Mechanical Engineering
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Multiscale nanocomposites and laminates reinforced by carbon nanotubes and fibres.
(2020)The addition of nanomaterials to conventional composites as reinforcement results in a new generation of composites, namely, multiscale composites. Multiscale composites comprise of reinforcements from two or more different ... -
Fused deposition modelling (FDM) to fabricate a transitional vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for transportation of medical supplies in underdeveloped areas.
(2020)This dissertation’s work has focused on the design and development of a prototype UAV that aims to facilitate the delivery of emergency medical aid supplies to remote locations within South Africa (SA). This research has ... -
The impact of disruptive technology on the manufacturing process, and productivity, in an advanced manufacturing environment.
(2022)Disruptive technology plays a critical role in the performance of mechatronic systems in an advanced manufacturing environment. Robots were used to perform pick and place task in a virtual manufacturing environment. ... -
Studying the feasibility of hydroprocessing used cooking oil into hydrogenation derived renewable diesel from local feedstock and catalyst.
(2021)Identifying and developing heterogeneous catalysts capable of mild-cracking used cooking oil (UCO) into hydrogenation-derived renewable diesel (HDRD) or green diesel production has posed a considerable challenge to ... -
Development and fabrication of functionally graded aluminium metal matrix composite for automobile component applications.
(2021)In recent times, interest in aluminium matrix composites (AMCs) have garnered traction over conventional aluminium alloys as the material of choice in the manufacturing of components for various engineering applications. ... -
Design, modeling and optimization of a seawater reverse osmosis desalination plant.
(2021)Potable water is one of the major needs for human, animals and plant survival. But recently, due to the growth in population and industrialization, fresh water shortage has escalated to alarming levels particularly in the ... -
Research, design and investigation of a multiple user mixed reality system.
(2021)Current forms of virtual technology are limited by their single-user capability per device. Additionally, these technologies are listed at expensive price ranges due to the robust technology and processing power required ... -
Effect of flexible supports on the frequencies of nanobeams with tip mass and axial load for applications in atomic force microscopy (AFM)
(2020)This aim of this investigation is to describe the mechanical performance of a beam (probe) used in dynamic atomic force microscopy (dAFM) which can be utilized in scanning the topographical features of biological samples ... -
Effects of pyrolyzed municipal solid waste feedstocks as energy sources for non-road diesel engine, combustion, performance and emissions characteristics using biodiesel blended ratios.
(2021)Biodiesel oil blending is not a new concept in the study of biofuels and production. Blending is a chemical process of two or more different feedstocks comingled in varying proportions in the production of a new oil or ... -
Preliminary design considerations for a commercial launch vehicle upper stage.
(2021)The African small satellite industry (micro and nano satellites in particular) continues to grow with developments in the miniaturization of satellite technology. However, the costs and delays involved with the traditional ... -
Optimization of energy conservation measures to improve efficiency in commercial buildings.
(2021)In addition to international energy concerns, South Africa is facing its own electricity generation challenges. Periodic load shedding leads to a decrease in national revenue as the production of goods and services comes ... -
Research, development and testing of brake pad materials from biomass-based nanocomposites.
(2021)Many variables affect braking systems in the automotive industry, including component geometry, brake materials, component interactions, and various operating conditions. The current research trend in the automotive industry ... -
Integrated low-cost reading device targeting the accessibility to quality education for the visually impaired.
(2021)The movement of society into the Fourth Industrial Revolution introduces a fundamental shift in how Mechatronic devices are implemented in daily life and the workplace. Terms such as ‘efficiency’ and ‘competitive advantage’ ... -
CFD Modelling and performance evaluation of a forced convection mixed-mode solar grain dryer with a preheater.
(2021)Solar drying of agricultural food products as an art of food preservation has been in existence since the 17th century. In most tropical and subtropical countries, the drying process of harvested agricultural products such ... -
Computational fluid dynamic modelling of baffled open volumetric receiver operation.
(2020)An Open Volumetric Receiver (OVR) is a type of solar energy receiver that is able to heat atmospheric air volumetrically via a porous absorber exposed to concentrated solar radiation, through which the air flows. OVRs have ... -
Design and testing of a composite material for modelling wind turbine blade structures in tropical region.
(2018)Currently large wind turbine blades have been installed in several offshore and onshore wind farms around the world, particularly in the desert areas of North East Africa where wind turbine blades and nacelles are affected ... -
Low level task execution, programming and control for jigs, fixtures and equipment.
(2019)Abstract available in PDF.
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