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Completed Projects

Recently Completed Projects

Other Completed Projects


High velocity mist jet cooling of machining processes: Improving the environmental impact of metal cutting


Project Coordinator(s)
Prof Andrew Torrance
Dr Garret O'Donnell

Research Students
Mr A. Bareggi

Funding Body
Science Foundation Ireland



Design and manufacture of a novel heat pipe-based hydronic heating system

Project Coordinators
Dr Garret O'Donnell
Dr Tony Robinson

Research Staff
Mr Kevin Kerrigan

Description
The research involves optimizing a novel heat exchanger design which incorporates heat pipe technology to transfer heat energy into a household room in a more efficient manner than current designs.  Such an optimization is undertaken from both a thermal and ‘Design for Manufacture’ DFM perspective, in order to ensure that the potential for commercialization is maximized upon completion of the design. The thermal optimization involves researching radiation and forced and natural convection of finned tube geometries in order to develop a design tool with which to investigate various configurations and geometric parameters.  The DFM optimization involves the application of DFM principles on an ongoing basis, as well as analysis of various designs from a manufacturing and assembly view point.  The research incorporates computational heat transfer tools, design prototyping via both 3D CAD Modelling tools and physical models, rig building, Prototype testing and commercial assembly.

Other research interests: Machining processes and biomedical devices

Funding Body
Enterprise Ireland



Investigation the microform rolling process through experimental and FEA approaches

Project Coordinator
Prof John Monaghan

Research Students
Mr P. Ashmore

Description
This project involves analysing the affect different tool geometries have on the workpiece during the micro-form rolling process and the defects that occur in the workpiece as a result of the tooling. Experimental work is carried out on an EWM AF3 thread rolling machine and FEA work on DEFORM 3D.

Funding Body
Industry



Analytical modelling and experimental investigations into the use of metallic foams

Project Coordinator
Prof John Monaghan

Research Students
Mr R. Thackaberry

Description
A combination of both compression and indentation tests will be performed on Aluminium foams of varying densities. The results of these tests will then be compared with those obtained by FEA simulations in an effort to validate the computer model.

Funding Body
Industry



Investigation of the toughness of polymer-clay nanocomposites for plastics recycling

Project Coordinator
Dr Biqiong Chen

Research Students
Ms Oana Istrate

Funding Body
EPA



Biodegradable polymer nanocomposites

Project Coordinator
Dr Biqiong Chen

Research Staff
Ms Emer Walsh



Biopolymer-matrix composites

Project Coordinator
Dr Biqiong Chen

Research Staff
Mr Shuo Liu

Funding Body
TCD



Analysis of acoustic emission signals from a micro-drilling process

Project Coordinator
Dr Garret O'Donnell

Research Staff
Mr Donal Lynch

Description
This research project involves the processing and analysis of acoustic emission signals from micro machining processes using frequency analysis and wavelets.



Investigation of energy efficiency in polymer processing

Project Coordinator
Dr Garret O'Donnell

Research Staff
Mr Peadar Golden

Description
The polymer processing sector is coming under increasing pressure to reduce energy due to the rise in energy and raw material costs, unstable oil prices, the rapid economic growth of China and India, and increasing EU legislations. The main problem however, is that there are no points of reference to use in order to optimise energy usage in the polymer processing sector. This research will address this issue by undertaking a systems analysis of the polymer process of blow moulding, developing a methodology/model for decision support in order to optimise energy usage.

Funding Body
Irish Environmental Protection Agency



Development of in-process quality monitoring system for abrasive material removal processes

Project Coordinator
Dr Garret O'Donnell

Research Students
Ms Emma Brazel

Description
As Irish based industry faces an increasingly competitive environment, companies are forced to consider reducing process chains by including process measurement within machines where possible. Using a combination of in-line measurement including power monitoring, this research work aims to develop a robust process monitoring methodology for abrasive machining in the biomedical implant sector.

Funding Body
IRCSET Enterprise Partnership Scheme with DePuy, a Johnson & Johnson Company



Characterisation and optimisation of energy efficiency in hybrid discrete and continuous manufacturing operations

Project Coordinator
Dr Garret O'Donnell

Research Staff
Mr Giovanni Borza

Description
The research involves the implementation and use of an energy management system for an Irish based Bioengineering plant. The aim is to develop a methodology for measuring and characterising energy usage in combined continuous and discrete manufacturing processes.

Funding Body
IRCSET Enterprise Partnership Scheme with DePuy, a Johnson & Johnson Company



Monitor and control during machining of polymers

Project Coordinator
Dr Garret O'Donnell

Research Students
Ms Dorota Skupinska

Description
The current research work challenges the case of optimal cutting conditions and surface quality during machining of composites and polymers. Other research includes Tool Condition Monitoring systems and sensor technology.



Layer-by-layer assembly of novel bone-mimetic hybrid membranes

Project Coordinator
Dr Biqiong Chen

Research Staff
Dr Chaoying Wan

Funding Body
EU FP7