Engineering Commons^™

Engineering Design And Development, David Kennedy

Conference Papers

Combining Industrial and Functional Design methodologies for the development of new products and systems requires a broad understanding of human behaviour and industrial activities. The requirements of international standards, protection of the environment and the ability to make a profit on sales requires a sound attitude and approach to succeed, especially in current economic conditions. This highlights the importance of good business and management strategy that must be dynamic to meet the changing needs of the market. Competitiveness depends largely upon advances in the fields of design and Innovation, cutting edge research and new advances over a broad range of …

Reducing Whole Body Vibration Levels In Off-Road, Heavy-Duty Vehicles: A Case Study With Computer Modelling, Shaun Mcfadden, Matthieu Morhan, Brian Hurley

Conference Papers

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 …

Intelligibility Of Electrolarynx Speech Using A Novel Actuator, Brian Madden, Mark Nolan, Ted Burke, James Condron, Eugene Coyle

Conference Papers

During voiced speech, the larynx provides quasi-periodic acoustic excitation of the vocal tract. Following a laryngectomy, some people speak using an electrolarynx which replaces the excitatory function of the absent larynx. Drawbacks of conventional electrolarynx designs include the buzzing monotonic sound emitted, the need for a free hand to operate the device, and difficulty experienced by many laryngectomees in adapting to its use. Despite these shortcomings, it remains the preferred method of speech rehabilitation for a substantial minority of laryngectomees. In most electrolarynxes, mechanical vibrations are produced by a linear electromechanical actuator, the armature of which percusses against a metal …

Investigation Into The Possible Benefits Of A Refrigeration Based Intercooling System, Ronan Kierans, Jim Mcgovern

Conference Papers

This paper describes findings from analysis and simulation in relation to the possible benefits of applying refrigeration based intercooling to the engine of a modern passenger car or haulage vehicle. Initial theoretical analysis showed that, depending on the engine specifications and the boost pressure level of the turbo/supercharger, the power improvement could range from 15–30% and there would be a similar improvement in torque. This meant a smaller engine could be used to do the work of a larger engine. The power required to run the refrigeration system, the space required and the charge air pressure drop due to its …

Thermodynamic Optimisation Of The Otto / Stirling Combined Cycle, Barry Cullen, Michel Feidt, Jim Mcgovern, Stoian Petrescu

Conference Papers

Combined cycle systems are an established method for increasing primary energy efficiency of power generation systems. Some ongoing research is concerned with investigating the novel combined cycle system involving the Otto and Stirling thermodynamic cycles. The Otto cycle is to act as the topping cycle, with the Stirling cycle acting to recover heat from the exhaust for the purpose of additional power generation. The present work investigates the thermodynamic optimisation of the combined cycle system for the case of the engines operating under two imposed parametric constraints: 1) imposed heat addition to the Otto cycle, and 2) imposed maximum cycle …

Validation Of A Simulation Model For A Combined Otto And Stirling Cycle Power Plant, Jim Mcgovern, Barry Cullen, Michel Feidt, Stoian Petrescu

Conference Papers

A project has been underway at the Technological University Dublin (DIT) to investigate the feasibility of a combined Otto and Stirling cycle power plant in which a Stirling cycle engine would serve as a bottoming cycle for a stationary Otto cycle engine. This type of combined cycle plant is considered to have good potential for industrial use. This paper describes work by DIT and collaborators to validate a computer simulation model of the combined cycle plant. In investigating the feasibility of the type of combined cycle that is proposed there are a range of practical realities to be faced and …

Design Of A Single Alkaline Fuel Cell Test Bed, James Brunton, David Kennedy, Fergal O'Rourke, Eugene Coyle

Conference Papers

This Research focuses on the design and development of a single alkaline fuel cell test bed facility. The paper also makes reference to problems and solutions encountered during construction that resulted in a more effective fuel cell and operating system. As a sustainable and clean alternative energy option, fuel cell technology has the potential to provide electrical power for stationary and mobile applications. Hydrogen and fuel cell technologies are a viable long term energy solution, but to-date has failed to make a major impact on the energy market. Fuel Cells offer a sustainable energy options that can be cost effective …

Online Real-Time Water Quality Monitoring And Control System, Paul Duffy, Gerard Woods, James Walsh, Michael Kane

Conference Papers

No abstract provided.

Building A Successful Transatlantic Collaboration In Engineering/Technological Education; Lessons From A Six Year Journey, Donal Mchale, Mark Mcgrath, John Lawlor

Conference Papers

This paper reflects on key learning’s from the first six-years (2004-2010) of the development of a collaborative journey of two trans-Atlantic higher-educational institutions. It describes the progress towards building a sustainable and innovative international educational partnership in Engineering/Technological education between the Technological University Dublin,DublinIrelandandPurdue University,Indiana,USA.

In particular, the paper provides insight into the iterative stages of development of this relationship. It reflects on some of the key challenges and it recognises the critical enablers of success. It focuses on challenges and solutions in the following six important areas

(i) The partnership initiation stage. Key considerations and important enablers of future …

A Study Of Friction Testing Methods Applicable To Demoulding Force Prediction For Micro Replicated Parts, Kevin Delaney, David Kennedy, G. Bissacco

Conference Papers

For replication processes to be deemed successful it must be possible to remove the replicated parts from the tool after processing. With decreasing part and feature size the challenge of demoulding replicated parts increases since the resulting parts and replication tooling used are more delicate and can be easily damaged. Predictive demoulding force models can be used to optimise the part, tool and process parameters to maximise the likelihood of success. Developing accurate models for this process requires knowledge of the dominant interfacial contributions to friction and knowledge of the size scale at which the dominant contributions operate together with …

Pvd And Cvd Coatings For The Metal Forming Industry, Simon Montgomery, David Kennedy, Noel O'Dowd

Conference Papers

Metal forming applications are, by their very nature, taxing on the tools and machines used to achieve a finished component. Material degradation and wear is of critical importance in any such operation as a failing in the tool or machine has the potential to cause health hazards and/or significant monetary losses. The wear of material is due to the contact of two opposing surfaces and their subsequent motion relative to each other. It can take many forms some examples of which are: a two or three body abrasive type, a rolling fatigue type or an adhesion type.

Much research has …