DCU-Final-Year-Projects-Booklet-2025

82 150. Design andManufacture of aDemonstration Rig Showcasing External Power Skiving of a Gear This project focuses on the design and development of a demonstration rig to showcase the innovative modern gear manufacturingmethod known as power skiving. Power skiving utilises synchronised, rotational, continuous cutting and the meshing properties of gears to efficiently and accurately produce internal and external tooth profiles. The objective is to design andmanufacture a slow-speed demonstration rig that illustrates the fundamental cuttingmechanics and phases of motion inherent to this process. This project contributes to the understanding and educational dissemination of advanced gear manufacturing techniques, combining relevant background theory with a visual demonstration. Student Programme Mechanical andManufacturing Engineering (Year 4) Project Area 3-DModelling, LeanManufacturing, Mechanical Design andManufacture Project Technology Solidworks Student Name(s) Jamie Smyth Email Jamie.smyth27@mail.dcu.ie Supervisor Dr Tamas Szecsi 151. Reviewing Injectable Polysaccharide BasedDouble Network Hydrogels with Safe Biocompatible Chemistries This project investigates the use of polysaccharide-based injectable double network hydrogels, which have various applications in tissue engineering and cartilage repair. The research reviews the impact of crosslinkingmethods and polysaccharide compositions on the mechanical properties of these hydrogels, with a focus on swelling behaviour, compressive strength, and tensile properties. The study aims to replicate an experiment involving a one-pot synthesis of a PNIPAAM/SodiumAlginate hydrogel, and, if successful, will develop an interpenetrating network of PNIPAAM/EnduraGel, a novel alginate-based hydrogel. The PNIPAAM/EnduraGel hydrogel will be assessed through mechanical testing. The findings aim to advance the design of hydrogels with enhancedmechanical properties for clinical applications. Student Programme Biomedical Engineering (Year 5) Project Area AdvancedMaterial Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Data Analytics, Tissue Engineering, Materials Testing Project Technology Bioprocessing Student Name(s) Eoin Brooks Email eoin.brooks4@mail.dcu.ie Supervisor Dr Owen Clarkin 152. The LCA of District Heating Systems in Ireland This project investigates the environmental impact of different district heating systems in Ireland through a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA). Using the existing Tallaght District Heating Systemas a case study, the project evaluates supply options tomeet similar thermal demands. The study compares natural gas cogeneration, biogas cogeneration, and natural gas/biomass boilers as potential solutions. HOMER Pro software identifies the optimal solution based on emissions and cost. SimaPro LCA software, adhering to ISO 14040 standards, is then used to assess the impacts of these supply options froma cradle-to-grave perspective. The study aims to identify sustainable and cost-effective heating solutions to support Ireland’s transition to low-carbon energy systems. Student Programme Mechanical and Sustainability Engineering (Year 5) Project Area Life Cycle Assessment Project Technology SimaPro, HOMER Pro Student Name(s) Sean O’Brien Email sean.obrien254@mail.dcu.ie Supervisor Dr Reihaneh Aghamolaei