DCU-Final-Year-Projects-Booklet-2025

89 171. Study of the Thermal Stresses Due to Biofouling onMarine Power Cables This project investigates the thermal impact of Mytilus edulis (blue mussels) biofouling on offshore wind power cables using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models in ANSYS Fluent. Previous studies indicate that biofouling can increase cable temperatures, reducing their lifespan from40–60 years to just 7–30 years, with juvenile mussels posing the greatest risk due to their insulating properties. However, adult mussels, which have higher porosity, may enhance cooling by improving water circulation. This project builds on these findings to refine thermal models, ultimately supporting better design and maintenance of offshore energy systems. Student Programme Mechanical andManufacturing Engineering (Year 4) Project Area 3-DModelling, FluidMechanics, Thermodynamics Project Technology ANSYSWorkbench, Excel/VB, Solidworks Student Name(s) Erin Farina Email erin.farina2@mail.dcu.ie Supervisor Dr Yan Delaure 172. Investigating The Potential For Technological Aids In The Neurodivergent Work Force This project investigates the potential of technological aids to support subgroups of neurodivergent individuals who face challenges understanding emotions in text within professional environments. The study explores the difficulties these users encounter when interpreting tone, emotion, or intent in written communication, which can lead tomisunderstandings and workplace issues. To address these challenges, the project examines existing technologies such as emotion analysis, focusing on how they can be tailored tomeet the specific needs of neurodivergent users. A prototype is developed that integrates natural language processing (NLP) techniques and user-friendly visual cues to enhance text comprehension. By incorporating feedback from these individuals, the solution aims to improve clarity and confidence in written communication. Student Programme Computing for Business Project Area Natural Language Processing, Web Application Project Technology CSS, HTML5, Python Student Name(s) Alex JamesWalker  |  Sarah Rooney Email alex.walker3@mail.dcu.ie  |  sarah.rooney38@mail.dcu.ie Supervisor Dr Brian Davis 173. Paragon Engine Paragon Engine is a game engine developed for game creation. This fully customisable project is written in Java and utilises OpenGL. The engine offers native scripting support for Python. What sets this engine apart is its focus on specialised games designed to run in a 2D environment. It provides game developers with all the tools needed for game creation, offering precise control over the game environment, networking, and extensive scripting capabilities to accommodate different game styles. With its simple GUI, the engine has a low barrier to entry, making game development accessible to beginners. Game developers using our engine can craft compelling stories through their games or create re-playable, arcade-style games such as Snake. Student Programme Computer Science Project Area Gaming, Graphics Project Technology Java, OpenGL, Python Student Name(s) Ugnius Packevicius  |  SamMurphy Email ugnius.packevicius2@mail.dcu.ie   |  sam.murphy385@mail.dcu.ie Supervisor Dr GrahamHealy