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Full-Text Articles in Engineering

An Investigation Of The Heat Affected Zone In Cortical Bone Sawing, Hamid Khalili Parsa, Ger Reilly, Brendan Mccormack, Andrew Macey Jan 2005

An Investigation Of The Heat Affected Zone In Cortical Bone Sawing, Hamid Khalili Parsa, Ger Reilly, Brendan Mccormack, Andrew Macey

Conference Papers

Surgical procedures such as osteotomy and hip replacement involve the cutting of bone with the aid of various manual and powered cutting instruments including manual and powered bone saws. Frictional rubbing between the blade of the saw and the bone results in the generation of localised heating of the cut bone and increased cutting forces (Ark et al, 1997). Overheating in localised areas can cause bone necrosis and have an impact on the rate of healing of the bone post operation and overheating also affects the sharpness life of the blade. A review of the literature indicates that work has …


An Electro-Oculogram Based System For Communication And Control Using Target Position Variation, Ronan Fitzmaurice, Ted Burke, Annraoi De Paor Jan 2005

An Electro-Oculogram Based System For Communication And Control Using Target Position Variation, Ronan Fitzmaurice, Ted Burke, Annraoi De Paor

Conference Papers

In this paper we describe a novel mode of human computer interaction based on gaze tracking using the electro-oculogram (EOG). Despite the relative simplicity of recording this signal, it is often discounted as a reliable method of gaze tracking because of problems arising from changing sensitivity and DC drift. We describe an original technique, Target Position Variation (TPV), which addresses this issue by presenting moving icons which, when followed with the eye, create a corresponding pattern in the EOG signal which can be used to infer the correct gaze position and to compensate for variations in sensitivity.


Design Of Mobile Phone Applications For Point-Of-Care Test Result Validation., John Mcgrory, Owen Lynch, Eugene Coyle Jan 2005

Design Of Mobile Phone Applications For Point-Of-Care Test Result Validation., John Mcgrory, Owen Lynch, Eugene Coyle

Conference Papers

Patients with many different conditions are required to take the management of their condition into their own hands and perform Point of Care Testing (POCT) at home. However, this raises quality control issues that would not arise in a clinical setting, since the sample acquisition and testing procedures are not overseen by professional hospital staff. Another major issue, the main focus of this research, is that results from such tests are not clinically validated to ensure that they are plausible for that patient at the time of testing. In hospital, tests taken by clinicians are validated by hi-tech computerised validation …


Design Of A Wireless System For Patient-Hospital Communication And Result Validation In Point Of Care Testing, John Mcgrory, Owen Lynch, Eugene Coyle Jan 2005

Design Of A Wireless System For Patient-Hospital Communication And Result Validation In Point Of Care Testing, John Mcgrory, Owen Lynch, Eugene Coyle

Conference Papers

This paper discuses mobile phone (cell phone) and wireless applications for linking patients who manage their healthcare outside the hospital using Point of Care Testing (POCT) to hospital information systems (HIS). Certain medical conditions require patients to manage their healthcare by performing on themselves POC testing and act faithfully on the result. This raises quality control issue, as these POC samples and testing procedures are not independently overseen by professional hospital staff. In hospitals, samples taken by clinicians are validated by hi-tech computerised validation systems to ensure plausibility, before physicians rely on them. Patients in the home must often use …


An Acoustic Fluid-Structure Simulation Of A Therapeutic Ultrasound Wire Waveguide Apparatus, Graham Gavin, M. Hashmi, Finbar Dolan, Garret Mcguinness Jan 2005

An Acoustic Fluid-Structure Simulation Of A Therapeutic Ultrasound Wire Waveguide Apparatus, Graham Gavin, M. Hashmi, Finbar Dolan, Garret Mcguinness

Conference Papers

The use of high-power low-frequency ultrasound transmitted down small diameter wire waveguides is an emerging technology that may have potential in the treatment of complicated atherosclerotic plaques in cardiovascular surgery. This form of energy delivery results in vibrating the distal-tip of the wire waveguide disrupting material by means of direct contact ablation and also cavitation, pressure waves and acoustic streaming in the surrounding fluid. This work describes a numerical acoustic fluid-structure model of the ultrasound wire waveguide and blood surrounding the distal tip. The structural analysis of the model predicts the natural frequencies of the waveguide and shows the extent …


Development And Performance Characteristics Of An Ultrasound Angioplasty Device, Graham Gavin, Garrett Mcguinness, Finbar Dolan, M.S. J. Hashmi Jan 2005

Development And Performance Characteristics Of An Ultrasound Angioplasty Device, Graham Gavin, Garrett Mcguinness, Finbar Dolan, M.S. J. Hashmi

Conference Papers

INTRODUCTION The effect of atherosclerosis is well documented and many procedures such as balloon angioplasty and stentimplantation have been developed to reopen occluded arteries. However, there are considerable differences in the material properties of various atherosclerotic lesions as they develop. Many authors have suggested that rigid calcified plaques may require specific procedures that target this rigid material through de-bulking or complete removal (Salunke et al, 1997). Ultrasound angioplasty is the delivery of high power low frequency ultrasound via a wire waveguide to the lesion location. This results in distal tip wire displacements of up to 100um peak-to-peak (p-p) at frequencies …


An Acoustic Fluid-Structure Simulation Of A Theraputic Ultrasound Wire Waveguide Apparatus, Graham Gavin, M.S. Hashmi, Finbar Dolan, Garrett Mcguinness Jan 2005

An Acoustic Fluid-Structure Simulation Of A Theraputic Ultrasound Wire Waveguide Apparatus, Graham Gavin, M.S. Hashmi, Finbar Dolan, Garrett Mcguinness

Conference Papers

The use of high-power low-frequency ultrasound transmitted down small diameter wire waveguides is an emerging technology that may have potential in the treatment of complicated atherosclerotic plaques in cardiovascular surgery. This form of energy delivery results in vibrating the distal-tip of the wire waveguide disrupting material by means of direct contact ablation and also cavitation, pressure waves and acoustic streaming in the surrounding fluid. This work describes a numerical acoustic fluid-structure model of the ultrasound wire waveguide and blood surrounding the distal tip. The structural analysis of the model predicts the natural frequencies of the waveguide and shows the extent …


Electronic Speckle Pattern Shearing Interferometry For Nondestructive Testing Of Thermal Sprayed Alloy Coatings, Qiang Xue Jan 2005

Electronic Speckle Pattern Shearing Interferometry For Nondestructive Testing Of Thermal Sprayed Alloy Coatings, Qiang Xue

Conference Papers

Thermal sprayed coatings have wide engineering applications. There now exists a wide range of destructive and nondestructive testing (NDT) methods for surface coating inspections. This paper describes an application of electronic speckle pattern shearing Interferometry (ESPI) for NDT of thermal sprayed surface coatings. In contrast to other conventional methods such as eddy current,ultrasonic or X-ray, ESPSI allows fast and large survey area inspection. Experimental results of shearographic measurements are presented. Thermal sprayed coatings were tested using ESPI. Delaminations of the coatings were detected and the fringe patterns were captured using this method. It is shown that the shearography technique can …


A Gap Model For Understanding The Variation Of The Real Product From The Ideal, Kevin Delaney, Pat Phelan, Declan Delaney Jan 2005

A Gap Model For Understanding The Variation Of The Real Product From The Ideal, Kevin Delaney, Pat Phelan, Declan Delaney

Conference Papers

Clients have an idealised view of the appearance and functionality of the products they are sourcing. Their product requirements vary according to their specific circumstances and experiences. When designers try to meet or surpass client expectations, variation results and the product will deviate from the client’s idealised view. This often results in frustration, disappointment and rework for everyone concerned. Consequently designers must understand the sources of variation affecting their products and the techniques and tools that they can employ to reduce the negative effects of this variation. This paper examines the factors influencing clients as they formulate their expectations. It …


An Investigation On The Suitability Of Surface Engineered Austempered Ductile Iron As A Gear Material, M. Grech, David Kennedy, Zdravko Schauperl Jan 2005

An Investigation On The Suitability Of Surface Engineered Austempered Ductile Iron As A Gear Material, M. Grech, David Kennedy, Zdravko Schauperl

Conference Papers

This preliminary study demonstrates that surface engineered austempered ductile iron is a valid alternative gear material to carburised steel. The impact energy of ductile cast iron samples in various conditions, including as – cast, austempered at 240oC and austempered and shot peened using both 0.7mm and 1.4mm steel balls, was measured. As expected the as-cast material exhibited nominal impact energy. This has been attributed mainly to the pearlitic matrix structure.Austempering generally increases the impact energy. The extent of the improvement is however dependent on the austempering temperature and the resulting microstructure. It was shown that the structure following …


Techniques For Investigation Of Surgical Cutting Instruments, Eamon Price, Ger Reilly, Brendan Mccormack, Andrew Macey Aug 2004

Techniques For Investigation Of Surgical Cutting Instruments, Eamon Price, Ger Reilly, Brendan Mccormack, Andrew Macey

Conference Papers

No abstract provided.


Direct Least-Squares Ellipse Fitting, Jane Courtney, Annraoi Depaor Aug 2004

Direct Least-Squares Ellipse Fitting, Jane Courtney, Annraoi Depaor

Conference Papers

Many biological and astronomical forms can be best represented by ellipses. While some more complex curves might represent the shape more accurately, ellipses have the advantage that they are easily parameterised and define the location, orientation and dimensions of the data more clearly. In this paper, we present a method of direct least-squares ellipse fitting by solving a generalised eigensystem. This is more efficient and more accurate than many alternative approaches to the ellipse-fitting problem such as fuzzy c-shells clustering and Hough transforms. This method was developed for human body modelling as part of a larger project to design a …


Pressure Distribution Around Spherical Distal Ball-Tip In Ultrasound Angioplasty, Graham Gavin, Garrett B. Mcguinness, Finbar Dolan, M.S. J. Hashmi Jul 2004

Pressure Distribution Around Spherical Distal Ball-Tip In Ultrasound Angioplasty, Graham Gavin, Garrett B. Mcguinness, Finbar Dolan, M.S. J. Hashmi

Conference Papers

INTRODUCTION Ultrasound Angioplasty has been shown to be effective in the removal and re-canalising of blockages in arteries (Siegel RJ, 1993). By delivering therapeutic ultrasound to the blockage, via a wire waveguide to a ball-tip, the lesion or thrombus is affected by pressure waves, micro streaming, cavitation and direct contact with the oscillating ball-tip. Most work to date has concentrated on a spherical ball-tip geometry at the distal end of the wire waveguide (Steffen, 1994 and Rosenschein, 1996). Tip displacements usually lie between 10 - 100m (peak-to peak) and ball tip diameters between 1 - 2mm (Atar, 1999 and Yock, …


Simple Feature Identification And Matching For Stereoscopic Imaging, Jane Courtney, Annraoi Depaor Jun 2004

Simple Feature Identification And Matching For Stereoscopic Imaging, Jane Courtney, Annraoi Depaor

Conference Papers

Many camera calibration techniques used in stereoscopic imaging require corresponding points in image pairs to be identified. The best matches tend to come from very distinctive regions, hence it is preferable to use only these points and reject points from more homogeneous regions. Often points are selected and matched by a combination of user input and automated matching. However, for most techniques, the more matching points identified, the more accurate and robust the calibration. Therefore, it is desirable to alleviate the need for user input and to automate the point selection process. In the feature matching technique described here, a …


Mechano-Biological Interactions Of Endothelial Cells, Claire Brougham, Karen Coughlan, Valerie Barron, Peter Mchugh Jan 2004

Mechano-Biological Interactions Of Endothelial Cells, Claire Brougham, Karen Coughlan, Valerie Barron, Peter Mchugh

Conference Papers

Atherosclerosis is an ever-increasing cause of morbidity in the western world. Current surgical treatments include bypass grafts and coronary artery stents. However, there is still a need for alternative approaches especially for those who cannot receive conventional therapy. Tissue engineering is one such approach that may hold the key to the repair and regeneration. Tissue engineering is one such approach that may hold the key to the repair and regeneration of coronary arteries. Nevertheless, many questions need to be answered before a vialbe vascular tissie with the inherent properties of native tissue becomes a real contender with the surgical therapies …


Investigation Of Four-Wheel Steering Algorithms For A Formula Sae Car, Colm O'Kane, Sean Timoney Jan 2004

Investigation Of Four-Wheel Steering Algorithms For A Formula Sae Car, Colm O'Kane, Sean Timoney

Conference Papers

An algorithm was developed for a speed-dependent four-wheel steering system for a Formula SAE car. A linear bicycle model was implemented using the MATLAB and SIMULINK software packages. Various control laws were investigated for the rear steer angle with the objective of reducing the sideslip angle. A full 3D model of the vehicle incorporating weight transfer and tire non-linearity was then developed using the DADS software. An algorithm developed using the linear model with the aim of reducing vehicle sideslip angle was implemented in the nonlinear model. It is shown that this algorithm can improve the dynamic performance for both …


Development Of A Numerical Model To Simulate Pressure Distributions In Ultrasound Angioplasty, Graham Gavin, Garrett Mcguinness, Finbar Dolan, M.S. Hashmi Jan 2004

Development Of A Numerical Model To Simulate Pressure Distributions In Ultrasound Angioplasty, Graham Gavin, Garrett Mcguinness, Finbar Dolan, M.S. Hashmi

Conference Papers

Ultrasound Angioplasty has been shown to be effective in the removal and re-canalising of blockages in arteries (Siegel RJ, 1993). The ultrasound is delivered via a wire waveguide to the lesion location. The wire, generally, has a ball-tip at the distal end to increase transmission of the ultrasound to the surrounding fluid by causing the ball-tip to oscillate between 20– 45kHz and with displacements of up to 100mm peak-to-peak (Atar, 1999 and Yock, 1997). Pressure waves, micro streaming, cavitation and direct contact with the oscillating ball-tip affect the blockage. Most work to date has concentrated on a spherical ball-tip geometry …


An Investigation Into Non-Verbal Sound-Based Modes Of Human-To-Computer Communication With Rehabilitation Applications, Ted Burke Jun 2003

An Investigation Into Non-Verbal Sound-Based Modes Of Human-To-Computer Communication With Rehabilitation Applications, Ted Burke

Conference Papers

During the course of our work in the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Ireland we have encountered patients who, while unable to speak, are capable of making reproducible utterances. We present techniques used to harness such utterances, in addition to whistling, as a means of communication and control. A simple technique for identifying the phonemes /o/ and /s/ (in single-symbol ARPAbet notation) is presented with applications. The use of pitch variation as a means of controlling a continuously variable parameter is described with two applications - a microcontroller based light dimmer switch and a computer program which facilitates mouse pointer control. …


Managing Content-Initiated Application Delivery With A Client-Side Agent, Niall Roche, Gary Clynch Jan 2003

Managing Content-Initiated Application Delivery With A Client-Side Agent, Niall Roche, Gary Clynch

Conference Papers

Mobile devices have evolved with improvements in processing power and support for various application environments such as MExE [1]. Currently a large number of devices and platforms exist, each with various attributes. Such diversity results in problems providing appropriate applications to these devices. This paper outlines need for an integrated approach to application delivery for mobile devices. The solution allows suitable applications to be delivered to devices. Application management is removed from non-technical mobile device users through the presence of a client-side agent to manage the complexity of application provisioning, device resource management and application management.


Energy Performance Of Indirect Evaporative Cooling In Chilled Ceiling Applications In Maritime Temperate Climates, Ben Costelloe, Donal Finn Jan 2003

Energy Performance Of Indirect Evaporative Cooling In Chilled Ceiling Applications In Maritime Temperate Climates, Ben Costelloe, Donal Finn

Conference Papers

Evaporative cooling has had limited application in maritime, temperate, climates due to the low levels of cooling water availability which result, when low temperature (5 to 8˚C), convection based, building cooling systems are used. However, the success of "high temperature" radiant cooling, in the form of chilled ceilings, has prompted a review of evaporative cooling in maritime, temperate, conditions. In order to maximize evaporative cooling availability, however, in this application, it is necessary to achieve low wet bulb temperature approach conditions, at viable levels of primary energy consumption. This paper presents the results of experimental research into the energy performance …


Analysis Of Cooling And Heating Of Water With Flat-Plate Solar Radiators, Igor Balen, Vladimir Soldo, David Kennedy Jan 2003

Analysis Of Cooling And Heating Of Water With Flat-Plate Solar Radiators, Igor Balen, Vladimir Soldo, David Kennedy

Conference Papers

Extensive analysis of flat-plate radiative panels operation using average hourly weather data for a maritime climate region was performed. The panels are integrated in the space ventilation system with air-cooling by means of a cold-water coil. Their primary function is to prepare sufficient quantity of cold water, integrating radiative and convective cooling, that is collected in the cold-water tank during the nighttime operation. That cold water is used for cooling of the air during daytime. By small modification during daytime, solar panels could be turned into collectors and used to produce the hot water that is collected in a separate …


Solution Of The Navier-Stokes Equations For Transonic Propeller Flows, Fergal Boyle Jan 2003

Solution Of The Navier-Stokes Equations For Transonic Propeller Flows, Fergal Boyle

Conference Papers

The three-dimensional, compressible, viscous flow field around a general propeller geometry with the inflow at zero angles of incidence and yaw is computed using a Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes equations solver. Results from validation test cases in which the laminar and turbulent incompressible flow over a flat plate are calculated demonstrate the flow solver is capable of accurately capturing boundary-layer behaviour. Euler solutions from flow field calculations around two very different propeller geometries show a high level of accuracy and efficiency. Preliminary results from a viscous flow field calculation around a two-bladed propeller are very encouraging.


Initial Experiences Gained And Initiatives Employed In The Teaching Of Java Programming In The Institute Of Technology Tallaght, Eamonn Hyland, Gary Clynch Jan 2002

Initial Experiences Gained And Initiatives Employed In The Teaching Of Java Programming In The Institute Of Technology Tallaght, Eamonn Hyland, Gary Clynch

Conference Papers

This paper describes recent experiences gained and initiatives employed in the teaching of Java programming to first and second year students in the Institute of Technology Tallaght from September 2000 to March 2002. It outlines some elearning, technological and pedagogical initiatives that were undertaken within the department and the resultant preliminary outcomes. The outcomes have been determined after detailed analysis of the results of a survey which was commissioned to determine the effectiveness of the initiatives and also to identify those parts of the Java language which were causing students particular difficulty. The students surveyed are currently completing their fourth …


An Efficient Procedure For Viscous Propeller Flow Field Calculations, Fergal Boyle Jan 2002

An Efficient Procedure For Viscous Propeller Flow Field Calculations, Fergal Boyle

Conference Papers

An efficient procedure has been developed for the computation of the three-dimensional, compressible, viscous flow field around a general propeller geometry with the inflow at zero angles of incidence and yaw. The solution procedure combines a recently developed Reynolds-Averaged-Navier-Stokes equations solver with a commercially available grid generator designed specifically for turbomachinery configurations. Preliminary results from the calculation of laminar and turbulent incompressible flow over a flat plate demonstrate that the flow solver is capable of capturing boundary-layer behaviour accurately. Results from the prediction of the transonic flow over a two-bladed propeller geometry show that the procedure is accurate and efficient …


Evaporative Cooling Availability In Water Based Sensible Cooling Systems, Ben Costelloe, Donal Finn Sep 2001

Evaporative Cooling Availability In Water Based Sensible Cooling Systems, Ben Costelloe, Donal Finn

Conference Papers

Recent developments have prompted a review of evaporative cooling technology as an effective means of cooling modern deep plan buildings. Prominent among these developments is the success of high temperature sensible cooling systems, such as chilled ceilings, which require a supply of cooling water at 14 to 18°C. Crucial to the success of evaporative cooling technology, as a significant means of cooling in modern applications, is the ability to generate cooling water, in an indirect circuit, at a temperature which closely approaches the ambient adiabatic saturation temperature or wet bulb temperature. Recent research in this area has shown that it …


Energy Reduction By Enhanced Evaporative Cooling Of Buildings In Martime Climates, Ben Costelloe, Donal Finn Jan 2001

Energy Reduction By Enhanced Evaporative Cooling Of Buildings In Martime Climates, Ben Costelloe, Donal Finn

Conference Papers

Direct cooling of buildings by water evaporation has traditionally been seen as appropriate, only, in dry and arid climates, which experience high levels of wet bulb temperature depression. The technique has generally not been applied in maritime climates where low levels of wet bulb temperature depression are frequently found. However, recent developments in enhancing heat and mass transfer in cooling towers, together with the success of high temperature sensible cooling systems, such as chilled ceiling panels and beams, have prompted a review of the evaporative cooling technique as an effective and low energy means of cooling modern deep plan buildings, …


The Design And Performance Of An Evaporative Cooling Test Rig For A Maritime Climate, Ben Costelloe, Donal Finn Sep 2000

The Design And Performance Of An Evaporative Cooling Test Rig For A Maritime Climate, Ben Costelloe, Donal Finn

Conference Papers

Recent developments have prompted a review of the use of cooling tower based evaporative cooling technology as an effective means of cooling modern buildings. Prominent among these developments is the success of high temperature cooling systems such as radiant ceiling panels and chilled beams. At present, however, there is little published literature which gives a quantitative, in depth analysis of the performance or energy efficiency of cooling towers, used in maritime climates, in conjunction with heat exchangers and run at low approach and low wet bulb temperatures throughout the free cooling season. This lack of knowledge has meant that many …


Using Xml To Network Distributed Analytical Instruments: Back To The Future?, Benjamin Jung, Damon Berry, Jane Grimson Jan 1999

Using Xml To Network Distributed Analytical Instruments: Back To The Future?, Benjamin Jung, Damon Berry, Jane Grimson

Conference Papers

There has been a paradigm shift in medical informatics standards in recent years from the message-oriented approach to a more distributed systems approach. However, despite all the early promise of distributed applications, they haven't been widely adopted in the health domain for various reasons. As a result, despite an increasing need for a standardised distributed solution for analytical laboratory instruments, many implementers of instrument interfaces are still using proprietary serial interfaces which do not support distribution. The emergence of the eXtended Markup Language (XML) specification in 1998 revived the fortunes of the messaged oriented methodology. This paper presents a partial …


Exergetic Cost Analysis Of A Mechanical Exergy Recycle, Jim Mcgovern Jul 1993

Exergetic Cost Analysis Of A Mechanical Exergy Recycle, Jim Mcgovern

Conference Papers

A mechanical plant that involves an exergy recycle is presented for analysis. It consists of gearboxes and a fluid coupling. There is one input of shaft power to the plant and there are three separate outputs of shaft power. An exergetic cost analysis approach is outlined and applied to the plant.


A Virtual-System Concept For Exergy Analysis Of Flow Network Plant; Part I: Principles, Jim Mcgovern, Francis O'Toole Jun 1992

A Virtual-System Concept For Exergy Analysis Of Flow Network Plant; Part I: Principles, Jim Mcgovern, Francis O'Toole

Conference Papers

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 …