Theses and dissertations (Engineering and Built Environment)
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Item Methodologies for the optimal design of fibre-reinforced composite structures(2003) Smith, Ryan Elliot; Walker, MarkComposites have become important engineering materials, especially in the fields of automotive, aerospace and marine engineering. This is due to the high specific strength and stiffness properties they offer. At present, fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) laminates are some of the most common types of composite used. They are produced in various forms with different structural properties. As with all engineering materials, there is the existence of both advantages and disadvantages. One of the main disadvantages is the expense involved in producing both the material and the finished product. The design time is also costly as the material has to be designed concurrently with the structure.Item Laboratory optimisation of the carbonatation process with regard to colour removal at the Malelane Refinery(2001) Moodley, Manogran; Lionnet, G. R. E.The purpose of this investigation was to identify and then optimise the factors that affect the decolourisation during the carbonatation process. Batch carbonatation tests, carried out in a pilot plant in the laboratory, were performed to establish the effect of selected factors on the decolourisation of melt.Item The development and evaluation of an on-line sugar purity meter for use in a low grade continuous centrifugal(2001) Moodley, Manogran; Pillay, Visvanathan LingamurtiThere are two process operations in the sugar factory that directly affect the recovery of sugar from evaporated syrup, namely crystallisation (boiling) and centrifugal operation. Successful automation of the vacuum pans (boiling) has been implemented using brix (total dissolved solids) control, but to date on-line measurement of continuous centrifugal performance has not been successfully accomplished in South Africa. The purpose of this investigation was to continue the preliminary work performed by Tongaat Hulett Sugar in developing a purity meter for the measurement of sugar purity (sucrose content) in a continuous centrifugal. This instrument would provide the centrifugal operator with a reliable tool to perform on-line measurement of sugar purity and would also facilitate the automation of the centrifugalItem An investigation into the factors affecting precoat performance in woven-fibre microfiltration(2002) Vallabh, Shadana; Pillay, LingamCrossflow microfiltration (CFMF) using a fabric support has been successfully used to treat a range of problematic waters. Experimental evidence indicates that the formation of a dynamic membrane or precoat on a woven-fibre microfilter can significantly increase the performance of the filter, that is, the production rate and rejection. The use of precoats in filtration applications is based on the precoat's unique microstructure that is able to trap sub-micron particles while maintaining a permeable filter cake. However, to date the precoating step has been more of an art than a science. Very little knowledge exists on the best type of precoat to use, or the the optimal velocity, pressure and concentration to form a stable precoat. Further, although various models have been proposed for CFMF, their still exists a lack of knowledge of the mechanisms by which precoats improve performance.Item The integration of a high voltage cable fault location instrument with modern information technology(2002) Kelly, Roger James; Bajic, Vladimir B.Modern society as a whole seems destined to have an ever-increasing demand for power for both industrial and domestic use, as continued population growth means that cities, suburbs and industrial areas become larger and denser. At the same time the trend toward increased productivity in all segments of industry is influencing the development and techniques employed at locating faults in power cables and networks to ensure only limited downtime and reduced direct and indirect costs associated with the location of faultsItem A study of the chemical quality of ambient air at selected intersections in the Durban Metropolis(2003) Singh, Shalini; Moodley, K. G.Motor vehicles are considered a major source of air pollution in urban environments. Nitrogen dioxide (N02) and nitric oxide (NO) which are collectively referred to as oxides of nitrogen (NOx) are formed at high temperatures during combustion processes in the engines of motor vehicles and are emitted via the exhaust into the atmosphere. Nitrogen dioxide is regarded as an irritant of the respiratory system.Item Impact of mortgage policies on homeownership in Kwazulu-Natal(2002) Ramphal, Krishna; Utting, PeterThis research investigates the key question of whether banks discriminate against black people in the process of granting mortgage bonds which consequently affects homeownership in South Africa in general, and KwaZulu-Natal in particularItem Acousto-ultrasonics for defect assessment of composite materials(2002) Dugmore, Kevin M.; Jonson, Jon David; Walker, MarkThe experiments and their results contained herein will form the basis for the development of a portable non-destructive testing device for composite structures. This device is to be capable of detecting any of a variety of defects and assessing their severity within a short timeItem The study to examine the effectiveness of the BoTT approach for water schemes to rural areas(2002) Munnery, Vasanthie; Allopi, DhirenThe new South African Government that came into power in 1994 faced a daunting task of undoing the political injustices of the past. The government immediately introduced a Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) to address these injusticesItem The evaluation of polymeric organic coagulants for potable water treatment by dissolved air flotation(2001) Rajagopaul, Rachigan; Pillay, Visvanathan LingamurtiHistorically inorganic coagulants were the coagulants of choice for OAF treatment of potable water. Water treatment practitioners using OAF technology preferred ferric chloride, an inorganic coagulant. Ferric chloride formed light, floatable floes at relatively low flocculation intensities and detention times. The inorganic coagulant was also more forgiving during incidents of overdosing and raw water and pH variability