Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering at the Engineering & IT Exhibition 2015
3D Printed Stirling Engines (CP-PLE-151)
Student(s): Jian-Nan Yeap, Yew Ping-Lim, Christopher Clark
The Stirling engine is a heat engine that operates by cyclic compression and expansion of fluids at different temperatures. This project aims to understand key features of 3D printed Stirling engines for educational purposes and investigate the possibility of use in a student competition.
The features that will be explored include the time, materials and costs needed to 3D print the engine, sourcing of the most economical printing option within the University of Melbourne, the possibility of a screw-free Stirling engine, parameter changes to create optimum design, and, lastly, the determination of whether a 3D printed Stirling engine can be used to perform useful tasks such as lifting weights.
Aerodynamic Optimisation of Riblet Geometry (CP-DCH-152)
Student(s): Zakaria Mhammedi
Currently more than 50% of fuel consumption on commercial aircraft is due to frictional forces generated by air, causing resistance to the aircraft's motion. Experiments have shown that these drag forces can be reduced up to 10% using a specific surface texture called riblets.
Riblets are modelled after shark skin and have the shape of grooves aligned with the flow direction. This project aims to find the optimum shape of these grooves which would result in maximum drag reduction. To date, most attempts in achieving this have taken an experimental approach. In this project, however, CFD is used for optimisation.
Automated Zonal Analysis (CP-JPH-151)
Student(s): Rachael Henderson, Ghulam Hussain
Zonal analysis is a method for ensuring safety in the design of aircraft, offshore oil & gas systems, mining equipment, and other high-risk systems. Current zonal analysis techniques are performed manually and heavily rely on the expertise and knowledge of the engineers performing the analysis, leading to problems of repeatability, subjectivity and documentation.
The aim of this project is to design a new method for performing zonal analysis that will address the issues highlighted above and allow automation of the zonal analysis process.
Computer Modelling of Pulsatile Blood Flows in Human Arteries with Stents (CP-AOO-154)
Student(s): Bo Jiang, Xiaoxi Tang, Lu Yu, Xiepeng Zhang
Coronary artery stent implantation has become one of the most important therapeutic method for coronary heart disease.
The aim of this project is to use a free and open source software ‘OpenFOAM’ to simulate pulsatile blood flow in human arteries with stents of different design (shape of cross section) to investigate the stress and drag on stents and vascular walls. Newtonian and non-Newtonian models are both simulated for comparison to obtain accurate results.
The outcome of this project can be used to optimize stent design.
Design and Build of a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Test Facility (CP-RGO-152)
Student(s): Moemen Chaouk, Aliza Wajih
This project involves the design of a test facility for a Heliocentris Nexa1200 Hydrogen Fuel Cell from which a series of tests may be conducted for efficiency and performance studies. The test facility must be designed for educational purposes, and hence entails the necessity of safe and easily accessible information.
This information will be used to understand general energy systems, and more specifically hydrogen fuel cell systems. The project will then isolate parts of the fuel cell and conduct research to explore possible improvement opportunities.
Design and Build of a Solar PV Test Facility (CP-MTA-152)
Student(s): Daniel Joncevski, Kevin Li, Angus Grant
A photovoltaic system, also known as a solar PV power system, is designed to supply usable solar power by means of photovoltaics. Photovoltaics are the name of a method used to convert solar energy into direct current electricity using semi-conducting materials.
This project aims to successfully design and build a solar PV test facility. This facility will eventually cater for lab demonstrations and practical learning’s for future students enrolled in the thermodynamics course at The University of Melbourne. The facility will be equipped with measurement instruments and data loggers such that important parameters affecting the solar cell efficiency can be recorded and studied.
Developing a Control Scheme for the University of Melbourne Radio Telescope (CP-DOE-154)
Student(s): Lucas Palmer, Michael Malek, Robert Mearns
Satellites in Low Earth Orbit, such as the International Space Station, remain within the field of view of a ground observing station for mere minutes at a time. Ground based communication antennas must be able to accurately track the rapid motion of these satellites in order to maximise the efficiency of data transmission.
This project involves developing a smooth control scheme for the University’s radio dish that will allow it to be used as a communications ground station for microsatellites using modern feedback control techniques.
Development of a Full Scale Drag Measurement System for a Rowing Shell (CP-JMO-151)
Student(s): Russell George, Tom Bransden, Nick Bernard
An investigation into the construction of a drag force measurement system to be used in real world condition. This research project will investigate and build the necessary components to measure drag force on a Single Scull rowing shell, in conjuction with Sykes Racing, a Geelong-based rowing-shell designer and manufacturer.
The purpose of this research project is to produce a working prototype of a drag measurement system that can be used by Sykes Racing to quickly and accurately analyse the drag produced by a single Scull. The project will also have scope to include the effects of of oscillating speed and mass into the drag measurement.
Dynamic Bio-Digester for Methane Capture (CP-CBU-157)
Student(s): Cameron Gook
Victoria’s dairy farmers face continual challenges with the increasing cost of energy to run their dairies. Partnering with 'Greenline Engineering', the design and development of the bio-digester is aimed at providing an onsite alternative energy source to that of Victoria’s gas and electricity grid.
The bio-digester takes effluent directly from the dairy, processing it through a temperature regulated pipe network where methane is drawn and stored at various stages before releasing the effluent as a stable fertiliser. The bio-digester functions as a standalone unit completely off-grid relying on solar energy sources for operation.
Energy Efficiency at Reptile House (CP-RGO-153)
Student(s): Wei Yang Tai, Yuyi Phua, Zong Yuan Chuah
Reptiles are cold blooded animals that limit their physiological means of keeping the body temperature constant and often rely on external sources of heat. The Reptile House is a major user of natural gas which is used to heat hydronic hot water systems that circulate the reptile enclosures.
This project will investigate the current efficiency of the system and explore alternative technologies in heating water such as ground and air sourced heat pumps, solar hot water systems, and co-generation, with the aim of developing more efficient methods.
Hybrid UAV Development for Emergency Response (CP-CBU-155)
Student(s): Matthew De Bono, Shanon Loveridge, Alex Daraio, Wesley Lim
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (or UAVs/drones) are becoming more popular every day, and are finding widespread application from package delivery to defence. A relatively new application for drones is in emergency response and disaster relief, using unmanned aircraft to provide safe monitoring, deliver supplies, and collect data.
This project aims to develop a prototype autonomous aircraft with hybrid Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) - Fixed Wing flight capabilities. The aircraft will be capable of autonomous take-off and landing, flight planning, and object detection/avoidance, and will form the basis for the University of Melbourne's entry to the 2016 Outback Challenge.
Methods of Projectile Inference in a Tennis Computer Vision System (CP-DOE-152)
Student(s): Robert Chin
Robots are well developed to sense moving objects constrained to a single plane, but the complexity increases when the object is moving in three-dimensional space. For example, it is easier to teach a robot to catch a rolling ball than for a thrown ball.
This project will develop a methodology for robotic systems to sense and characterise the trajectory of a projectile, according to known physical models for projectile behaviour. This will be applied to a computer vision system for use in the sport of tennis, where ball velocity and spin conditions are estimated given footage of its flight path.
Miniature Supersonic Flow Facility for Demonstrating Principles of Compressible Flow (CP-NHU-151)
Student(s): Huan Wang, Rui Huang, Yan Wang
The compressible flow course conducted by The University of Melbourne currently does not involve a practical component. This is because the supersonic wind tunnel required in the practical component is only partially manufactured despite many of the components already being sourced.
This project will develop a miniature supersonic wind-tunnel and Schlieren imaging system with the purpose of demonstrating the core principles taught in MCEN90008. The aim of this project is to improve the quality of the facility by implementing specific instruments such as temperature, pressure and velocity measurements. In addition, the system is fully automated for computer control as well as the data and image acquisition.
Modelling of Flow Turbulence for Different Modifications to a Wind Tunnel (CP-CCH-151)
Student(s): Andrew Jian Song Yeap, Botian Zhu, Xiangzhe Xu, Li Onn Teh
Wind noise can severely disrupt communication via mobile phones, bluetooth headsets and hearing aids. One important and innovative area is the design of wind tunnels to generate a smooth, clean air flow in the laboratory, which is essential for understanding the nature of wind noise and developing and testing solutions to mitigate its effects. A standard design does not currently exist, and custom designs vary in their ability to generate a near-laminar flow with low levels of whistling or fan/motor noise.
Cirrus Logic’s Melbourne office is one of few locations in Australia (or the world) with such a wind tunnel. The project’s goals are to design a modification to the existing wind tunnel test outlet such that the flow across outlet cross-section is uniform, the cross-section of the outlet is larger and the flow velocity is increased at the outlet. These modifications will provide Cirrus Logic with greater flexibility and performance for future research.
Multicopter - Control & Data Transfer (CP-CBU-153)
Student(s): Daniel Candy, Prithu Parker
The multicopter project is an ongoing mechanical engineering project designing custom multicopters for a range of applications. This year, the focus is on data acquisition for fire safety, in the context of both urban fires and bushfires.
The Sensing and Data sub-team have two goals within this overall project. Firstly, to improve the quality of thermal and other imaging data that can be obtained during flight, whilst maximising the range over which this data can be transmitted in real-time. Secondly, to create a network of proximity sensors, and use this network to design a collision avoidance system. This will minimise the instance of collision with large objects such as debris or when flying in close quarters.
Muscle and Joint Loading Doing Assisted Upper Extremity Movements Performed with a Robotic Exoskeleton (CP-DAC-152)
Student(s): David Julian Monroy Cardenas, Dimas Antony Chacon Salas, Jhon Manuel Portella Delgado
Modern technology has involved Robotic assistance for rehabilitation. In fact, people who have suffered stroke, traumatic brain injuries or other neurological disorders are using ArmeoPower (rehabilitation exoskeleton). However, it is necessary to know the effectiveness of the robotic device in order to use it.
The objective is to sense and collect electrical activity data produced by skeletal muscles using electromyography (EMG), sensors are located in appropriate upper limb muscles from a volunteers group. Then, contrast the data collected from the electromyography with the data garnered directly from the ArmeoPower. Finally, analyse them to determine the effectiveness of the robotic device in the physiotherapy in upper limbs.
NI Autonomous Robotics in Logistics and Transportation (CP-YTA-151)
Student(s): Thomas Fitzmaurice, Asmar Amrahli, Adil Adilli, Savio Jude Pereira, Sharad Khanna, Sarfaraj Shahjahan
This robot will be entered in the 2015 National Instruments Robotics Competition (NI ARC), a student robotics competition designed to encourage development and innovation in the field of robotics. This year, there are 23 competing teams from 20 other universities in Australia and New Zealand.
Numerical Prediction of Anchor Ultimate Burial and Holding Capacity (CP-AOO-151)
Student(s): Luke Ryan
With the prominence of offshore structures in the oil and gas industry, there is a growing requirement for reliable mooring systems. Drag embedment anchors (DEAs) are branch of performance anchor that achieve holding capacity by embedding into the seabed. However, the holding capacity of anchors is difficult to predict.
The aim of this project is to reconcile a numerical approach to predicting ultimate burial and holding capacity of a DEA. Considering the properties of a DEA, anchor line, and soil, the burial depth may be numerically computed. The holding capacity is taken as the anchor line tension at this depth.
Open Bikes: Developing a Community Open Source Bike Share System (CP-JMO-152)
Student(s): Yibo Wang, Jianjun Li, Bokun Zhang, Bi Chong
Bike share systems have been widely applied in many countries such as Europe and China. However, bike share systems are yet to be widely utilised in Melbourne.
This project aims to develop a low cost prototype bike share system that can be manufactured and run in a limited experimental area: for example, the University of Melbourne, Melbourne CBD. The whole project will be divided into four parts (Bike Resources, Bike Design and Modification, Share System Model and Bicycle Maintenance System). The final experiment will run for a period of one month to collect user feedback and maintenance data.
Optimal Design of a PLC-Based Control System for Determination of Soil Thermal Properties (CP-LJE-151)
Student(s): Chu Ning Song, Thanh Tran, Runfeng Liu
The knowledge of underground thermal properties is essential in the design of borehole heat exchangers. The simplest and most precise way to measure these properties is by using a thermal response test (TRT).
This project will focus on designing the software controlling the operation and data gathering of a TRT rig using a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). The system controls water flow rate, heating, and regulation of a constant power supply input. Additional features also include remote access and control of the system, and/or data pre-processing on-board before transferring to a computer for analysis.
Optimisation of Underground Mine Design and Scheduling (CP-PGR-151)
Student(s): Cynthia Nuralim, Raynald Nugraha
The problem of scheduling the construction of a decline in an underground mine in the best way possible is of great practical importance to the mining industry as every minute spent in the construction determines the Net Present Value (NPV) of the mine itself. The main goal is to optimize the construction of these declines to eventually maximize the NPV itself and this would be done by evaluating the best practices of each process involved in the construction and further creating an optimal schedule incorporating these processes to achieve rapid construction.
The processes involved are drilling, blasting, cleaning (bogging), supporting, and ventilation. Drilling is a process of creating holes on any given face using a drilling equipment usually known as a Jumbo. These holes will be charged with explosion liquid in the blasting process using a charging vehicle. Once charged, the face is then destroyed and all the rocks as the result of the blasting process will then be cleaned out in the cleaning process or is usually known as bogging process. The cleaning process involves the use of Loaders (LHD) and trucks. Some of the rocks will be transported to the stockpile while some other rocks will be directly loaded to the truck in order to be transported to the waste dump. Eventually, at the end of cleaning process, all rocks will be cleaned out at the waste dump. Before drilling the next available face, the roof will need to be supported using a steel mesh and rock-bolts. As the above mentioned process is happening, ventilation needs to be considered since these processes will generate a toxic fume that needs to be cleared out. In conclusion, optimizing the scheduling of decline construction requires one to be ‘smart’ (e.g. activities happening in parallel), while still employing the best practices in each process.
Path Planning and Control of Underactuated Mechanisms (CP-DOE-153)
Student(s): Jonathon Harms
There exist situations in which we require a dynamic system to exhibit a desired behaviour, such as getting a bipedal robot to walk. For some mechanisms this is difficult because we do not have full control over the mechanism. This is known as underactuation.
This project explores the use of Rapidly Exploring Random Trees (RRT’s) as a method of path planning for underactuated systems. Some subtle but powerful changes to existing algorithms are proposed along with control strategies for following the path. These algorithms are explored using both simulations and a physical test platform.
Phoenix Multicopter - Propulsion (CP-CBU-154)
Student(s): Mehmet Ata, Kevin Dow, Mohammad Afif Mohd Norzal
Propulsion sub-team for the Phoenix multicopter, which is a UAV, designed in collaboration with the MFB, to aid fire and rescue services in the line of duty. The aim will be to maximise flight time of the multicopter via thrust and vibration testing on a test rig built during the year. Additionally, investigating the feasibility of a concave motor and propeller configuration to increase stability during landing and take-off, to minimise the chances of crashing.
Phoenix Multicopter - Airframe (CP-CBU-152)
Student(s): Serina Gill, Geoff Bullen
Multicopters have many functions in society today including aerial photography, field mapping, surveying and thermal imaging. They have the potential to change the face of many industries. However, a major drawback is insufficient flight time and the reason why they have not been utilised to their fullest.
This project aims to increase the flight time of the Phoenix multicopter by implementing simple aerodynamic principles in an effort to reduce the overall drag. This will be achieved by custom building the external structure with the goals of reduced surface area, lightweight, integrated payload, and simple deployment.
Quantifying the Influence of Bio-Fouling on Ship Performance: Underwater Surface Scanner for Hull Inspection (CP-NHU-152)
Student(s): Xiaoxi Liu, Yanxiang Huang, Dan Liu, Usman Gohar
Biofouling is the build-up of tiny creatures which usually grow on wetted surfaces like ship hulls. It can largely increase surface roughness and drag force; drag differences can reach 60%. As a result, more fuel is consumed and billions of dollars are spent on solving this problem each year.
This project aims to develop a 3D scanner which can scan a ship's hull underwater. Using a combined method of Stereo Photogrammetry and Structured Light Scanning, the resultant image should meet a minimum accuracy of 0.1mm and clearly show the biofouling height.
Reading and Interpreting Engineering Drawings (CP-CBU-156)
Student(s): Sheng Chen, Kinshuk, Jiabin Wang
Engineering drawing is an important graphical language which delivers ideas and information that can fully and clearly define requirements for engineered items.
This project aims to improve student ability in reading and interpreting engineering drawings with a specific focus on spatial visualization problem solving abilities – the ability to manipulate an object in an imaginary 3D space. This can be achieved by incorporating physical artefacts, 3D solid modelling and conventional engineering drawings into the engineering learning process in place of other course material.
Realtime Motion Capture of Facial Expression for Live Animatronic Performances (CP-DOE-151)
Student(s): Nick Mulder
This project is nominally based on capturing raw position data of facial markers from an actors' face and the application of that data in live animatronic performances. More interestingly, the goal of optimizing the use of this data is addressed - that is, within the restrictive and yet evolving factors currently involved in animatronic technology.
Through the use of machine learning techniques the project develops a process of extracting the ‘emotive intent’ from the facial data. In doing so, the project affords animatronics practitioners a new level of abstraction and potential methodology in both development and performance environments.
Redesign of 4 Plug Cementing System (CP-ASM-153)
Student(s): Nathan Hodgson
One of the most important steps of drilling an oil or gas well is the cementing of the steel tubular casing. For the deeper stages of the well this may require the use of a 4 plug cementing system, which seals the cement from mixing with drilling fluids (lubricants, etc) and ensures the cement reaches its target location intact.
Today’s drilling and economic climate is demanding more flexible tools that have the ability to decrease cost of drilling through newer attributes which were, in the past, mostly seen as impossibilities. The project serves to cater for these demands through a redesign of the 4 plug cementing system for ‘Baker Hughes Inc.’.
RoboCup@Home (CP-DOE-156)
Student(s): Lingfeng Bian, Wenkai Cao, Marcus Grahn, James Snibson
Apart from the industry, people also require robotics in domestic use, one example being the increasing need of carers for elderly people and children. This project focuses on the development of software to control a robot, which is expected to complete a defined set of housekeeping tasks in a home environment.
This project will use the pre-existing robot platform called Baxter Research Robot developed by Rethink Robotics. The project team aims to achieve two major objectives. The first objective is to perform coordinated dual arm manipulation in order to lift a tray and move it in a plane. The second objective is to make the robot capable of keeping an object balanced on the tray, in the presence of external disturbances.
Single Incision Surgical Robot (CP-DOE-157)
Student(s): Meshak Bain, Sixu Fang, Hang Gu, Chang Jin Yen
Current automated laparoscopic surgical systems usually require multiple incisions for triangulating surgical instruments. The project aims to develop a single incision system utilizing magnetic coupling. Magnetic coupling allows non-contact power transmission through the abdominal wall thus enabling self-contained surgical robots.
This modular design maintains access of the incision point thus more modules can be inserted without additional incisions. This system potentially minimises trauma for the patients and allows more accurate surgical operations. Existing magnetically coupled surgical robots have limited degrees of freedom; another objective is to further the research by developing a robot with multiple degrees of freedom in an innovative design.
The Effect of Changes in Prosthetic Length on Muscle and Joint Functioning Transfemoral Amputees (CP-DAC-151)
Student(s): Edbert Limen, Ishank Narula
Transfemoral amputation (amputation between knee and hip) is characterised by loss of muscle in the thigh area, loss of knee joint and ankle joint leading to asymmetric gait, chronic lower back and hip pain, and lumbar scoliosis. Vascular diseases, trauma, infection and tumours are major causes for this type of amputation.
The current study will combine three-dimensional gait analysis and musculoskeletal modelling to quantify the effects of changes in prosthesis length on gait pattern of transfemoral amputees and provide an insight to improve their gait.
TLC Scanner (CP-RRA-151)
Student(s): Leonidas Skopilianos, Stefan Palatsides
In the production of flurodeoxyglucose used for PET scans, a common quality control procedure is to use thin layer chromatography to separate the individual molecules in a possible mixture.
The project explores the creation of a more user-friendly and economical scanner that linearly probes the chromatography strip across its length for radiation spectrums. This data is then used to confirm if it is indeed a pure FDG product, and if it is the appropriate radioisotope of Fluorine. This device is pivotal in the safe production of flurodeoxyglucose.
Understand and Optimise Pump Efficiencies at Wild Sea (CP-DCH-151)
Student(s): Chan-Yew Chang, Dionne D'Silva, Karlo Julian, Tracey Tran
The “Wild Sea” exhibit at the Melbourne Zoo has been designed to mimic the environmental conditions at Port Philip Bay. It is the zoo's largest exhibit and showcases the animal inhabitants of Victoria’s coast and ocean.
The exhibit’s pump system currently uses a third of the zoo’s energy consumption and zoos in Victoria wish to find methods to reduce this. This project focuses on finding ways to increase the efficiency of the overall system, keeping the welfare of the animals and sustainability issues in mind.
Understanding Sound Generation in Gas Turbine Combustors (CP-MTA-153)
Student(s): Dinesh Kumar Baboo
Gas turbines play an important role in areas such as electricity production and transportation. Reducing the fuel consumption and emission produced in these devices is therefore a central area of research.
LNGT combustors are susceptible to a phenomenon known as thermoacoustic instability. This significant but poorly understood problem is usually initiated due to sound generated by the turbulent flame inside the combustor. This phenomenon can lead to failure of the combustor in extreme cases. The aim of this project is to identify important flame parameters of different fuels for a range of equivalence ratios under conditions relevant to gas turbine combustors using Chemkin.
Yarra Trams: Wheel Flange Lubrication System Design for Citadis Trams (CP-MTA-154)
Student(s): James Berezdecky, Benjamin Kaufman, Bluest Lan, Sha Sha
A sound which all Melburnians are familiar with is the screeching of a tram’s wheels as it rounds a corner. By lubricating the flange of a tram wheel, we can significantly reduce the noise, friction and wheel wear produced as the tram turns.
This project seeks to improve the efficacy and reliability of the wheel flange lubrication system previously implemented on Yarra Trams’ C1 class fleet to increase wheel life. In order to achieve this, improvements to the design of the controller, tube holder bracket, pump and compressor in place on the current design will be investigated.