DCU-Final-Year-Projects-Booklet-2025

105 219. Investigation into the Dose-RelatedMaterial Property Changes in the Stereolithographic Post-Curing Process This project examines howmaterial properties of three 3D-printed resins evolve with UV exposure to informapplication-specific post-curing processes and expand stereolithography application industries. The study highlights a gap in prior research on the intensity and wavelength measurement of UV chambers. 110 specimens per resin type were printed, UV-cured in varying doses, and subjected to tensile tests, hardness evaluation, and FTIR analysis. Preliminary findings suggest overcuring contributes to brittleness and shrinkage, with ANOVA analysis pinpointing optimal curing thresholds. The research aims to refine post-curing protocols for industry-wide adoption. Student Programme Mechanical andManufacturing Engineering (Year 5) Project Area AdditiveManufacturing, Statistical Analysis, Materials Testing Project Technology Excel/VB, R, Solidworks Student Name(s) Conor O’Leary Email conor.oleary38@mail.dcu.ie Supervisor Dr Harry Esmonde 220. An Investigative Study on the Use of Electromagnetic Variable Gears to Replace Wind Turbine Gearboxes This Master’s project aims to improve energy generation efficiency in wind turbines and reduce energy costs. It is proposed that the use of electromagnets in a gear systemwould allow continuous torque transfer while also eliminating friction. The inherent traits of electromagnets would lead to an adjustable number of “teeth” on a single gear. Amulti-gear system could then, hypothetically, be compressed into 2 gears. Initially, amathematical model is developed as a proof of concept, with further simulations involving Xcos and Solidworks software to back results. A design model is created on the basis of these results. A techno-economic analysis is also conducted to examine the long term cost benefits from reducedmaintenance and repair costs against that of a standardmechanical gearbox. Student Programme Mechanical andManufacturing Engineering (Year 5) Project Area 3-DModelling, Mechanical Design andManufacture, Mechatronic Systems, Motion Analysis, Renewable Energy Technology Project Technology Excel/VB, Scilab, Solidworks Student Name(s) AdamMurray Email adam.murray72@mail.dcu.ie Supervisor Dr Paul Young 221. Design, Build and Testing of a Vertical Axis Tidal StreamTurbine This project explores the design, build and testing of a small-scale 3D-printed vertical-axis tidal turbine. The purpose of the design is to produce the maximumpower possible based on the initial conditions given and the scale constraint of the model. Through research and QBlade, the main parameters that affect the power output including the chord size, blade height and radius of the rotor were selected. Once the parameters were chosen, the theoretical tip speed ratio, rotational speed, power, and torque outputs were calculated. The assembly and support structure were designed to withstand the weight and forces of the oncoming flow of water. All parts were assembled, and the model was able to be tested to verify the predicted values of rotational speed and output power. Student Programme Mechanical andManufacturing Engineering (Year 4) Project Area 3-DModelling, Mechanical Design andManufacture, Renewable Energy Technology Project Technology Solidworks, QBlade Student Name(s) NiamhMorgan Email niamh.morgan7@mail.dcu.ie Supervisor Dr Yan Delaure