DCU Expo 2024 - Final Year Projects

103 219. Electrochemical andWetting Performance of TitaniumAlloy with Laser-Induced Periodic Surface Structures This study investigates the corrosion rate (electrochemical) and contact angle (wetting) of additively manufactured Ti-6Al-4V titaniumalloy when it has undergone laser surface processing. By employing techniques such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and contact angle tests, the study aims to understand how the surface modifications induced by laser treatment affect the alloy’s corrosion resistance and wetting properties. Through systematic experimentation and analysis, the project seeks to eliminate the mechanisms underlying the alloy’s behavior in when exposed to varying levels of laser surface processing, offering insights that could inform the development of advancedmaterials with enhanced performance characteristics. Student Programme Mechanical andManufacturing Engineering (Year 5) Project Area AdditiveManufacturing, AdvancedMaterial Engineering, Mechanical Design andManufacture, Materials Testing Project Technology Excel/VB Student Name(s) Augustyn Tchorzewski Email augustyn.tchorzewski2@mail.dcu.ie Supervisor Prof Dermot Brabazon 220. Evaluating the Impact of FlowDynamics on Potential BiofoulingDevelopment on Hydro Turbine Blades through Computational FluidDynamics (CFD) Simulations Evaluating the Impact of FlowDynamics on Potential Biofouling Development on Hydro Turbine Blades through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Simulations, explores the potential of CFD simulations to predict biofouling patterns on hydro turbine blades. The aim is to identify how variations in flow dynamics influence the likelihood and distribution of biofouling, with the goal of using this data to help understand the effects of fluid flowwith regards to biofouling. This involves a review of current CFDmethodologies, analysis of flow characteristics relevant to biofouling development, and exploration of how these insights can inform turbine design and operation strategies. Student Programme Mechanical andManufacturing Engineering (Year 5) Project Area FluidMechanics Project Technology ANSYSWorkbench, Solidworks Student Name(s) Peter Kelly Email peter.kelly77@mail.dcu.ie Supervisor Dr Yan Delarué 221. Navigating Business Decarbonisation andHybrid Renewable Energy System Optimisation: Strategies and Solutions This project investigates the optimisation of hybrid renewable energy systems, focusing on the integration of wind and solar energy sources. Using HOMER optimisation software, different scenarios were analysed based on varying power prices and wind speeds. The study highlights the importance of energy storage in managing intermittent renewable energy production. Through financial analysis, the project evaluates the feasibility of hybrid systems and recommends tailoring configurations to regional factors. Overall, the research contributes to advancing sustainable energy solutions by maximising the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of hybrid renewable energy systems. Student Programme Mechanical andManufacturing Engineering (Year 5) Project Area Renewable Energy Technology Project Technology Excel/VB, HOMER Student Name(s) Daire Finnegan Email daire.finnegan23@mail.dcu.ie Supervisor Dr AnneMorrissey