (FCS), is proposed to facilitate, clarify, and simplify exergy analyses of plant that involve material flow networks. The need for the virtual system is outlined and the concept is demonstrated by applying it to a CHP steam cycle. The FCS concept allows the physical constraints on the exergy interactions associated with flow streams to be taken into account fully. It also simplifies the treatment of bifurcations in material flows and considerably reduces the need for absolute exergy evaluations. The new concept follows from the work already published by the authors on conceptual devices for exergy analysis and builds on this and the work of other authors relating to exergy and exergoeconomic analysis, especially using matrix methods. A bond graph type of diagram is described as an alternative to the usual Grassmann diagram. A numerical illustration is given in a separate paper — Part II.

Inverted Pendulum Swing Up Controller

David Kennedy et al. — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:13:36 PDT

The inverted pendulum is a classic control problem. The system is open – loop unstable and continuously wants to reach equilibrium by falling over. The system must be stabilised by means of feedback. The developed inverted pendulum system is shown in Figure 1.

In order to balance the pendulum in the inverted position the pivot must be moved continuously to correct the falling pendulum. This is similar to trying to vertically balance a broom on your hand. This interesting control problem is fundamentally the same as those involved in rocket or missile propulsion. The rocket has to balance on its engine as it accelerates. As the rocket tends to fall over, the rocket thrust must be deflected sideways to restore the rockets course. This is just one of many practical applications of the system. This paper describes the technology introduced to achieve this design and development which is now a working piece of demonstration kit for control and mechatronic engineering.

Investigating Polymer-Tool Steel Interfaces to Predict the Work of Adhesion for Demoulding Force Optimisation

Kevin Delaney et al. — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 04:27:32 PDT

Demoulding parts from replication tools is a critical stage of replication processes such as injection moulding and hot embossing. This challenge increases as part size decreases since components and associated replication cores become more fragile and liable to damage. Understanding interfacial characteristics between a polymer and the tool surface is critical to optimise the demoulding of such parts from replication tools. The strength of the polymer-tool interaction is characterised by the adhesion energy and is specific for a particular polymer-tool pair. It’s magnitude depends upon the tool material, the chemical structure of the polymer, the processing conditions and the surface roughness.

Interfacial characteristics of a variety of polymer-tool steel surfaces are being studied by measuring contact angles of polymer droplets on the surfaces to predict the work of adhesion. The experimental set-up, selection of test parameters and main challenges faced to date are described and preliminary experimental results presented. In addition a description of how these results may be used to predict the force needed to demould parts from replication tools is discussed.

Demoulding Force Prediction for Micro Polymer Replication: A Review of Relevant Literature

Kevin Delaney et al. — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 03:01:49 PDT

Demoulding components without damage to either the components or tool is critical to successful replication processes. During tooling development designers strive to optimize replication tools to minimize demoulding force and resultant stress on replicated parts. A critical element of this process is an accurate demoulding force prediction model. Various models have been proposed to predict demoulding forces, each showing limitations in its applicability. This paper reviews existing demoulding force models and parameters affecting demoulding force for micro polymer replication.

Analyse du Comportement Réel et de l'Optimisation Structurelle des Cycles de Turbines à Gaz

Alexandru Dobrovicescu et al. — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 02:14:58 PDT

L’article présente une étude comparative, basée sur l’analyse exégétique, de l’effet de non prise en considération du comportement réel de l’agent thermique et de l’utilisation des modèles simplifiés pour calculer les performances des cycles de turbines à gaz avec et sans récupération de chaleur. Un intérêt spécial a été réservé au processus de combustion et au transfert de chaleur dans le préchauffeur d’air. La variation des destructions et des pertes d’exergie par rapport à la variation des paramètres fonctionnels est présentée.

Development of a Friction Testing Apparatus for Demoulding Force Prediction

Kevin Delaney et al. — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 02:13:06 PDT

Friction between replication tools and replicated parts determines the force required to demould the part and also the stresses which develop in both the tool and the part during the demoulding process. Standardized equipment and procedures have been developed which strive to improve the repeatability and reproducibility of friction tests. Specific test standards, describing sled-type tests, include JIS K 7125, ISO 8295 and ASTM D1894. However these tests do not produce results which are representative of the conditions typically found within replication tools such as injection moulds or embossing tools. This paper reviews how this challenge has been addressed by other researchers and describes the development of an apparatus to measure friction under typical replication conditions. Experimental results for the thermal characterization of the device are reported.

Evaluating "Independent" Assessment of Capstone Projects by Mechanical Engineering Students in DIT

Kevin Delaney — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 01:43:05 PDT

A review has recently been conducted to evaluate the process from the perspective of both students and staff with a view to determining whether or not this structure should be continued with. This paper documents the rationale behind the concept, the logistical challenges, and an analysis of the feedback received from both students and staff as part of the review. In addition, future plans to improve the fairness, consistency and transparency of the assessment process for such projects are outlined.

Thermal Spray Coatings: Effect of Selected Coating Parameters on Corrosion Resistance

David Culliton et al. — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 07:52:24 PDT

Thermal Spray coatings have long been adopted as a surface modification technique. Unique in their ability to mechanically bond to the surface of most substrate materials, the Thermal Spray coatings offer a generic solution to improving mechanical, corrosion or tribo-corrosion properties of the affected substrate material. Of the available systems, Flame Spray techniques offer the simplest and most cost-effective method of applying these coatings. In the current study, an investigation was conducted into the comparative performance of a selection of these coating systems – a polymer coating, with various coating thicknesses, and a metallic coating - in a number of Corrosion Test environments, when applied to a Mild Steel Alloy. The effect of chlorides on the life-to-failure of these systems is predicted and reviewed. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy and Immersion Testing were carried out, in conjunction with microscopic and metallographic studies. Using these combined methodologies, it has been shown that the efficacy of the Thermal Spray coatings reviewed is dependent on both the inherent nature of the coating material and the coating thickness.

Alternative Sources of Energy

David Kennedy — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 07:52:21 PDT

Ireland relies on imports of fossil fuels for up to 83% of its energy needs and this statistic is relatively common in other European countries. Apart from the high import costs and pollutions associated with fossil fuels and the need to meet new targets in terms of CO2 emissions, energy security is essential. This paper provides an overview and outline of the different alternative energy sources available for use either at domestic or on large scale production, some of which are established and others less likely to succeed in our climate.
Some of the alternative energy sources such as wind and wave are gaining acceptance for Irish Climatic conditions and their growth rate and associated costs are outlined. The development from petrol to Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) to Hydrogen as a green fuel is presented. The paper will also outline how other countries are dealing with their energy needs through renewable and natural energy sources.