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research
The
structural analysis and testing research at the Department of Mechanical
Engineering is focussed on undertaking structural endurance tests,
dynamic system response studies as well as static load tests on
materials and structures. The size of the laboratory, availability
of hydraulic facilities and various test equipment make it possible
to test relatively large structures, e.g. tank containers and semi-trailers.
These facilities are used in close cooperation with other areas
of expertise such as in composite materials and vibrations. All
the fields of expertise and research areas are driven by specific
commercial requirements of industry.
Group Members
Areas of expertise
Objectives
Contact
group members
Prof Gerhard Venter
Prof Wikus van Niekerk
Mr Kobus Van der Westhuizen
areas of expertise
- Structural
strength and stiffness evaluation to optimise the strength,
weight and design of structures.
- Strain gauge
and acceleration measurements to verify finite element model
predictions, and/or determine the input for stress and fatigue
calculations.
- Endurance
testing of structures to determine the operational life span,
investigate failure modes and investigate and suggest design
upgrades.
- Finite element
analysis to verify and optimise structural designs.
- Design,
analysis and small-scale manufacturing of composite material
components, panels and structures.
- Experimental
mechanics, such as photo-elasticity, to investigate the deformation
and mechanical stress of structures and components.
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objectives
- To equip
engineers with the necessary knowledge and skills to perform
advanced structural
measurements, analysis and design evaluation by making
them familiar with measuring equipment, analysis tools and
structural design fundamental concepts.
- To assist
South African companies to solve unique structural problems
and to be their partner in taking a new conceptual design to
a successful product in the market.
- To perform
research in materials and in specific the use of new materials
in present and new structural applications or products with
the end purpose of improving performance, efficiency, safety
or cost.
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Research
Projects:
Vehicle structures
- Vehicle
service loading and vehicle response due to these loads
- Alternative
materials for vehicle structures
- Design
optimisation of vehicle structures
Container
tank structures
- Design
and optimisation of container structures with specific reference
to structural life span.
- Testing
of the container tanks in static, dynamic and quasi-static
modes according to SABS specifications.
- Measurement
of service loads of containers
Applied control theory
- Service
load reconstruction with specific application to hydraulically
actuated systems.
- Composite
material structures.
- Design,
analysis and manufacturing of advanced carbon fibre and aluminium
honeycomb sandwich panels for satellite solar panels.
- Finite
element analysis and testing of composite material structures
for the aviation industry.
contact
Prof Gerhard Venter
Tel.: +27 (0)21 808 3560
Fax: +27 (0)21 808 4958
E-mail: gventer@sun.ac.za
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