FATIGUE AND QUAI-STATIC PERFORMANCE OF 3M VHB TAPE

106 Pages·2013·0.64 MB·English

by  Gerry Ring

Capstone Project D/HD Presentation Day Draft Only

Faculty of Engineering

And Information Technology

ABSTRACTS

CAPSTONE PROJECT PRESENTATIONS

Spring Semester 2013

Broadway Campus

th th
28 & 29 November 2013

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Capstone Project D/HD Presentation Day Draft Only
Numerical Investigation of Evolving Synthetic Jets in Laminar Separating Boundary -
(12cp)
Nigel Abernethy - A13-296

Supervisor: Guang Hong
Assessor: Phuoc Huynh
Major: Mechanical Engineering Major BE and BEDipEngPrac

Prior work has developed a three dimensional computational model of a flow field interacting
with a micro synthetic jet actuator (SJA) and laminar separation bubble. The large eddy
simulation (LES) reduction of the Navier-Stokes equations was adopted to model the fluid flow.
The LSB was invoked with the use of an adverse pressure gradient downstream of the SJA. The
model was developed to reflect prior experimental work conducted in a wind tunnel and shows
results that are consistent.

A study was conducted to examine the development of the vortices induced in the flow field by
the SJA in the region between the SJA and the onset of the LSB region. Previous work has
shown the effectiveness of the SJA is largely dependent on the forcing frequency of the SJA. In
this study various forcing frequencies where examined the area of LSB that remained intact
downstream of the LSB was measured and used to determine the most effective frequency.
Once the most effective forcing frequencies where identified the vortex growth was examined
via a number of methods. Vortex centerlines have been extracted from the fluid flow, along
with vector maps of the fluid flow and plots of boundary layer momentum and displacement
thickness.

Results show that vortices induced immediately downstream of the SJA are quickly damped,
however these early vortices induce secondary vortices in the fluid flow which interfere with the
development of the LSB. Quantitative analysis of the induced vortice strength and development
has been challenging.

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Capstone Project D/HD Presentation Day Draft Only
Blind Spot Detection System for the Application in Motorcycles Using Ultrasonic
Technology - (12cp)
Lukas Affolter - A13-100

Supervisor: Zenon Chaczko
Assessor: John Dartnall
Major: Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering Major BE and BEDipEngPrac

As fuel costs continue to rise more people are moving towards using motorbikes and bicycles
due to their fuel efficiency. This demands that more technology be developed to aid riders, as
has occurred in motor vehicles. This helps reduce deaths and serious injury making it safer for
the public to ride.

This project presents a simple solution to aid riders with the supervision of their blind spots,
without the need to take their eyes off the road to glance down at mirrors. The system works by
polling a range of sensors, primarily an ultrasonic rangefinder. The rangefinder works by
producing a high frequency sound wave that is echoed back to the device to detect and monitor
distances to other vehicles encroaching into the rider‟s lane.

The data received from the sensors by the device provides extra information that increases
awareness of the environment and surroundings, providing a safer journey. This data is analysed
by a microprocessor, which in turn acts upon algorithms, to determine what information is to be
displayed and in what manner. Finally the microprocessor communicates with the rider in the
form of lights, vibrating motors and also sounds to warn of changes in the rider‟s immediate
environment.

The device was tested and showed that the extra information received improved the rider‟s
awareness to the surrounding environment, overall improving the safety of the ride. The data
provided from the sensors successfully aided the rider without too much hindrance and in a non-
intrusive fashion, allowing the data to be absorbed.

Future development focuses on the full rider experience, with an emphasis on the Rider Body
Area Network (RBAN), that will store and record all information gathered. The RBAN will
assist in decisions made by the microprocessor, increasing the data gathered to make a more
informed decision.

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Capstone Project D/HD Presentation Day Draft Only
Control of a Grid-Connected Micro-Grid to Maintain Local Power Quality and Reduce
Effects of Renewable Generation Intermittency - (12cp)
Oscar Aitchison - A13-157

Supervisor: Jianguo Zhu
Assessor: Li Li
Major: Electrical Engineering Major BE and BEDipEngPrac

As the viability of distributed, renewable generation grows, we begin to see on the horizon a
significant change in the way we get our electrical energy. Rather than energy being generated
in large quantities from fossil fuel power plants and from there flowing down to the consumer,
in recent years a new model has been proposed where energy is both generated and used locally.
This concept is called the micro-grid. A micro-grid can be defined as a grouping of related loads
and sources (usually with some energy storage capability) that can be either wholly independent
of or supported by the larger distribution grid. The advantages of using this distributed approach
are many, however there is still far from a consensus as to the most efficient and viable way to
implement such a system.

This project proposes a model for the simulation and control of a “typical” grid-connected
micro-grid using PID control in a MATLAB/Simulink environment. The aim of this control is
to locally maintain power quality as well as optimise the interplay of renewable generation (PV,
wind) and energy storage modules. The project shows how this optimisation can result in a less
volatile load profile for the micro-grid as seen by the larger grid, which has many potential
benefits including increased stability and efficiency, possibly leading to a deferral or reduced
need for investment in distribution infrastructure in that area.

The project investigates a number of different electrical topologies and assesses their impacts on
efficiency and controllability. The viability of the proposed micro-grid (with control) in
currently existing NSW distribution infrastructure is also investigated. Finally the project
verifies the real world validity of the control algorithms developed in a simulation environment
by implementation in a micro-grid test bed facility run by the CSIRO Energy Centre in
Newcastle, NSW.

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Capstone Project D/HD Presentation Day Draft Only
Effect of Carbon Content, Strain and Heat Treatments on Corrosion Resistance of Steel in
Concrete (12cp)
Nicholas James Allan - A13-315

Supervisor: Kirk Vessalas
Assessor: Robert McLaughlan
Major: Civil Engineering

Steel is widely used in the construction industry as a reinforcing component in concrete to
provide enhanced tensile and flexural strength. Corrosion of steel continues to be a major
problem for industry with the CSIRO indicating the cost of corrosion in Australia lies
somewhere between 2 and 5% of GDP annually. To date most research in the area has assessed
the effects of external factors such as environmental conditions and how they influence the
corrosion of steel embedded in concrete. This report reviews the effects of carbon content in
composition, forming processes during manufacture and heat treatments to ascertain the effects
of internal factors on the rate of corrosion initiation and propagation.

Extensive literature review investigating the effects of carbon content, elasto-plastic strain and
heat treatments found that all three have a significant impact on the observed rates of corrosion.
The results of strain hardening processes were particularly compelling, finding that strain
induced martensite formation was a major factor influencing the rate of corrosion. As an
extension to this it was also found that various heat treatments which produced different
microstructures also had a noticeable effect on corrosion. Different morphologies were found to
produce varying numbers of anodic zones on the surface which further contributed to the rate of
corrosion.

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Capstone Project D/HD Presentation Day Draft Only
Renewable Energy - (12cp)
Mohammed Alotaishan - S13-060

Supervisor: Jafar Madadnia
Assessor: Khaled Chahine
Major: Mechanical Engineering Major BE and BEDipEngPrac

This thesis investigates the planned 12kW Straight Bladed Vertical Axis wind turbine for
Broadway Building (Building 11) that is still under construction. UTS purpose of installing this
wind turbine is to reduce the greenhouse emissions produced from the use of non-renewable
source of energy such as the grid. The greenhouse gases are harmful to our environment and
UTS is planning to reduce its grid use for electricity. Moreover, UTS target for Broadway
Building is to have a green star rating of at least 5 stars.

The wind turbine works on generating electricity from wind energy by converting wind energy
to Kinetic energy, which is absolutely environmentally friendly. In this thesis the VAWT is
analyzed in terms of its performance associated with Sydney wind speeds. The shortcomings of
this wind turbine are assessed and alternative design is proposed. However, there are some
concerns regarding the wind speeds in Sydney that are not sufficient for this VAWT to reach its
optimum electricity generation. As compared to horizontal axis wind turbines, the traditional
Straight Bladed Vertical Wind Turbine has shortcomings, which include poor start-up
performance, complex pitch control system and high cost. In addition, they have low utilization
of wind power due to their incapability to adjust the blade pitch angle for optimal operation.
These drawbacks limit their use in the wind power generation. To solve this shortcoming, this
thesis has proposed working solutions, specifically a magnetically suspended self-pitch SB-
VAWT. Compared to other wind turbines, the magnetic suspended self-pitch SB-VAWT
improves the overall utilization of wind power, the overall efficiency, and reduces the
production and maintenance cost. This wind turbine can also start by itself. This thesis begins
by introducing wind turbines in the first section. The second section provides literature on the
SB-VAWT and discusses the basic principle involved in magnetic suspension and self-pitch in a
SB-VAWT. Lastly, the analysis of the planned SB-VAWT for Broadway Building Is discussed
and a different design SB-VAWT is proposed.

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Capstone Project D/HD Presentation Day Draft Only
The Investigation of Passive Realkalisation of Carbonated Concrete in Reinforced
Concrete Bridge Structures - (12cp)
Dinith Amarasinghe - A13-172

Supervisor: Shami Nejadi
Assessor: Anne Gardner
Major: Civil Engineering Major BE and BEDipEngPrac

The corrosion of steel reinforcement due to carbonated concrete is a major issue that affects the
durability of a reinforced concrete bridge structure. It is a major concern to asset managers since
this form of premature deterioration can lead to major consequences such as severe structure
failure. This results in expensive repairs or premature decommissioning of the bridge structural.
Because of the severe implications that arise from this common form of premature deterioration,
solutions to mitigate corrosion damage must be found and implemented.

Once corrosion attack has started, it is imperative to apply preventative maintenance by using
available technology to mitigate the effect of corrosion attack so that it prevents further
deterioration of a bridge structure. Such technologies include migratory corrosion inhibiters,
cathodic protecting, protective coatings, chloride extraction and realkalisation. Of all the
available options available for the discontinuing of corrosion attack, passive realkalisation is the
most cost-effective solution, as it is cheap to produce and easy to apply. If proven effective,
passive realkalisation can be used on a much larger scale.

This project investigates and examines the performance of passive realkalisation used to inhibit
further deterioration from corrosion attack. Products have failed in the past due to its inability to
penetrate the concrete surface and reach the steel reinforcement. Two different passive
realkalisation products have been trialed: Xypex, and Penkal. Penkal uses a different approach
to other available coatings by incorporating hygroscopic materials to help the penetration of the
product. These two products have been applied on a reinforced bridge culvert located in
Sydney, New South Wales. The results from the first trial showed that there were no substantial
increases in the alkalinity of the carbonated concrete using the Xypex material. However the
Penkal paints were able to penetrate the full depth of the carbonated concrete. Two further trials
were completed testing the Penkal product. Promising results were obtained, indicating the
potential in restoring the alkalinity of reinforced concrete bridges and preventing further
corrosion damage. Therefore, there is a potential and promise to use passive realkalisation as a
lost-cost, yet very effective solution for combating carbonated induced corrosion.

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Capstone Project D/HD Presentation Day Draft Only
Development of Engineered Bamboo Methods and the Long Term Effect of Humidity -
(12cp)
Steven Anboussi - A13-173

Supervisor: Rijun Shrestha
Assessor: Emre Erkmen
Major: Civil Engineering Major BE and BEDipEngPrac

Extensive of natural resources from the industrial revolution and expanding populous had led to
the growing emphasis of the construction industry to incorporate sustainable materials. The „hot
topic‟ of sustainability drives construction industry to move towards a more environmentally
sustainable practice. The environmental impact that the construction life cycle generates from
the consumption of resources and energy, construction, operation and demolition is significant.
Selection of sustainable source of construction material such as timber is highly considered
within the industry due to its environmental beneficial properties. It possesses low embodied
energy in comparison to other construction materials, renewable and effective for carbon
storage, however, the major concern is that the supply is dwindling.

Considering these issues has led the industry leaders and researchers to embark and research
into use of new materials. Bamboo is one such material that could resolve these issues facing
the construction industry. Its properties are comparable to that of timber, and a tensile strength
which is similar to mild steel. The period of time for bamboo to reach maturity is approximately
eight times faster than that of timber and can act as a carbon sink. However, its current position
is that it is only used in minor construction and properties can be highly irregular from species
to species.

This paper explores a low cost production method of „engineered bamboo‟ that can be
implemented for structural use and tested so that it can be analogized between other
construction materials. The aim of the engineered bamboo beam is to overcome the
unfavourable characteristics of bamboo and reduce the variability in its structural properties.
Moreover, the paper examines the long term effects of humidity on engineered bamboo.

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Capstone Project D/HD Presentation Day Draft Only
Musculoskeletal Model for Seated Position - (12cp)
Marcelo Araya - A13-276

Supervisor: Jin Chen Ji
Assessor: Terry Brown
Major: Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering Major BE and BEDipEngPrac

This was an industry based project presented to the University of Technology Sydney by Futuris
which is a leading automotive interior manufacture and design company for many well known
worldwide companies such as GM Holden, Ford, Toyota, Tesla and Chery.
Futuris was looking to develop a musculoskeletal model to quantitatively evaluate interaction of
a given seat geometry and the virtual passenger for a number of dynamic seating scenarios in a
passenger car, which should also be used to calculate the optimum seating position of the user.

As the company does not have any model to analyse the musculoskeletal system at present, it
was advised that the project be approached with a clean slate and an open mind. This document
takes a practical and theoretical approach and is written for someone that has little or close to no
experience with digital human models and analysing seating positions. It is written to simulate a
process flow, starting off with basic information about human modeling and the components
that make human digital simulation such a viable technology to gain the information needed for
the project. Then continuing into more specific and detailed instructions on how the software
has been used in conjunction with theoretical science to gain accurate results.

One of the main goals of this project was to build towards developing a practical product that
could one day be used by customers to customize their personal optimum seating position for
their specific body dimensions and automotive type. The way this was approached was to show
how a mobile phone application could be developed from the model to find the users optimum
seating position.

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Capstone Project D/HD Presentation Day Draft Only
Low Cost Actively Controlled Passive Exoskeleton – Feasibility and Control - (12cp)
Mark Armin-Grimm - A13-241

Supervisor: Dikai Liu
Assessor: TBA (Kenneth Waldron not avail)
Major: Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering Major BE and BEDipEngPrac

Worldwide, millions of people suffer strokes every year and hundreds of thousands of people
live with neuromuscular conditions. Treatment of these conditions relies heavily on physical
therapy. There is a very real need in society to supplement the work of physical therapists while
maintaining the exactness of their prescription in and away from the clinic or hospital.

Rehabilitation robotics is an emerging technology the addresses this problem, exploiting
technology from a variety of other fields such as industrial robotics and aeronautical
engineering. Robotic exoskeletons are becoming very popular as a tool for rehabilitation by
providing assistance to weakened muscles or path guidance for daily tasks. Resistance training
is also prevalent in successful treatment of stroke patients and its suitability for treatment of
neuromuscular disorders is being researched extensively, which provides an alternate approach
to assistive rehabilitation. However, placing the human directly in contact with the robot poses
significant risk, which along with the high costs associated, inhibits the adoption and access to
these devices.

Traditionally robotic exoskeletons have been passive, mechanical with no control, or active,
using motors to apply torque at the joints. Development of an actively controlled passive
exoskeleton, with brakes to apply a resistive torque, addresses a divide between the two
traditional approaches. Implementing a braking system on the joints enables a resistance as
needed paradigm and, without powered mechanisms that may cause injury, it would be
inherently safe. Also, using low cost components would make the exoskeleton more accessible
however, generally denotes poor functionality that needs to be addressed.

This thesis aims to investigate the feasibility of a low cost, actively controlled passive
exoskeleton through development and testing of a control system applied to an existing
exoskeleton. Filtering tools and kinematic relationships are examined and a system model is
produced to describe both the control and the exoskeleton. Robot visualisation is established in
a Robot Operating System (ROS) framework. A prototype system that communicates with a
musculoskeletal model, and uses only two Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensors, is
developed. And finally through testing and experiments, recommendations for future
embodiments of the exoskeleton are presented

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