|
|||||||||||||||||||
Research Groups and Centres | Postgraduate Research Degrees | Research Report
The following are the Mechanical Engineering Research Groups and Centres in the School:
Director: Professor Gerald Byrne, BSc(Eng) (Dub), MSc, MA (Dub), Dr-Ing, (TUBerlin), FREng, FIAE, FSME, CEng, EurIng, FIEI, FIMechE, FIEE, Hon M VDI, MASME
The AMS Group is working in the area of advanced manufacturing processes and surface engineering. The objective of the group is to develop reliable and reproducible manufacturing processes such that engineering surfaces of a defined integrity can be economically produced in a clean environment. The sensors and algorithms for process and tool condition monitoring are also under investigation. Link to AMS Web Site: http://www.ucd.ie/mecheng/ams/
Director: David FitzPatrick, BA, BAI, DPhil
The Centre is concerned with academic research into biomaterials and biomechanics. Of particular interest are orthopaedic devices, bone cements, bioceramics, life time modelling of implantable prostheses. The activities also include the design and evaluation of new medical devices. The Centre has an interdisciplinary team of associates and researchers from the medical, dental, veterinary and biochemical areas.
Steering Committee: Professor G. Byrne, Dr. D. Browne, Dr. A.J. Carr, Dr. D. FitzPatrick, Professor Michael Gilchrist (Chairman), Mr. D. Hughes, A. Ivankovic
Centre Manager: Mr. Martin Hussey
Established in 2004, this new centre incorporates the former AMT (Advanced Manufacturing Technology) and Materials Ireland Research Centres. The Centre for Materials and Manufacturing is a centre of excellence in Manufacturing Technology, Systems Design and Operation, Metals Processing, Polymer Matrix Composites, Construction Materials, Precision Engineering and Bioengineering. It interfaces with Industry through collaborative research projects and by offering technology transfer services within its field of expertise. The Centre cooperates closely with the NOVA centre in the management and commercialisation of research. The Centre has initiated a number of new research projects within the past year and has spun-off an innovative start-up company in the field of aerospace inventory management. Further information can be obtained from the CMM website, www.ucd.ie/cmmweb
Director: D. J. Timoney, BE, MEngSc, PhD, CEng, FIEI, MSAE, CDipAF
This Centre acts as a focus for experimental and theoretical activities in the fields of Internal Combustion Engines, Fuels and Fuel Additives, Combined Heat and Power Systems, Power Station Efficiency Monitoring, Domestic and Industrial Water Heating Boilers, Compact Heat Exchangers, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning.
Director: Alun J. Carr, BSc (Newcastle), PhD (Newcastle), MIM
The Group is involved in work on designing, fabricating and testing a range of hard materials, particularly for wear and related applications. The Group is involved in fundamental studies of new nitride hardmetals; the fabrication of sialon-matrix composites; testing of coatings for biomedical and high-temperature applications; optimisation of the properties of RBSN; the effects of diamond grinding on the surface finish and strength of the ceramics and thermal fatigue of ceramics for automotive applications. Facilities include: powder milling and blending equipment; various furnaces for sintering in controlled atmospheres and air; a computer-controlled high-resolution Guinier X-ray diffractometer for phase analysis; a spiral path abrasive wear tester; hermal fatigue machines; high-resolution non-contacting laser profilometers for surface roughness analysis; various geometries of test evaluating modulus of rupture and fracture roughness. The Centre also collaborates closely with the Bioengineering Research Centre.
Director: David J. Browne, BE, MSc (Oxon), DPhil (Oxon), CEng, MIEI, MIM
The work of this Centre is concentrated primarily in the areas of process metallurgy and the numerical simulation of the industrial processing of metals to near net shape. Concentration is on the processing of liquid metals (casting) and on the plastic deformation (forming) of solid metals. Particular focus is on the computer modeling of microstructural evolution and natural convection during alloy solidification – the effects of gravity are being investigated for the European Space Agency, with a view to design of experiments to be carried out in microgravity conditions on board the International Space Station.
Director: Ian Cahill
The National Institute of Technology Management is the flagship organisation for technology management in Ireland. The Institute was established in 1997 with the support of Enterprise Ireland, as part of the Government’s initiative to develop innovation and transform Ireland into a Knowledge Based Economy. The mission of the NITM is to build the capability of Irish companies to successfully manage technology at the highest international level and to raise the profile of technology management nationally. Its specific role is to develop the technical entrepreneurs and professional managers of technology needed to place Irish companies at the competitive forefront. NITM pursues its mission by teaching, research, industry outreach and input to national policy. Professor G. Byrne is a member of the Executive Board of the NITM. Further information can be obtained from the NITM website, www.ucd.ie/nitm
Information on the postgraduate research degrees:
