Gareth Erfort
Lecturer and PhD student
“FSI to reduce torque ripple in Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT)”
An attempt to alter the blade shape during operation in an effort to control its aerodynamic properties. Thus controlling the forces at play. This is to reduce the torque fluctuations commonly experienced by VAWTS.
Previous studies: University of Cape Town
Worked for: The CSIR while completing his MSc. Then worked abroad for 3 years in a civil engineering company. Returned to start PhD at Stellenbosch in the field of computational fluid dynamics and am now a full-time lecturer in the M&M department.
E-mail: erfort@sun.ac.za
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Yaseen Kajee
Junior lecturer and PhD student
Project to be determined
Previous studies: MScEng, University of Cape Town, South Africa. (Thesis: “The biomechanics of the human tongue”)
Originally from: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Future: Research interests in Biomechanics, Finite Element Analysis, Astronomy
E-mail: ykajee@sun.ac.za
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Charles Jekel
PhD Student
“Surrogate-based inverse analysis and optimization of non-linear material parameters”
PVC-coated polyester is a very difficult material to model with the finite element method. The goal of this project is to generate a representative model capable of modeling the non-linear behavior of PVC-coated polyester. Surrogate models can be used in order to quickly determine a representative model from experimental data.
Interests: Numerical modeling, optimization, surrogate models, inflatable structures
Previous studies: BSc Mechanical Engineering 2013, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, USA; MEng Research (Mechanical) 2016, Stellenbosch University.
Originally from: United States of America
Publications: dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruct.2016.11.019 and dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00158-016-1456-8
E-mail: 18633609@sun.ac.za
Website: http://jekel.me
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David Ellis
PhD student
“Generative Design Procedure for Embedding Complex Behaviour in Pneumatic Soft Robots”
Attempting to devise a new procedure which can better explore the design space available to pneumatically actuated soft silicone robots. This investigation involves automating the process whereby design simulations can be set up for nonlinear FE analyses without any user interference. For the preliminary attempt a 2D environment is chosen.
Previous studies: BEng(Mechanical), Stellenbosch University, 2014. MEng(Mechanical), Stellenbosch University, 2017 (Thesis: “Mechanical Characterisation for Simplified Response Modelling of Woven Polypropylene”)
Originally from: Springbok, Northern Cape, South Africa
Publications: Ellis, D.R., Venter, M.P., Venter, G. Methodology for the mechanical characterisation of uncoated woven polymer textiles. 10th South African conference on Computational and Applied Mechanics, North West, South Africa, SA Assoc for Computational and Applied Mechanics (SAAM) 2016: 1-10.
E-mail: 16425103@sun.ac.za
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Johan N. Stander
PhD student (Part-time)
“Multi-disciplinary design optimisation of a slip-synchronous permanent magnet generator for wind energy conversion systems”
The application of multi-disciplinary design optimisation techniques in the field of electrical machine design. The electrical machine in question (SS-PMG) is a fusion of an induction machine with a synchronous machine.
Previous studies: MEng Research (Mechanical) Stellenbosch University (Thesis: “ Specification of a small commercial wind turbine for the South African Antarctic Base, SANEA IV”)
Originally from: George, Western Cape, South Africa
Working at: CSIR – Energy Initiative Centre – specialising in Wind Energy Technologies (www.csir.co.za/csir-energy-centre)
E-mail: jstander@sun.ac.za
Publications:
- Title: Review of direct-drive radial flux wind turbine generator mechanical design
Link: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/we.484/full
- Title: Analytic modelling and optimization of slip synchronous permanent magnet wind turbine generator topologies
Link: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/we.1756/abstract
- Title: High fidelity multidisciplinary design optimisation of an electromagnetic device
Link: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00158-015-1375-0
- Title: Structural mass reduction by integrating active material in direct drive generator design
Link: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00158-015-1243-y
Patents:
- Title: Split permanent magnet machine
Link: https://www.google.com/patents/EP2601732A1?cl=en
- Title: Machine with two co-axial rotors
- Title: A coil for an induction machine and an induction machine comprising such coil
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Mari Hanekom
MEng Research (Mechanical) Student
“Modelling the true loads on a train bogie”
Modelling the true loads on a train bogie in order to enable the optimisation of its design and the determination of its fatigue life.
Previous studies: BEng (Mechanical), Stellenbosch University, 2017
Originally from: Moorreesburg, Western Cape, South Africa
E-mail: 18249450@sun.ac.za
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Francè Bresler
MEng Research (Mechanical) Student
“Characterisation of cardiovascular tissue through the Finite Element Method”
Previous studies: BEng (Mechanical), University of Pretoria, 2017
Originally from: Bronkhorstspruit, Gauteng, South Africa
E-mail: 18537995@sun.ac.za
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Alex Ham
MEng Research (Mechanical) Student
“Investigation and Design of Profile Morphing Hydrofoils”
Attempting to design a hydrofoil with the ability to morph profile shapes, from symmetric to asymmetric profiles, for use on a sailing vessel. This investigation involves CFD; to first determine target profile shapes, FEM; to design a structure and actuation mechanism to achieve the desired results and finally practical towing tank and real-world testing.
Previous studies: BEng(Mechanical), Stellenbosch University, 2017
Originally from: Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
E-mail: 17502233@sun.ac.za
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Bradley Bezuidenhout
MEng Research (Mechanical) Student
“Design for an Inflatable Aerofoil”
Previous studies: BEng(Mechanical), Stellenbosch University, 2017
Originally from: Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa
E-mail: 18182607@sun.ac.za
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Sung bok Chung
MEng Research Student
“Design of a computer fan using sound quality metrics”
Previous studies: BEng(Mechatronic), Stellenbosch University, 2017
Originally from: South Korea
E-mail: 18507522@sun.ac.za
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Han Vegter
MEng Research (Mechatronic) Student
“Design of a biomimetic soft robot capable of salamander-like locomotion”
Combining rigid and flexible materials to design and build a soft robot that mimics the locomotion of a salamander.
Previous studies: BEng(Mechatronic), Stellenbosch University, 2017
Originally from: Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
E-mail: 17864623@sun.ac.za
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Jeandré van Zyl
MEng Research (Mechanical) Student
“Design and development of a morphing airfoil utilizing flexible materials”
The project will investigate how flexible materials can be used to develop an airfoil that can change its shape during operation (in order to change its aerodynamic properties).
Previous studies: BEng(Mechanical), Stellenbosch University, 2017
Originally from: Strand, Western Cape, South Africa
E-mail: 18450903@sun.ac.za
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Eugene Jacobs
MEng Research (Mechanical) Student
“Modelling the true loads of a truck chassis”
Previous studies: BEng(Mechanical), Stellenbosch University, 2017
Originally from: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
E-mail: 18214177@sun.ac.za