Research projects designed to impress

Thursday, 23 October 2008

What do hand dryers, sprinklers, eco trikes and travel briefcases have in common? Design problems, apparently.

University of Adelaide final-year Mechanical Engineering students have put their heads together to come up with some innovative solutions to these and many other design challenges in their annual project exhibition, which is being held at Wayville Showgrounds tomorrow.

A total of 44 group projects from approximately 200 students will be on display, showcasing the skills and ingenuity of the State's finest engineering young talent.

Twenty five industry representatives from all over Australia have also volunteered their services for the day to judge students and their exhibits and get a first hand look at new and exciting ideas.

The projects deal with both research and design problems that have a direct link with industry and application in the real world. They include:

• a stress analysis model to help predict bone strength and reduce healing time of fractures;
  
• new designs for wind turbines for use in an urban environment;
  
• a feasibility study of renewable energy plants (geothermal and solar) in a test case town (Coober Pedy);
  
• an innovative new hand dryer design for public toilets, which is more efficient and less noisy;
  
• the construction of a small formula style racing car;
  
• a wing-borne hydrofoil (the ultimate sailing craft);
  
• a cost-effective home sprinkler system for use in rural and remote areas;
  
• a bio-fuel powered motor trike;
  
• a premium travel briefcase which incorporates some outstanding electronic features

Acting Head of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Adelaide, Associate Professor Bassam Dally, said the projects illustrate the depth of student talent and provide a visual reminder of the hard work that students have undertaken in their final year.

"Most of these projects represent in excess of 300 hours of work per student and deal with topics ranging from systems analysis and design to experimental investigations of fundamental research problems. On a number of occasions in the past, student solutions have led to patented systems," he said.

WHAT: Mechanical Engineering Level IV Student Project Exhibition
WHERE: Ridley Pavilion, Wayville Showground
WHEN: 8.30am-5pm, Friday 24 October
COST: Free entry and parking - via Leader Street

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