Analysing a design and technology development framework through the implementation of a prototype composite vehicle suspension system
- Hurter, Warren, Janse van Rensburg, Nickey, Madyira, Daniel, Turner, Cameron, Fukuda, Shuichi
- Authors: Hurter, Warren , Janse van Rensburg, Nickey , Madyira, Daniel , Turner, Cameron , Fukuda, Shuichi
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/124115 , uj:20876 , Citation: Hurter, W. 2016. Analysing a design and technology development framework through the implementation of a prototype composite vehicle suspension system.
- Description: Abstract: A uniquely configured vehicle suspension system, manufactured primarily of lightweight composite materials, is required for the University of Johannesburg’s Solar Powered race vehicle. For this design to reach successful completion, an assessment framework is needed that would scrutinise and analyse every phase of the development. Therefore, the focus is on the design and development of a prototype composite vehicle suspension system and the framework implemented to control the research and development process. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), as well as Departments of Defence and Energy in the United States of America, have established a technology assessment model known as a “Technology Readiness Assessment” (TRA). The purpose of this assessment model is to identify those elements and processes of technology development that are considered critical to ensuring the intended operation of the system is reached, and ultimately that the project is a success. The Technology Readiness Assessment (TRA) can be viewed as an expansion on the scientific method, with an hypothesis tested and communicated results then taken further to be implemented on a demonstration platform and final system [10]. The TRA assessment comprises of various technology readiness levels (TRL), which are an indication of the progress level or maturity of a technology element, with the TRL scale ranging from 1 (basic principles observed) through to 9 (the total system has been used successfully in project operations). Beginning with the lowest level of technology readiness (TRL 1), the problem background will be summarised, and design requirements as well as parameters formulated based on both design goals and competitive platform safety regulations for a new vehicle suspension design. This is followed by a literature review focusing on suspension, steering and braking design theory as well as advanced composites. Once the relevant theory and summarised design requirements are in place, the design concepts can be generated and finalised based on these requirements, which will allow for the eventual complete computer aided design (CAD) model of the system to be created. This constitutes a TRL 2 level assessment, with the primary deliverable being a complete CAD model and the identification of critical technology elements or “at risk” design elements that require further investigation and validation prior to their respective inclusion in the final system. These “at risk” elements will then form the basis of the experimental programme. For the various composite components required in the lightweight suspension system, the TRL 3 assessment has been modified to incorporate the development of manufacturing processes. In primarily making use of a resin infusion composite processing technique, an accurate and repeatable procedure is needed for component development and in order to create samples required for laboratory scale and relevant environmental testing. Laboratory scale testing (TRL 4) comprises of three experiments based on known ISO and ASTM standards, while relevant environmental (inservice application) experiments (TRL 5) comprises of four designed static load tests for component validation. Once the “at risk” components have been validated, they are integrated into the final assembly, in preparation for static system evaluation (TRL 6). Low speed (TRL 7) and high speed (TRL 8) testing of the vehicle as a systemcommissioning phase. For final system operation, the suspension assembly will be assessed when implemented into a solar powered vehicle, to compete in the 2014 Sasol Solar Challenge. This is an international crosscountry competitive endurance event spanning the length and breadth of South Africa (over 2000 km). Additionally the vehicle will be the main showpiece in the 2015 African Solar Drive. A 4000 km event spanning parts of South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. Finally, the Technology Readiness Assessment framework will be analysed and reformulated as needed to better suit future technology development requirements for a composite suspension system.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Hurter, Warren , Janse van Rensburg, Nickey , Madyira, Daniel , Turner, Cameron , Fukuda, Shuichi
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/124115 , uj:20876 , Citation: Hurter, W. 2016. Analysing a design and technology development framework through the implementation of a prototype composite vehicle suspension system.
- Description: Abstract: A uniquely configured vehicle suspension system, manufactured primarily of lightweight composite materials, is required for the University of Johannesburg’s Solar Powered race vehicle. For this design to reach successful completion, an assessment framework is needed that would scrutinise and analyse every phase of the development. Therefore, the focus is on the design and development of a prototype composite vehicle suspension system and the framework implemented to control the research and development process. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), as well as Departments of Defence and Energy in the United States of America, have established a technology assessment model known as a “Technology Readiness Assessment” (TRA). The purpose of this assessment model is to identify those elements and processes of technology development that are considered critical to ensuring the intended operation of the system is reached, and ultimately that the project is a success. The Technology Readiness Assessment (TRA) can be viewed as an expansion on the scientific method, with an hypothesis tested and communicated results then taken further to be implemented on a demonstration platform and final system [10]. The TRA assessment comprises of various technology readiness levels (TRL), which are an indication of the progress level or maturity of a technology element, with the TRL scale ranging from 1 (basic principles observed) through to 9 (the total system has been used successfully in project operations). Beginning with the lowest level of technology readiness (TRL 1), the problem background will be summarised, and design requirements as well as parameters formulated based on both design goals and competitive platform safety regulations for a new vehicle suspension design. This is followed by a literature review focusing on suspension, steering and braking design theory as well as advanced composites. Once the relevant theory and summarised design requirements are in place, the design concepts can be generated and finalised based on these requirements, which will allow for the eventual complete computer aided design (CAD) model of the system to be created. This constitutes a TRL 2 level assessment, with the primary deliverable being a complete CAD model and the identification of critical technology elements or “at risk” design elements that require further investigation and validation prior to their respective inclusion in the final system. These “at risk” elements will then form the basis of the experimental programme. For the various composite components required in the lightweight suspension system, the TRL 3 assessment has been modified to incorporate the development of manufacturing processes. In primarily making use of a resin infusion composite processing technique, an accurate and repeatable procedure is needed for component development and in order to create samples required for laboratory scale and relevant environmental testing. Laboratory scale testing (TRL 4) comprises of three experiments based on known ISO and ASTM standards, while relevant environmental (inservice application) experiments (TRL 5) comprises of four designed static load tests for component validation. Once the “at risk” components have been validated, they are integrated into the final assembly, in preparation for static system evaluation (TRL 6). Low speed (TRL 7) and high speed (TRL 8) testing of the vehicle as a systemcommissioning phase. For final system operation, the suspension assembly will be assessed when implemented into a solar powered vehicle, to compete in the 2014 Sasol Solar Challenge. This is an international crosscountry competitive endurance event spanning the length and breadth of South Africa (over 2000 km). Additionally the vehicle will be the main showpiece in the 2015 African Solar Drive. A 4000 km event spanning parts of South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. Finally, the Technology Readiness Assessment framework will be analysed and reformulated as needed to better suit future technology development requirements for a composite suspension system.
- Full Text:
Summary-view : biomass anaerobic respiration technology in South Africa
- Manala, Cecil, Madyira, Daniel, Mbohwa, Charles, Shuma, Ruben
- Authors: Manala, Cecil , Madyira, Daniel , Mbohwa, Charles , Shuma, Ruben
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Anaerobic respiration , Bio-digester , Biogas
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/217135 , uj:21602 , Citation: Manala, C. et al. 2016. Summary-view : biomass anaerobic respiration technology in South Africa.
- Description: Abstract: This paper reports on a biomass anaerobic decomposition technologies with particular reference to South Africa as a developing country taking strides on green energy production in an effort to lower the carbon foot print and preserve the environment. It explores the utilisation, implementation and operation of biomass anaerobic respiration technology in the production of biogas as an emerging alternative energy source. This review is a summary of different aspects of the design and operation of small-scale, household, biogas digester technologies. It covers different biomass anaerobic technology projects, both small and large scale (municipal solid waste, abattoirs, farms, wastewater treatment facilities) currently in operation and under construction in the republic of South Africa from the introduction of the technology through to the current generation of the technology. This also includes projects that were visited during the City of Johannesburg-University of Johannesburg waste to energy project capacity building exercise. Various efforts have been made in the past to assess the feasibility of the application of biogas technology in South Africa. These are identified mainly by reviewing the available literature. Recommendations are made on how best to tackle biogas production challenges and promote the notion of biogas production in South Africa.
- Full Text: false
- Authors: Manala, Cecil , Madyira, Daniel , Mbohwa, Charles , Shuma, Ruben
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Anaerobic respiration , Bio-digester , Biogas
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/217135 , uj:21602 , Citation: Manala, C. et al. 2016. Summary-view : biomass anaerobic respiration technology in South Africa.
- Description: Abstract: This paper reports on a biomass anaerobic decomposition technologies with particular reference to South Africa as a developing country taking strides on green energy production in an effort to lower the carbon foot print and preserve the environment. It explores the utilisation, implementation and operation of biomass anaerobic respiration technology in the production of biogas as an emerging alternative energy source. This review is a summary of different aspects of the design and operation of small-scale, household, biogas digester technologies. It covers different biomass anaerobic technology projects, both small and large scale (municipal solid waste, abattoirs, farms, wastewater treatment facilities) currently in operation and under construction in the republic of South Africa from the introduction of the technology through to the current generation of the technology. This also includes projects that were visited during the City of Johannesburg-University of Johannesburg waste to energy project capacity building exercise. Various efforts have been made in the past to assess the feasibility of the application of biogas technology in South Africa. These are identified mainly by reviewing the available literature. Recommendations are made on how best to tackle biogas production challenges and promote the notion of biogas production in South Africa.
- Full Text: false
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