3. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - All submissions

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    Automated intelligent electric engine design (AIEED) application
    (2018) Minucci, Giuliano Antonio Vincenzo
    The automotive industry is experiencing a major transition with regards to powertrain where the traditional internal combustion engine is being replaced by hybrid or all-electric solutions. As a result of this transition, many powertrain engineering firms, such as Integral Powertrain, are required to adapt or develop tools to improve the quality and time to respond to the rapid increase in new electric motor enquiries. This paper details the development of the foundations of a software tool (AIEED) used to improve the time and quality of response to new motor enquiries. The foundations of the AIEED tool are built into a Microsoft Excel document which contains the necessary logic required to convert customer requirements data into geometrical design data. A series of macros are included in the tool which allow for the automated generation of a first-level computer-aided design (CAD) model of the motor, including the following components; stator, windings, rotor, magnets, housing and cover. The CAD models, which serve to improve the quality of response to new motor enquiries and provide a basis for further detailed development, are generated on the CATIA V5 design platform. In addition, the tool makes use of the CAD model to determine the estimate cost of the unit based on average material costs per unit mass defined in the materials database stored in the tool. It is estimated that the AIEED tool reduces the response time to new motor enquires by 75%. Certain assumptions and limitations have been applied such that the foundations of the tool only include support for the following motor specifications: Surface Permanent Magnet Alternating Current cylindrical radial flux motors (external stator and internal rotor). • The units are designed for 3-phase supply. • The winding configuration is limited to concentrated double layer option. • Parallel tooth, arc-bottom, semi-closed stator slot profiles. • Arc-shaped radially magnetised surface magnet rotor configuration option. A simple data verification filter is applied to minimise the potential for invalid inputs. However, a full validation and verification process is recommended for future work. In addition, it is recommended that the tool be expanded to support additional motor types and specifications as well as package the foundations into a single, easy-to-use utility.
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    Evaluating benefits realisation management (BRM) methodology as a tool for implementing manufacturing execution system (MES)
    (2016) Jevtic, Jovan
    This research report addresses the question: Is BRM (Benefits Realisation Management) a valid method for MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) development and implementation? While the technical aspect of implementing MES is standardised and well documented, a clear approach to tackling the activity on a company specific level is missing. Literature shows that there is ambiguity in where ownership should lie and further details common organisational problems that companies experience. Limited guidance is given to how these problems can be tackled. An evaluative case study is conducted at the WMMEA (WEIR Minerals Middle East and Africa) machine shop to determine whether BRM methodology is able to improve the MES system and its implementation by adding a previously unexplored structure to the undertaking. The research method focuses on two aspects of the case. The initiative, where the researcher aims to identify whether BRM methodology is able to specify a complete set of requirements for MES implementation. The outcomes, where the researcher quantifies the benefits gained from the implementation. This report describes an adapted BRM methodology and the outcomes of its application. These outcomes consist of the issues faced by the company, the enablers developed to overcome these issues, and the benefits derived from MES. The BRM methodology is shown to be valid in the case of WMMEA by the confirmed realisation of predicted benefits. The business objectives achieved are an improved on-time delivery to customers and an increased part value.
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    Real-time simulation of advanced manufacturing systems
    (1991) Edinburg, Ari
    In order to analyse and optimize the design and Operation of Advanced Manufacturing Systems (AMS) various simulation techniques are currently in use. However, these methods are' generally inflexible and are used off-line in this project report, a modular, modelling approach is adopted to investigate the requirements of shop floor device models which operate in real-time. The models when connected together, simulate the Operation of the AMS. A suitable technique for the development of these models is proposed. A simulation architecture to support the models is discussed. It is intended that the models are connected on-line to the AMS control system via a local Area Network (LAN). [Advantages and - applications of this approach to AMS simulation are discussed.
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