Engineering Commons^™

Rfid-Enabled Inventory Control Optimization: A Proof Of Concept In A Small-To-Medium Retailer, H. Dane, Katina Michael, S. F. Wamba

Faculty of Informatics - Papers (Archive)

This study examines the impact of radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology on the inventory control practices of a small-to-medium retailer using a proof of concept (PoC) approach. The exploratory study was conducted using a single case study of a hardware retailer stocking 5000 product lines provided by 110 active suppliers. To analyze the present mode of operation, procedural documents, semi-structured interviews and a participant observation was conducted. The basis for the proof of concept was a future mode of operation using a quasi-experimental design. Results indicate that in a small-to-medium retail environment, RFID technology could act as a loss prevention mechanism, …

Towards Teaching And Research Parity: A Teaching Quality And Reward Framework, Brett Lemass, Ray Stace

Faculty of Engineering - Papers (Archive)

It is well recognised in the literature that teaching is under-valued in status and financial terms when compared to research at most academic institutions. The emergence in Australia of a Research Quality Framework (RQF) risks further eroding the already fragile status of teaching and learning in Australian Universities by diverting academic attention away from teaching to the building of research reputations as a guarantee of future promotion. Teaching is viewed as not bringing in money, compared to research, despite the fact that the bulk of university income comes from per capita funding of students by the government and from full-fee …

Solar-Powered Compaction Garbage Bins In Public Areas: A Preliminary Economic And Environmental Evaluation, Poppy Coleman, Long Nghiem

Faculty of Engineering - Papers (Archive)

An excel-based model was developed to evaluate economic and environmental benefits of the solar-powered compaction garbage bins in public areas in Australia. Input data were collected from Brisbane and Wollongong City councils, and Sydney Olympic Park. The results demonstrate that solar-powered compaction garbage bins would provide environmental benefits in all scenarios. However, results of the economic analysis of the three studied areas varied significantly. The unique situation of Sydney Olympic Park made implementation in that facility particularly appealing. A lower monthly rental cost is needed for the implementation of this novel waste management practice.

Mechanisms Of X-Ray Emission From Peeling Adhesive Tape, Evan Constable, Josip Horvat, R. A. Lewis

Faculty of Engineering - Papers (Archive)

It has previously been reported that x-rays are emitted when adhesive tape is peeled in a vacuum but no account of the dependence of the x-ray emission on the pressure of the environment has been given to date. In this paper we present detailed experimental data on the number and angular distribution of x-ray photons as a function of pressure. We find that x-rays are emitted for pressures between p₀ = 10⁻³ and p₁ = 10⁻² mBar, with ∼ 10⁶ counts/(cm² s) recorded by a 256×256 pixel² silicon array sensor placed 35 mm …

Rational Revalidation, Hosam Aleem, Timothy J. Mccarthy, Rodger Edwards

Faculty of Engineering - Papers (Archive)

The economic problems the world is currently facing have caused severe cost pressure on pharmaceutical manufacturing. Revalidation of manufacturing processes and equipment comprises a significant cost to the industry. Maintaining a validated status is a regulatory requirement. Technical issues, patient risk, and business considerations impact the organizational approach to revalidation. This discussion addresses the need for revalidation with particular attention to business considerations. Strategies to prioritise revalidation among systems and how to decide on what, how, and when to revalidate are discussed. Alternative approaches when revalidation is not possible are suggested. Costs associated with revalidation are described. Activities to reduce …

Dynamic Hand Gesture Recognition System Using Moment Invariants, Zhengmao Zou, Prashan Premaratne, Malin Premaratne, Ravi Monaragala, Nalin Bandara

Faculty of Engineering - Papers (Archive)

We have developed a dynamic hand gesture recognition system that can simplify the way humans interact with computers and many other non-critical consumer electronic equipment. The proposed system is based on the well-known “Wave Controller” technology developed at the University of Wollongong and will revolutionize video gaming and consumer electronics control interfaces. Currently, computer interfacing mainly involves keyboard, mouse, joystick or gaming wheels and occasionally voice recognition for user input. These modes of interaction have restrained the artistic ability of many users, as they are required to respond to the computer through pressing buttons or moving other apparatus. Voice recognition …

A Tool For Online Mechanics Learning Resource Sharing, Thomas Goldfinch, Anne Gardner, Timothy Mccarthy, Alan Henderson, Giles Thomas, Anna L. Carew

Faculty of Engineering - Papers (Archive)

Many hours and dollars have been spent developing new resources to improve learning outcomes in engineering mechanics courses. While many of these have been developed into packaged learning systems, available for purchase by other universities, a large proportion are available free of charge for students looking to expand their study options. Over the past eighteen months, a group of engineering academics, through Australian Learning and Teaching Council funding, has been working to develop a way of guiding students towards these online engineering mechanics learning resources. One of the outcomes of this work is an online, database-driven directory of existing online …

Splitter-Plate Wake Stabilisation And Low Aspect Ratio Cylinder Flow-Induced Vibration Mitigation, Brad Stappenbelt

Faculty of Engineering - Papers (Archive)

This paper investigates the proposed utility of splitter-plate wake stabilisation as a passive control mechanism for vortexinduced vibration (VIV) mitigation for low aspect ratio cylinders. Stationary cylinder experiments have repeatedly demonstrated the effectiveness of splitter plates in reducing lift and drag coefficients for a cylinder in uniform flow. Rigid attached splitter plates have been shown to be capable of completely eliminating vortex shedding in fixed cylinder investigations. In the limited number of studies that have examined the use of splitter plates in a system which is free to vibrate in the direction transverse to the flow, a galloping-type response has …

Flow-Induced Vibration Mitigation Using Attached Splitter-Plates, B. Stappenbelt

Faculty of Engineering - Papers (Archive)

Prior stationary cylinder studies have continually demonstrated the effectiveness of attached splitter-plates in reducing drag and lift coefficients of cylinders in steady uniform flow. The use of attached splitter-plates has even been reported to be able to completely eliminate vortex shedding in fixed cylinder investigations. In the present study, the proposed utility of attached splitter-plate wake-stabilisation as a passive control mechanism for vortex-induced vibration (VIV) mitigation was investigated. A range of splitter-plate ratios from I/D=O to 4 were examined over a reduced velocity interval of Ur=3 to 60. The addition of splitter-plates resulted in the desired effect of decreasing the …

The Influence Of Action Learning On Student Perception And Performance, Brad Stappenbelt

Faculty of Engineering - Papers (Archive)

The study of floating oscillating water column (OWC) wave energy conversion (WEC) device performance includes analysis of the dynamic coupling of the water column and the floating structure. In the present investigation, a mechanical oscillator model was proposed in order to examine this relationship for the heave motion of a floating wave energy conversion device. Characterisation of the dynamic system optimal behaviour was performed by examining the effect of relative OWC and floating structure natural frequencies, the phase relationships of the various system components and the optimal power take-off damping of the system. It was determined that separation of the …

Geotechnical Analysis Of Slopes And Landslides: Achievements And Challenges, R. Chowdhury, P. Flentje

Faculty of Engineering - Papers (Archive)

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES

Design Safe Slopes, Understand Performance of Slopes and Earth Dams, Quantify Landslide Susceptibility, Hazard and Risk, Landslide Risk Management, Reduction of Disaster Risk

ESSENTAIL INFORMATION

REGIONAL---Geology, Topography, Urbanisation, Landslide History, Triggering Factors(Rainfall ,Earthquakes etc)

SITE-SPECIFIC----Soil and Rock Types, Discontinuities ,Pore Water Pressures, Shear Strength Parameters, Unsaturated Zones, Observed Slope Movements, Quality of Data

IMPORTANT STEPS

Identify Failure Mechanisms, Develop Geotechnical Models, Parameter Variability, Systematic Uncertainties, Assess Stability/Reliability/Hazard /Risk, Validate with Respect to Observed Data

Mechanical Model Of A Floating Oscillating Water Column Wave Energy Conversion Device, Brad Stappenbelt, Paul Cooper

Faculty of Engineering - Papers (Archive)

The study of floating oscillating water column (OWC) wave energy conversion (WEC) device performance includes analysis of the dynamic coupling of the water column and the floating structure. In the present investigation, a mechanical oscillator model was proposed in order to examine this relationship for the heave motion of a floating wave energy conversion device. Characterisation of the dynamic system optimal behaviour was performed by examining the effect of relative OWC and floating structure natural frequencies, the phase relationships of the various system components and the optimal power take-off damping of the system. It was determined that separation of the …

A Comparative Study Of Various Data Mining Techniques As Applied To The Modeling Of Landslide Susceptibility On The Bellarine Peninsula, Victoria, Australia, Anthony Miner, P. Vamplew, D. J. Windle, P. Flentje, P. Warner

Faculty of Engineering - Papers (Archive)

Numerous techniques exist for modeling landslide susceptibility including heuristic, statistical and deterministic analyses. More recently, knowledge-based techniques have been explored including data mining approaches whereby key data sets are assessed to establish inter-relationships with the primary training set, in our case, landslides. This paper analyses a study area of approximately 800 km2 on the Bellarine Peninsula in Victoria, Australia where landslides are restricted mainly to the coastal fringes and as such, form a ‘rare data set’ for the overall region. This paucity of training data presents problems for traditional susceptibility methods and, as a result, a series of trials using …

Landslide Recognition Using Lidar Derived Digital Elevation Models-Lessons Learnt From Selected Australian Examples, Anthony Miner, P. Flentje, C. Mazengarb, D. J. Windle

Faculty of Engineering - Papers (Archive)

The increasing use of LiDAR or airborne laser scanning (ALS) data throughout the world has facilitated widespread access to high resolution current digital elevation models (DEM). Such high resolution DEM’s have proved to be particularly useful in the recognition of landslides and erosion. This is an increasingly important issue in Australia given the publication of the recent Australian Geomechanics Society’s guidelines for landslide risk management which emphasizes the need for improved regional and local landslide inventories. This paper presents recent examples of landslide recognition using such DEM’s from around Australia. Insight is provided into the overall landslide recognition process using …

Periodic And Continuous Landslide Monitoring To Assess Landslide Frequency – Selected Australian Examples, P. Flentje, R. Chowdhury, Anthony Miner, C. Mazengarb

Faculty of Engineering - Papers (Archive)

Landslide frequency is one of the major challenges that must be managed when undertaking a landslide risk assessment. Important issues to be considered when assessing landslide frequency include recognition of the landslide types and processes, landslide volume and magnitudes of displacement. Landslide frequency assessments must also recognize anthropogenic factors (in place and or proposed) such as any remedial measures (subsurface drainage and or retaining structures) as such works will be designed to have significant effects in reducing the frequency of landsliding at any site. Periodic and or continuous monitoring will certainly be of benefit in such assessments, but will only …

Designing A Landslide Database; Lessons From Australian Examples, C. Mazengarb, P. Flentje, Anthony Miner, M. Osuchowski

Faculty of Engineering - Papers (Archive)

The Australian Geomechanics Society 2007 Landslide Risk Management Guidelines stress the importance of developing inventories of landslides in order to underpin better land management decisions and facilitate landslide research . In the absence of a definitive (and published) data model for the inventory a number of landslide databases have been created in Australia to serve a range of purposes, all of which pre-date the guidelines. We outline a project undertaken to develop a website linking four disparate landslide databases together using network service oriented interoperability concepts and technology. From this project we have learned a number of important lessons. Digital …

Sorption Of Steroidal Hormones By Electrodialysis Membranes, Laura J. Banasiak, Andrea I. Schafer

Faculty of Engineering - Papers (Archive)

The mechanisms of sorption of four steroidal hormones – estradiol, estrone, progesterone and testosterone – to electrodialysis (ED) membranes were investigated as a function of solution pH and presence of humic acid (HA). Hormone-membrane partition coefficients (log KAEM/CEM) determined through sorption isotherm experiments suggested that hormone sorption was due to hydrogen bonding and cation–π interactions between hormone and membrane functional groups. Progesterone sorption at pH 7 (922 μg/cm3) during ED was greater than estrone sorption (591 μg/cm3) due to its greater cation-exchange membrane (CEM) bonding affinity. Estrone sorption at pH 11 (487 μg/cm3) was reduced due to estrone dissociation and …

A Polynomial Chaos-Based Kalman Filter Approach For Parameter Estimation Of Mechanical Systems, Emmanuel D. Blanchard, Corina Sandu, Adrian Sandu

Faculty of Engineering - Papers (Archive)

Mechanical systems operate under parametric and external excitation uncertainties. The polynomial chaos approach has been shown to be more efficient than Monte Carlo for quantifying the effects of such uncertainties on the system response. Many uncertain parameters cannot be measured accurately, especially in real time applications. Information about them is obtained via parameter estimation techniques. Parameter estimation for large systems is a difficult problem, and the solution approaches are computationally expensive. This paper proposes a new computational approach for parameter estimation based on the extended Kalman filter (EKF) and the polynomial chaos theory for parameter estimation. The error covariances needed …

Symbolic Modelling Of Dynamic Human Motions, David A. Stirling, Amir S. Hesami, Christian H. Ritz, Kevin Adistambha, Fazel Naghdy

Faculty of Engineering - Papers (Archive)

Numerous psychological studies have shown that humans develop various stylistic patterns of motion behaviour, or dynamic signatures, which can be in general, or in some cases uniquely, associated with an individual. In a broad sense, such motion features provide a basis for non-verbal communication, or body language, and in more specific circumstances they combine to form a Dynamic Finger Print (DFP) of an individual, such as their gait, or walking pattern. A new modelling and classification approach for spatiotemporal human motions is proposed, and in particular the walking gait. The movements are obtained through a full body inertial motion capture …

Adding Value To Physics Laboratories For Pre-Service Teachers, Lorna E. Jarrett, George J. Takacs, Brian Ferry

Faculty of Engineering - Papers (Archive)

This project focussed on first-year physics laboratories for pre-service teachers. It aimed to make laboratories more aligned to future teachers’ needs; contributing to their confidence with apparatus, conceptual understanding and effectiveness as communicators. However, our approach is also relevant to mainstream science laboratories. First, we flagged links with practical investigations in the NSW High School year 11 / 12 physics syllabus in the lab manual. Second, we incorporated qualitative multiple-choice questions at strategic points based on the Peer Instruction work of Mazur (1996), Crouch and Mazur (2001) and Cox and Junkin III (2002). Finally we employed principles of Cognitive Load …

Kinetics Of Decarburization Reaction In Oxygen Steelmaking Process, Neslihan Dogan, Geoffrey A. Brooks, Muhammad A. Rhamdhani

Faculty of Engineering - Papers (Archive)

The steelmaking process is complex since it involves simultaneous multi-phase (solidgas- liquid) interactions, chemical reactions, heat and mass transfer and complex flow patterns at high temperatures. The transient nature of the process also adds more complexities and the severe operating conditions inhibit the direct measurement and observation of the process. This difficulty can be addressed by developing models, which make it possible to describe the complicated nature of the process itself and to understand the interconnection of important process variables. A global model of oxygen steelmaking focusing on the overall decarburization of the process and including the new bloated droplet …

Performance Enhancement Of A Complex Chilled Water System Using A Check Valve: Experimental Validation, Shengwei Wang, Zhenjun Ma, Dian-Ce Gao

Faculty of Engineering - Papers (Archive)

The large primary–secondary chilled water systems often suffer from the excess flow demand and low chilled water temperature difference, which is known as the low ΔT central plant syndrome, during operation. This paper presents an approach for experimental validation of the possible utility of a check valve (i.e., putting a one-direction check valve in the chilled water by-pass line) to solve this operational problem and enhance the overall system performance, prior to a check valve is really installed. The experimental tests were carried out on the complex central chiller plant in a super high-rise building using a simulated check valve …

Development Of A Comprehensive Model For Oxygen Steelmaking, Neslihan Dogan, Geoffrey A. Brooks, Muhammad A. Rhamdhani

Faculty of Engineering - Papers (Archive)

One of the main goals in oxygen steelmaking process is to reduce the carbon concentration of the liquid iron effectively. It is understood that the majority of the carbon removal reaction occurs in the emulsion phase via the reaction between metal droplets and the slag phase. An improved understanding of this reaction and the factors controlling the overall rate should provide better control of the process and increase the productivity. In the literature, there is limited knowledge on how to relate the carbon removal rate within the droplets to the overall kinetics of the process under full scale operating conditions. …

Nonlinear Optical Spectrum Of Bilayer Graphene In The Terahertz Regime, Yee Sin Ang, S. Sultan, Chao Zhang

Faculty of Engineering - Papers (Archive)

We demonstrate that the nonlinear optical response in bilayer graphene is among the strongest, especially in the important frequency regime of terahertz to far-infrared. Furthermore, we show that both the single frequency and frequency tripled nonlinear response become comparable to the linear response at very moderate electric field. The field strength for the onset of nonlinear effect in bilayer graphene is well within the experimental achievable range in laboratories. Our result suggests that bilayers are preferred structures for developing graphene-based nonlinear photonics and optoelectronics devices.

Background Estimation In Mxgs Apparatus On International Space Station, Behcet Alpat, Mauro Menichelli, Diego Caraffini, Marco Petasecca, Francesca Renzi

Faculty of Engineering - Papers (Archive)

THE Atmosphere-Space Interactions Monitor (ASIM) [1] is an ESA science instrument assembly, to be installed on the Columbus External Platform Facility (CEPF) of the ISS (International Space Station), to study the giant electrical discharges (lightning) in the high-altitude atmosphere above thunderstorms. The discharges are seen as optical, X and gamma-ray flashes in the stratosphere and mesosphere. The optical emissions are dubbed red sprites, blue jets, and elves or, collectively, Transient Luminous Events (TLEs); theXand gamma-ray emissions are dubbed Terrestrial Gamma Ray Flashes (TGFs), instead. The ASIM mission comprises, therefore, two main scientific instruments: the Miniature Multi-spectral Imaging Array (MMIA) composed …

Synthesis Of Mesoporous R-Fe2o3 Nanostructures For Highly Sensitive Gas Sensors And High Capacity Anode Materials In Lithium Ion Batteries, Bing Sun, Josip Horvat, Hyun-Soo Kim, Woo-Seong Kim, Jung-Ho Ahn, Guoxiu Wang

Faculty of Engineering - Papers (Archive)

Mesoporous α-Fe₂O₃ materials were prepared in large quantity by the soft template synthesis method using the triblock copolymer surfactant F127 as the template. Nitrogen adsorption−desorption isothermal measurements and transmission electron microscope observation revealed that the as-prepared mesoporous α-Fe₂O₃ nanostructures have large mesopores in a wide size range of 5−30 nm. It has been found that the Morin transition depends on thermal history of mesoporous α-Fe₂O₃, which is driven by surface anisotropy. Superparamagnetic behavior of mesoporous α-Fe₂O₃ is also associated with surface spins with blocking temperature around 50 …

The Australian Long Term Power Quality Survey Project Update, Sean Elphick, V. Smith, Victor Gosbell, Robert A. Barr

Faculty of Engineering - Papers (Archive)

The Australian Long Term National Power Quality Survey (LTNPQS) is a large multi-utility power quality survey which has now been in operation for 8 years. This paper details the latest innovative developments in the reporting and analysis procedures developed for the LTNPQS. The paper also highlights the key power quality issues affecting Australian electricity networks at the present time. These include high voltage levels at LV sites and difficulties in measurement of voltage unbalance. The longevity of the survey has allowed better understanding of disturbance trend levels. Interesting results include an apparent reduction in harmonic levels in the past couple …

Thinking Head: Towards Human Centred Robotics, Damith C. Herath, Christian Kroos, Catherine J. Stevens, Lawrence Cavedon, Prashan Premaratne

Faculty of Engineering - Papers (Archive)

Thinking Head project is a multidisciplinary approach to building intelligent agents for human machine interaction. The Thinking Head Framework evolved out of the Thinking Head Project and it facilitates loose coupling between various components and forms the central nerve system in a multimodal perception-action system. The paper presents the overall architecture, components and the attention system. The paper then concludes with a preliminary behavioral experiment that studies the intelligibility of the audiovisual speech output produced by the Embodied Conversational Agent (ECA) that is part of the system. These results provide the baseline for future evaluations of the system as the …

Laboratory Investigation Of The Input Current Characteristics Of Modern Domestic Appliances For Varying Supply Voltage Conditions, Sean Elphick, Philip Ciufo, Sarath Perera

Faculty of Engineering - Papers (Archive)

The past decade has seen major changes to the appliances which comprise the domestic load. Appliances which may have been considered to be passive loads are now supplied through power electronic front ends. These new loads are known sources of power quality disturbances, predominately harmonic currents. While examinations have been made of the electrical behaviour of first generation electronic appliances, there is little literature dealing with the performance of more modern loads. Understanding the behaviour of modern loads is essential if accurate models of equipment connected to the power system are to be developed. This paper examines the input current …

Wireless Aquatic Navigator For Detection And Analysis (Wanda), Cormac Fay, King-Tong Lau, Stephen T. Beirne, Ciaran O'Conaire, Kevin Mcguinness, Brian Corcoran, Noel O'Connor, Dermot Diamond, Scott T. Mcgovern, Greg Coleman, Roderick L. Shepherd, Gursel Alici, Geoffrey M. Spinks, Gordon G. Wallace

Faculty of Engineering - Papers (Archive)

The cost of monitoring and detecting pollutants in natural waters is of major concern. Current and forthcoming bodies of legislation will continue to drive demand for spatial and selective monitoring of our environment, as the focus increasingly moves towards effective enforcement of legislation through detection of harmful events, and unambiguous identification of perpetrators. However, these monitoring demands are not being met due to the infrastructure and maintenance costs of conventional sensing models. Advanced autonomous platforms capable of performing complex analytical measurements at remote locations still require individual power, wireless communication, processor and electronic transducer units, along with regular maintenance visits. …