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Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.

Incorporating Spatial Data And Gis To Improve Sea Of Land Use Plans: Opportunities And Limitations: Case Studies In The Republic Of Ireland, Ainhoa Gonzalez Del Campo

Doctoral

This research aimed at establishing whether spatial data and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can contribute to Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). To achieve this, an integrated GISEA approach was developed and applied to a number of spatial planning SEAs in the Republic of Ireland. The practical applicability of the approach was examined, evaluating the potential benefits derived from using spatial data and GIS in SEA and assessing the potential barriers to an effective GIS use. The implementation of the SEA Directive incorporated a new dimension into plan-making by calling for the assessment of potential environmental effects that may derive from implementing …

Accelerometer Based Measurement Of Body Movement For Communication, Play, And Creative Expression, Mark Nolan, Edward Burke, Frank Duignan

Conference Papers

This paper presents a newly designed wireless accelerometer-based movement measurement device. The device is capable of measuring activity ranging from gross body movements to more subtle vibrations emanating from the body, including laryngeal vibration and the mechanomyogram (mechanical vibrations from working muscles). The main body of the device, which is less than 20cm3 in volume and weighs less than 50g, contains a microcontroller, wireless transceiver, battery, and one accelerometer. A supplementary accelerometer module is connected to the main device by thin wires. This module is very light weight and can therefore be directly attached to the skin to measure laryngeal …

Localised Galvanic Corrosion Processes In Thermal Spray Coated/Cast Aluminium Alloy Systems, David Culliton, Tony Betts, David Kennedy

Conference Papers

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 …

A Systematic Approach Towards Developing A Philosophy Of Engineering: Engineers Dancing With Philosophers, Mike Murphy

Presentations

No abstract provided.

Bs News

Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.

Implementing Arabic-To-English Machine Translation Using The Role And Reference Grammar Linguistic Model, Yasser Salem, Arnold Hensman, Brian Nolan

Conference Papers

This paper presents work-in-progress investigating the development of a rule-based lexical framework for Arabic language processing using the Role and Reference Grammar (RRG) linguistic model. A system, called UniArab is introduced in this research to support the framework. The paper outlines the conceptual structure of UniArab System, which utilizes the framework and translates the Arabic language into another natural language. Also, this paper explores how the characteristics of the Arabic language will effect the development of a Machine Translation (MT) tool from Arabic to English. Several distinguishing features of Arabic pertinent to MT will be explored in detail with reference …

Developing Effective, Sustainable, Mutually Beneficial International Collaborations In Engineering And Technology, Mike Murphy

Presentations

No abstract provided.

Bs News

Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.

Optimisation Of Multicast Routing In Wireless Mesh Networks, Brian Keegan, Karol Kowalik, Mark Davis

Conference papers

In recent years Wireless Mesh Networks have been deployed and grown in popularity in many metropolitan areas. The deployment of such networks has allowed clients to gain access to publicly available broadband networks. The implementation of wireless mesh networks requires that backhaul services (traditionally carried by wired networks) be maintained via wireless mesh points. Because of their structure, wireless mesh networks provide an excellent means for targeting a large group of end users or simply to relay data. This may be achieved by means of broadcasting or more specifically multicasting. The lack of standards and support for multicasting over wireless …

Investigation Of Across-Layer Modification To The Dsr Routing Protocol In Wireless Mesh Networks, Mustafa Ramadhan, Mark Davis

Conference papers

This work introduces a cross-layer modification to the DSR protocol that increases the global throughput in wireless mesh networks. In our modified DSR protocol we have introduced the Access Efficiency metric as an alternative to the hop-count metric in order to improve the route selection mechanism. The selected path in the route selection mechanism is identified by choosing the path with the highest minimum Access Efficiency value. We have employed the OPNET modeller as a simulator to examine two different patterns of traffic for a series of randomly generated network topologies. Each topology was simulated twice. One simulation used the …

Effects Of Lline Rate On Vvideo Qos Over Wireless Networks: An Experimental Approach, Stuart Wallace, Mark Davis

Conference papers

Video streaming over Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANS) is becoming an increasingly popular service. However, end user OoS is highly influenced by many factors. These include the video codec used, the packetization scheme, error concealment and correction techniques, the complexity of the video, propagation losses, and the line rate. In this paper the effect of the line rate on the capacity of the network when streaming multimedia content is analyzed experimentally. It is shown that as the line rate decreases the bandwidth load of the video stream dramatically increases leading to poor QoS at the client side. As automatic line …

An Investigation Of The Correlation Between Passive Monitoring And Activie Probing Techniques Used In Wlan Mesh Networks, Chenzhe Zhang, Mark Davis

Conference papers

In recent years, Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs) have emerged as a promising solution to provide low cost networks that extend Internet access and other networking services. Mesh routers form the backbone connectivity through cooperative routing in an often unstable wireless medium. Therefore, the techniques used to monitor and manage the performance metrics to help optimize the link performance in WMNs. This paper presents an assessment of the correlation between passive monitoring and active probing techniques used for link performance measurement in WMNs. This paper presents an assessment of the correlation between passive monitoring and active probing techniques used for link …

Hand-Held Flyback Driven Coaxial Dielectric Barrier Discharge: Development And Characterization, Victor J. Law, Vladimir Milosavljevic, Neil O’Connor, James F. Lalor, Steven Daniels

Articles

The development of a handheld single and triple chamber atmospheric pressure coaxial dielectric barrier discharge driven by Flyback circuitry for helium and argon discharges is described. The Flyback uses external metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor power switching technology and the transformer operates in the continuous current mode to convert a continuous dc power of 10–33 W to generate a 1.2–1.6 kV 3.5 μs pulse. An argon discharge breakdown voltage of ∼768 V is measured. With a 50 kHz, pulse repetition rate and an argon flow rate of 0.5–10 argon slm (slm denotes standard liters per minute), the electrical power density deposited in …

Preparation & Accreditation Of Level 7 Engineering Programmes, Mark Mcgrath

Conference Papers

Accreditation of 3rd level educational programmes by a suitably recognised professional body is of particular relevance in relation to engineering. The completion of a sequence of modules which leads to the attainment of this professionally recognised award is viewed as integral to the undertaking. The engineering technology fields are developing and expanding rapidly and the third level sector must keep abreast of these changes. This is essential if the third level institutions wish to continue delivering programmes which produce graduates who can successfully complete the transition from 3rd level to the various engineering sectors. This paper outlines various aspects of …

Control Of Double Fed Induction Generator Wind Turbine During Network Voltage Unbalance Conditions, Joseph Kearney, Michael Conlon

Conference papers

The behaviour of Double-Fed Induction Generators to supply network voltage unbalance is investigated. The paper describes a method to control the rotor-side converter in a DFIG when subjected to the effects of network voltage unbalance conditions. A parallel control scheme is implemented to control the positive and negative sequence components independently. A DFIG model is implemented in Matlab/Simulink and simulations show the reduction in power and torque oscillations and a reduction in the high unbalanced currents generated as a result of the applied voltage unbalance.

Equi-Biaxial Fatigue Of Elastomers: The Effect Of Oil Swelling On Fatigue Life, Stephen Jerrams, John Hanley, Niall Murphy, Ali Hassan

Articles

The effect of oil swelling on the fatigue life of ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM) has been studied under conditions of equi-biaxial cycling using dynamic bubble inflation. Specimens were subjected to varying degrees of swelling in reference mineral oils and fatigued at constant engineering stress amplitudes. The reference oils used for swelling the EPDM had known aniline points, allowing the rubber-oil compatibility to be determined. The inflation fluid for fatigue testing was selected with a solubility parameter that would produce a desired level of incompatibility with the test specimens, thereby limiting the amount of additional swelling during cycling. Wöhler …

Barriers To Innovation In Public-Private Partnership (Ppp), Louis Gunnigan, David Eaton

Conference papers

This paper sets out to identify barriers to greater use of innovation in PPP projects. Using a series of in-depth interviews with participants on two closely related PPP projects, data were gathered and analysed to compare the success of the projects in relation to innovation. The views of the participants relating to the approach to innovation were recorded and were examined relative to the views on innovation expressed in published documentation relating to these projects. The research showed that two different types of innovation could be identified – namely cost reducing innovation and product enhancing innovation. It also showed that, …

Temperature Dependence Of Macrobending Loss In All-Fiber Bend Loss Edge Filter, Pengfei Wang, Yuliya Semenova, Gerald Farrell

Articles

A theoretical model for macrobending-induced temperature dependent loss (TDL) for a standard singlemode fiber (SMF28) with dual coating layers is presented, with good agreement demonstrated between theoretical calculations and experimental results. The impact of temperature on two examples of an all-fiber based edge filter is also investigated theoretically and experimentally and using the developed model, it is shown that it is possible to predict the impact of temperature variations on an all-fiber based edge filter.

International Energy Agency Bestest For Ground Coupled Heat Transfer, Joel Neymark, Ron Judkoff, Michael Crowley

Reports

The objective of this project is to assess the accuracy of building energy analysis tools that have incorporated detailed models for predicting ground-coupled heat transfer related to floor slab and basement constructions. An executive summary is to be found in the main report.

The Role Of 3pls Internet Technology In Supporting Extended Enterprise: An Exploratory Survey, Pietro Evangelista, Emilio Esposito, Edward Sweeney, Erica Staller

Conference papers

It is well accepted that ICT and Internet technology have the potential to facilitate firms’ innovation processes as it offers new and more effective support to conduct business operations. This is particularly true in the context of Extended Enterprise (EE) concept where new technologies are critical in ensuring the effective integration of physical and information flows among participating companies (Dresner et al., 1999). The role of third party logistics providers (3PLs) in logistics outsourcing has evolved along the last few years (McKinnon, 1999). Such companies are transforming their business configuration from simple transport service providers to supply chain integrators. Internet …

The Role Of Micro Wind Generation In Ireland’S Energy Future, Keith Sunderland, Michael Conlon

Conference papers

This paper defines the current position for micro-generation, with particular reference to the potential for micro-wind units, in the Irish electricity supply system. A network model is developed using the Distflow method of load flow analysis and is applied to consider the appropriate level of micro-generation penetration.

An Engineering Evaluation Of Ankle Prosthetics, Christopher Thian, Stephen Tiernan, Fiona Mcevoy, Robert Flavin

Conference Papers

There are a wide range of different types of ankle replacements on the market today each with a
different mechanical design. Unfortunately the results of ankle replacements are not as good as hip
and knee replacements; this is due to the complexity of the ankle joint. In the early days of ankle
replacements some of the prosthetics only lasted 4 months. Recent developments have improved the
longevity of the replacements although, there are still many complications and failures of the
replacements, these include; the prosthetic components migrating into the bone, the components
failing due to stresses induced by the forces …

Some Rather Mechanical Reflections On Symmetry: In Art, Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Etc., Jim Mcgovern

Articles

This Inaugural Lecture consists of some of my rather mechanical, being an engineer, reflections on symmetry in diverse areas such as art, science, engineering, mathematics, etc. I explain what symmetry is to me, giving examples with lots of images and mentioning or at least barely referencing art, science, architecture, engineering, heritage, cosmology, bicycles, flight, invention, ingenuity, history, wallpaper, mathematics, typography, structures, regular shapes, coordinate systems, spacetime, thermodynamics and suchlike.

Big Challenges In Designing Small Parts For Mass Production, Kevin Delaney, David Kennedy

Conference Papers

Micro manufacturing involves the production of parts or products with features on a micro scale. The technology is used to produce parts for several business sectors which have experienced dramatic growth in recent years and forecasts are that this growth will continue in the years ahead. With the loss of traditional manufacturing jobs to lower-cost locations many companies in Ireland see micro manufacturing as having significant potential to preserve and increase revenue. A move into micro manufacturing will present significant opportunities for those companies willing to take the risk of producing parts with micro dimensions. Such a transition is a …

Real-World Process Design For Mechanical Engineering Students: A Case Study Of Pbl In Dit, Kevin Delaney, John D. Kelleher

Conference Papers

Engineering education deals primarily with calculating quantitative performance of engineering objects, such as machines, circuits or dams, and with designing variations of these objects. However when engineering graduates enter the workforce they must be able to do a great deal more than solve the technical problems taught in engineering school [1]. More specifically they will need to deal with a great range of problems some of which are not technical engineering problems at all. Examples of such problems include working as part of a larger group, project management, negotiation, component sourcing and an awareness of the multi-disciplinary nature of engineering. …

Assessment Of The Effects Of Increasing Levels Of Physiological Realism In The Computational Fluid Dynamics Analyses Of Implanted Coronary Stents, Jonathan Murphy, Fergal Boyle

Conference Papers

Coronary stent implantation can improve blood flow in an artery that has been narrowed by the build up of arterial plaque. However, the implantation of the stent will change the geometry of the vessel wall. The haemodynamic effects of the stents presence and alteration of the vessel wall are unclear. The redistribution of flow induced vessel wall shear stress (WSS) and wall shear stress gradient (WSSG) may directly contribute to restenosis (re-blockage). Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is used extensively to identify these parameters in stented vessels. However, simplifications to the model of the stented artery are common. In this paper, …

Bs News

Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.

Investigation Of Uv-Led Initiated Photopolymerisation Of Bio-Compatible Hema, Sharon Mcdermott

Doctoral

Ultraviolet (UV) fluorescent lamps are widely used in photopolymerisation processes. However, there a number of disadvantages to these lamps, namely, their intensity varies over time and has to be constantly monitored. This thesis is concerned with the possibility of replacing these lamps with UV Light Emitting Diodes (UV-LEDs). A number of emission characteristics of both the fluorescent lamp and the UV-LEDs were measured and compared to ensure that the optical properties of the UV-LEDs were equivalent to those of the lamps. From this study it was shown that the UV-LEDs have a quicker warm up time and exhibit a more …

Rampart Roads In The Peat Lands Of Ireland: Genesis, Development And Current Performance, Juan Pablo Osorio, Eric R. Farrell, Brendan C. O'Kelly, Tom Casey

Articles

The construction and improvement of roads on peat lands has always been a challenging task in geotechnical engineering. Rampart roads, which are a particular feature of the bog roads in Ireland, are caused by the excavation of peat from the roadsides over many years for use as a domestic fuel. The historical development of rampart roads and current performance under the added traffic loading is discussed. Various road improvement methods have been applied to improve the road ability to carry traffic and the technical aspects and performance of the methods are discussed. In particular, the performance of the improvement methods …