Driving responsible research and innovation: science, society and the energy movement
- Malan, N., Simpson, Z., Janse van Rensburg, N.
- Authors: Malan, N. , Simpson, Z. , Janse van Rensburg, N.
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Science-society engagement , Renewable energy , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/250917 , uj:26158 , Citation: Malan, N., Simpson, Z. & Janse van Rensburg, N. 2017. Driving responsible research and innovation: science, society and the energy movement.
- Description: Abstract: South Africa faces the challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality, as well as looming problems regarding water, energy and food. Science, technology and engineering are able to address some of these challenges but are often inaccessible and unfamiliar to the general public. Research and innovation in these fields needs to be increased, and undertaken in partnership with multidisciplinary stakeholders. This article uses the example of an engineering education initiative, the African Solar Drive, to illustrate how this may be achieved. It discusses recent developments in the philosophy of science that have emphasised responsibility in research and development, the similarities of these with action research methodologies and the relevance of these for the concerns South Africa faces at the moment. It presents a general methodology for science-society engagement and locates the African Solar Drive as a prelude to such engagement between higher education and the general public.
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- Authors: Malan, N. , Simpson, Z. , Janse van Rensburg, N.
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Science-society engagement , Renewable energy , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/250917 , uj:26158 , Citation: Malan, N., Simpson, Z. & Janse van Rensburg, N. 2017. Driving responsible research and innovation: science, society and the energy movement.
- Description: Abstract: South Africa faces the challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality, as well as looming problems regarding water, energy and food. Science, technology and engineering are able to address some of these challenges but are often inaccessible and unfamiliar to the general public. Research and innovation in these fields needs to be increased, and undertaken in partnership with multidisciplinary stakeholders. This article uses the example of an engineering education initiative, the African Solar Drive, to illustrate how this may be achieved. It discusses recent developments in the philosophy of science that have emphasised responsibility in research and development, the similarities of these with action research methodologies and the relevance of these for the concerns South Africa faces at the moment. It presents a general methodology for science-society engagement and locates the African Solar Drive as a prelude to such engagement between higher education and the general public.
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Cultural intermediaries and the circuit of culture : the digital ambassadors project in Johannesburg, South Africa
- Benecke, D.R., Simpson, Z., Le Roux, S., Skinner, C.J., Janse van Rensburg, N., Sibeko, J., Bvuma, S., Meyer, J.
- Authors: Benecke, D.R. , Simpson, Z. , Le Roux, S. , Skinner, C.J. , Janse van Rensburg, N. , Sibeko, J. , Bvuma, S. , Meyer, J.
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Circuit of culture , Culture-centred approach , Public relations
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/214217 , uj:21252 , Citation: Benecke, D.R. et al. 2016. Cultural intermediaries and the circuit of culture : the digital ambassadors project in Johannesburg, South Africa.
- Description: Abstract: The question raised by Cheney and Christensen (2001) as to “what a non-Western, nonmanagerial and non-rationalist form of public relations will look like” (p.182), together with the call made by Gregory (2014) for public relations practitioners (PRPs) to be active social change agents, motivated this paper. The aim of this research is to follow a culture-centred approach and apply the circuit of culture (Curtin & Gaither, 2005) to investigate the meanings that young people (aged 18 to 34), as cultural intermediaries, ascribe to their participation in a digital empowerment project implemented by the City of Johannesburg, South Africa. This research forms part of a larger, ongoing multi-disciplinary research project...
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- Authors: Benecke, D.R. , Simpson, Z. , Le Roux, S. , Skinner, C.J. , Janse van Rensburg, N. , Sibeko, J. , Bvuma, S. , Meyer, J.
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Circuit of culture , Culture-centred approach , Public relations
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/214217 , uj:21252 , Citation: Benecke, D.R. et al. 2016. Cultural intermediaries and the circuit of culture : the digital ambassadors project in Johannesburg, South Africa.
- Description: Abstract: The question raised by Cheney and Christensen (2001) as to “what a non-Western, nonmanagerial and non-rationalist form of public relations will look like” (p.182), together with the call made by Gregory (2014) for public relations practitioners (PRPs) to be active social change agents, motivated this paper. The aim of this research is to follow a culture-centred approach and apply the circuit of culture (Curtin & Gaither, 2005) to investigate the meanings that young people (aged 18 to 34), as cultural intermediaries, ascribe to their participation in a digital empowerment project implemented by the City of Johannesburg, South Africa. This research forms part of a larger, ongoing multi-disciplinary research project...
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Experimental analysis of damage development in carbon fiber reinforced composites under cyclic loading
- Hluyo, M.E., Madyira, D.M., Janse van Rensburg, N.
- Authors: Hluyo, M.E. , Madyira, D.M. , Janse van Rensburg, N.
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Carbon fiber reinforced composites (CFRC) , Damage development , Epoxy resin
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/123910 , uj:20850 , Citation: Hluyo, M.E., Madyira, D.M & Janse van Rensburg, N. 2016. Experimental analysis of damage development in carbon fiber reinforced composites under cyclic loading.
- Description: Abstract: There is a global need to design low weight structures for strategic, business, and social purposes. Reducing weight is critical for improving energy consumption as well as addressing range, performance, size, and cost challenges associated with structural design, especially in the automotive and aerospace industries. In recognition of this need, advances are being made in replacing high strength steels, magnesium and aluminum alloys with carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites. These have many merits which include weight reduction for lower fuel consumption, resistance to environmental degradation and better aesthetic appeal. For most applications, the carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites are exposed to cyclic loading leading to fatigue failure. High cycle fatigue in metals usually evolves by the single crack initiation which propagates until catastrophic failure. In contrast to metals, damage development in carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites occurs in a complex global fashion which occupies an under-researched field. To enable better design, there is a need for a better understanding of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites, in particular, damage progression during cyclic loading. The aim of this paper is to investigate damage development during fatigue loading in carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites. To this end, carbon fiber/epoxy composites produced from a bi-axial carbon material with a fiber volume fraction of 30% were investigated. The specimens were prepared using a hand layup molding technique. The results showed the first two of the three common stages observed during fatigue damage development. The first stage involved rapid damage, followed by stage two which is gradual, and the final stage which is rapid was not observed. The obtained results clearly show the fatigue damage mechanisms in carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composite materials.
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- Authors: Hluyo, M.E. , Madyira, D.M. , Janse van Rensburg, N.
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Carbon fiber reinforced composites (CFRC) , Damage development , Epoxy resin
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/123910 , uj:20850 , Citation: Hluyo, M.E., Madyira, D.M & Janse van Rensburg, N. 2016. Experimental analysis of damage development in carbon fiber reinforced composites under cyclic loading.
- Description: Abstract: There is a global need to design low weight structures for strategic, business, and social purposes. Reducing weight is critical for improving energy consumption as well as addressing range, performance, size, and cost challenges associated with structural design, especially in the automotive and aerospace industries. In recognition of this need, advances are being made in replacing high strength steels, magnesium and aluminum alloys with carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites. These have many merits which include weight reduction for lower fuel consumption, resistance to environmental degradation and better aesthetic appeal. For most applications, the carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites are exposed to cyclic loading leading to fatigue failure. High cycle fatigue in metals usually evolves by the single crack initiation which propagates until catastrophic failure. In contrast to metals, damage development in carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites occurs in a complex global fashion which occupies an under-researched field. To enable better design, there is a need for a better understanding of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites, in particular, damage progression during cyclic loading. The aim of this paper is to investigate damage development during fatigue loading in carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites. To this end, carbon fiber/epoxy composites produced from a bi-axial carbon material with a fiber volume fraction of 30% were investigated. The specimens were prepared using a hand layup molding technique. The results showed the first two of the three common stages observed during fatigue damage development. The first stage involved rapid damage, followed by stage two which is gradual, and the final stage which is rapid was not observed. The obtained results clearly show the fatigue damage mechanisms in carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composite materials.
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Social innovation, research and community engagement : managing interdisciplinary projects for societal change
- Janse van Rensburg, N., Meyer, J., Nel, H.
- Authors: Janse van Rensburg, N. , Meyer, J. , Nel, H.
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Project management , Social innovation , Higher education
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/124136 , uj:20878 , Citation: Janse van Rensburg, N., Meyer, J & Nel, H. 2016. Social innovation, research and community engagement : managing interdisciplinary projects for societal change.
- Description: Abstract: A transformative research paradigm is rooted in knowledge mobilization processes involving close collaboration between researchers and the community. A formalized approach to managing multi-stakeholder participation and community engagement in a science and technology research environment is presented. Design science research methodology is applied with a systems thinking approach to implement an integrated research, development and project management network at a tertiary education institution. The network is presented as a Research and Projects Office that enables a projects-based approach to facilitate interdisciplinary and community-driven research for social change through technology development.
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- Authors: Janse van Rensburg, N. , Meyer, J. , Nel, H.
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Project management , Social innovation , Higher education
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/124136 , uj:20878 , Citation: Janse van Rensburg, N., Meyer, J & Nel, H. 2016. Social innovation, research and community engagement : managing interdisciplinary projects for societal change.
- Description: Abstract: A transformative research paradigm is rooted in knowledge mobilization processes involving close collaboration between researchers and the community. A formalized approach to managing multi-stakeholder participation and community engagement in a science and technology research environment is presented. Design science research methodology is applied with a systems thinking approach to implement an integrated research, development and project management network at a tertiary education institution. The network is presented as a Research and Projects Office that enables a projects-based approach to facilitate interdisciplinary and community-driven research for social change through technology development.
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Investigating the effects of composite materials in solar cell encapsulation
- Hurter, W., Oosthuizen, G., Janse van Rensburg, N.
- Authors: Hurter, W. , Oosthuizen, G. , Janse van Rensburg, N.
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Renewable energy resources , Solar energy , Solar cell encapsulation
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:4950 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13050
- Description: In the past few decades our society’s increasing demands for energy have naturally resulted in increased utilization of renewable resources such as solar energy. Due to this strong demand the solar car endurance race was established to challenge researchers in this field. A competitive vehicle needs around six square meters of solar cells that produce approximately one kilowatt of power. This equates to 514 monocrystalline silicon half cells. The manufacturing challenge is to protect these cells from the terrestrial elements over a prolonged period of time. In this research study a composite encapsulation method was developed for solar cells and tested. Experiments were conducted to assess the processing of composite materials to improve the mechanical strength of the fragile solar cells. The effects of composites on reinforcement, electrical efficiency and thermal efficiency of the photovoltaic (PV) cells were evaluated. Impact testing to simulate a hailstone shows that the fibreglass sandwich panel structure will protect the surface of the cells, whilst reducing their efficiency by less than 5%.
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- Authors: Hurter, W. , Oosthuizen, G. , Janse van Rensburg, N.
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Renewable energy resources , Solar energy , Solar cell encapsulation
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:4950 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13050
- Description: In the past few decades our society’s increasing demands for energy have naturally resulted in increased utilization of renewable resources such as solar energy. Due to this strong demand the solar car endurance race was established to challenge researchers in this field. A competitive vehicle needs around six square meters of solar cells that produce approximately one kilowatt of power. This equates to 514 monocrystalline silicon half cells. The manufacturing challenge is to protect these cells from the terrestrial elements over a prolonged period of time. In this research study a composite encapsulation method was developed for solar cells and tested. Experiments were conducted to assess the processing of composite materials to improve the mechanical strength of the fragile solar cells. The effects of composites on reinforcement, electrical efficiency and thermal efficiency of the photovoltaic (PV) cells were evaluated. Impact testing to simulate a hailstone shows that the fibreglass sandwich panel structure will protect the surface of the cells, whilst reducing their efficiency by less than 5%.
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Manufacturing challenges for custom made solar vehicles in South Africa
- Janse van Rensburg, P., Hurter, W., Janse van Rensburg, N., Oosthuizen, G.
- Authors: Janse van Rensburg, P. , Hurter, W. , Janse van Rensburg, N. , Oosthuizen, G.
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Solar powered vehicles
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:4916 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13016
- Description: Solar challenges are designed to test the reliability and efficiency of solar powered vehicles in endurance races. In the past these manufactured vehicles were technology drivers and led to advances in electric motors and solar cell efficiency. The speed in relation to power consumption is one of the main design considerations, with the only energy source being solar power. In the design and manufacturing of these vehicles a number of requirements need to be met in order to pass the safety standards. The Sasol Solar Challenge (SSC) created an opportunity for South African universities to design and manufacture custom made solar powered vehicles. This paper explores and discusses the challenges for manufacturing solar vehicles in South Africa. Key elements like the communication gap between design and manufacturing, the cost of lightweight solar encapsulation, the shortage of local suppliers and expertise in composite manufacturing are evaluated. These insights can be used as foundation for strategic decisions by future stakeholders.
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- Authors: Janse van Rensburg, P. , Hurter, W. , Janse van Rensburg, N. , Oosthuizen, G.
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Solar powered vehicles
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:4916 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13016
- Description: Solar challenges are designed to test the reliability and efficiency of solar powered vehicles in endurance races. In the past these manufactured vehicles were technology drivers and led to advances in electric motors and solar cell efficiency. The speed in relation to power consumption is one of the main design considerations, with the only energy source being solar power. In the design and manufacturing of these vehicles a number of requirements need to be met in order to pass the safety standards. The Sasol Solar Challenge (SSC) created an opportunity for South African universities to design and manufacture custom made solar powered vehicles. This paper explores and discusses the challenges for manufacturing solar vehicles in South Africa. Key elements like the communication gap between design and manufacturing, the cost of lightweight solar encapsulation, the shortage of local suppliers and expertise in composite manufacturing are evaluated. These insights can be used as foundation for strategic decisions by future stakeholders.
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Residual stress depth profiling of commercially pure titanium subjected to high-speed machining using energy dispersive diffraction
- Janse van Rensburg, N., Madyira, D.M., Laubscher, R.F., Oosthuizen, G.A.
- Authors: Janse van Rensburg, N. , Madyira, D.M. , Laubscher, R.F. , Oosthuizen, G.A.
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Residual stress , Energy dispersive diffraction , Titanium - Mechanical properties
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:4948 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13048
- Description: Residual stress is well-known to influence the mechanical properties of machined components. The magnitude and distribution of these stresses are critical to determine the component’s life, specifically under fatigue loading. There exists a growing need to better understand the effects of cutting parameters on residual stress and to identify more innovative methods to evaluate residual stress. Titanium has been widely used, but many of the same qualities that enhance titanium’s appeal for most applications also contribute to it being one of the most difficult to machine materials. High-speed cutting experiments were conducted on commercially pure (CP) titanium and the residual stress depth profile was analysed using energy dispersive diffraction (EDDI). The residual stress depth profile of CP Grade 4 titanium was then evaluated. Experimental results show that cutting speed and depth of cut have a significant effect on the residual stress profile. At a low cutting speed, the surface residual stresses are largely compressive, becoming less compressive with an increase in cutting speed. An increase in depth of cut also introduces more compressive residual stresses into the material.
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- Authors: Janse van Rensburg, N. , Madyira, D.M. , Laubscher, R.F. , Oosthuizen, G.A.
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Residual stress , Energy dispersive diffraction , Titanium - Mechanical properties
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:4948 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13048
- Description: Residual stress is well-known to influence the mechanical properties of machined components. The magnitude and distribution of these stresses are critical to determine the component’s life, specifically under fatigue loading. There exists a growing need to better understand the effects of cutting parameters on residual stress and to identify more innovative methods to evaluate residual stress. Titanium has been widely used, but many of the same qualities that enhance titanium’s appeal for most applications also contribute to it being one of the most difficult to machine materials. High-speed cutting experiments were conducted on commercially pure (CP) titanium and the residual stress depth profile was analysed using energy dispersive diffraction (EDDI). The residual stress depth profile of CP Grade 4 titanium was then evaluated. Experimental results show that cutting speed and depth of cut have a significant effect on the residual stress profile. At a low cutting speed, the surface residual stresses are largely compressive, becoming less compressive with an increase in cutting speed. An increase in depth of cut also introduces more compressive residual stresses into the material.
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8th South African Conference on Computational and Applied Mechanics, 3-5 September 2012, Conference proceedings.
- Madyira, D., Janse van Rensburg, N., Nel, A.L.
- Authors: Madyira, D. , Janse van Rensburg, N. , Nel, A.L.
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Nanotechnology , Computational fluid mechanics , South African Conference on Computational and Applied Mechanics (SACAM)
- Type: Report
- Identifier: uj:5330 , ISBN 978-086970-728-9 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8633
- Description: This proceedings volume contains papers presented at the 8th biennial South African Conference on Computational and Applied Mechanics (SACAM). In association withe the University of Johannesburg and the South African Association for Computational and Applied Mechanics, SACAM 2013 hosted about 110 delegates from fields as diverse as computational fluid mechanics, nanotechnology and classical mechanics with the very specific aim of providing a true symposium...
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- Authors: Madyira, D. , Janse van Rensburg, N. , Nel, A.L.
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Nanotechnology , Computational fluid mechanics , South African Conference on Computational and Applied Mechanics (SACAM)
- Type: Report
- Identifier: uj:5330 , ISBN 978-086970-728-9 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8633
- Description: This proceedings volume contains papers presented at the 8th biennial South African Conference on Computational and Applied Mechanics (SACAM). In association withe the University of Johannesburg and the South African Association for Computational and Applied Mechanics, SACAM 2013 hosted about 110 delegates from fields as diverse as computational fluid mechanics, nanotechnology and classical mechanics with the very specific aim of providing a true symposium...
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Preparing for solar challenge: critical competences acquired in undergraduate engineering education
- Janse van Rensburg, N., Grobler, M.F., Clarke, N.
- Authors: Janse van Rensburg, N. , Grobler, M.F. , Clarke, N.
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Article:Global Engineering Education Conference (EDUCON)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/15361 , uj:15652 , Citation:van Rensburg, N.J.; Grobler, M.; Clarke, N.2012. Preparing for the solar challenge: Critical competences acquired in undergraduate engineering education Global Engineering Education Conference (EDUCON), IEEE:1-10. , DOI:10.1109/EDUCON.2012.6201141
- Description: Abstract: Engineers are expected to function in a highly competitive environment, which demands that projects are developed in increasingly efficient and cost-effective ways, across various disciplines. This trend necessitates multidisciplinary collaboration which requires both traditional engineering skills and so called ‘soft skills’, such as good communicative competences and working cooperatively in teams. In this paper it is described how these skills were developed in the course of the University of Johannesburg’s preparation for participation in the biannual Solar Challenge.
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- Authors: Janse van Rensburg, N. , Grobler, M.F. , Clarke, N.
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Article:Global Engineering Education Conference (EDUCON)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/15361 , uj:15652 , Citation:van Rensburg, N.J.; Grobler, M.; Clarke, N.2012. Preparing for the solar challenge: Critical competences acquired in undergraduate engineering education Global Engineering Education Conference (EDUCON), IEEE:1-10. , DOI:10.1109/EDUCON.2012.6201141
- Description: Abstract: Engineers are expected to function in a highly competitive environment, which demands that projects are developed in increasingly efficient and cost-effective ways, across various disciplines. This trend necessitates multidisciplinary collaboration which requires both traditional engineering skills and so called ‘soft skills’, such as good communicative competences and working cooperatively in teams. In this paper it is described how these skills were developed in the course of the University of Johannesburg’s preparation for participation in the biannual Solar Challenge.
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