PhD, EngD, MPhil and MSc by research theses (SIMS)

Permanent URI for this collection

https://dspace.lib.cranfield.ac.uk/handle/1826/18939

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 69

Open Access
An adaptive agent-based multicriteria simulation system
(1998-07-15) Neumann, Uwe; Allen, Peter M.
It is argued that traditional models of urban development are characterised by an aggregate mechanistic description of statistical units. Furthermore, important aspects of transportation are not included in these models, but urban development can be regarded as a combined process of land use change, transportation system and lifestyles. New 4 developments in evolutionary theory provide a new paradigm for a microsimulation approach on the level of individuals, which accounts for diversity, learning and change in the population o f the modelled system. In this thesis a framework for agent-based simulations will be presented for which this new evolutionary theory provides the theoretical background. The essence of the approach builds on the mutual interdependencies between all system elements, in this case inhabitants and their environment. This principle is extended to change in the interactions of the system over time, leading to an adaptive system that mutually specifies all its elements over time. On this framework an adaptive agent-based model for the use in urban simulations is built. The agents are equipped with a set of intrinsic needs, the satisfaction of which is expressed through a set of corresponding budgets. The budget state is fed into a Fuzzy Logic rule base for decision making. As opposed to many existing approaches to microsimulation, the agents are designed to change their behavioural rules during run time according to experience. Different adaptation strategies are tested and compete with each other. The results of the model vindicate the conceptual framework. The essence of the underlying theory - mutual specification based on satisficing as opposed to optimisation - leads to a cognitive approach to the simulation of socio-natural systems. Microsimulation based on adaptive agents can help integrate many aspects of urban models, which are conventionally treated by separate models and can help clarify the implications of change for the inhabitants o f an urban system.
Open Access
Application of MOKA informal knowledge models for building knowledge based engineering systems in aircraft wind tunnel test models
(2004-09) Lam, Diem Huynh; Fan, Ip-Shing
Knowledge based engineering (KBE) applications are softwares that rely on some well defined engineering rules, relationships and logics for performing generative engineering tasks. A generative function is a function that is responsible for performing and obtaining generative tasks and solutions based on the given rules, relationships and logics. Presently, it is considered that there is a lack of visibility, transparency, traceability and accountability when KBE applications are used. The present research programme aims to overcome this problem by developing and integrating the knowledge model with the design automation model of KBE applications. Thus, the inner working and design of the generative function with its engineering rules and relationships defined for the KBE application may be readily seen and understood by viewing the knowledge models. Consequently, this means a degree of visibility, traceability and accountability is achieved when KBE applications are used to perform generative engineering designs. The knowledge model has been developed in accordance with the European MOKA’s methodology and takes the form of an informal knowledge model (ICARE forms). The knowledge model (ICARE forms) serves the purpose of defining how products/assemblies/parts should be designed, processed and manufactured within a set of prescribed illustrations, constraints, activities, rules and entities. The CATIA (Knowledgeware) KBE application is used by the present study and the design automation model residing on the KBE application has been developed using the Knowledgeware programming language, VBScript, macros and CAA IDL API, which allow a series of modelling and design tasks to be automated. The research programme is validated by means of a case study involving an aircraft wing model supplied by industrial collaboration partners. The present study shows that KBE technology may be used to produce substantial commercial benefits in terms of time, cost and speed. The study believes that the MOKA’s methodology and ICARE forms may be used to capture knowledge for KBE applications but there is a limit on how well, easy and complete the ICARE forms can be used to depict the engineering rules and relationships that have been defined for the generative design function of KBE applications. Parts of the work presented in this study have been demonstrated to the industrial collaborators and included in a consortium confidential DTI’s research project grant report (DTI’s ref. no. CHAD/002/00008) [1] on the use of KBE systems.
Open Access
The best practice for virtual conference / discussion in high technology area
(2002-09) Ling, Daniel; Roy, Rajkumar; Taratoukhine, V.
This thesis presents analysis of virtual conference. It describes the virtual AS-IS process model, the user groups and the features that are concerned with virtual conferencing. An analysis of asynchronous Vs synchronous conferencing for a high technology business environment is presented. The identified best practise for virtual conference in high technology area and the resulting best practice checklist for virtual conference management and development are determined.
Open Access
Blends of epoxy resin with polycarbonate and CTBN rubber
(1991-03) Jayle, L.; Partridge, Ivana K.
The study described in this thesis examines how the toughenability of a difunctional epoxy resin cured with a diamine hardener is affected by the presence of a dissolved polycarbonate in the epoxy matrix, when that matrix is modified by CTBN rubber particles. The compatibility between the epoxy resin and four different polycarbonate types is investigated. Influence of polycarbonate content and of the type of polycarbonate upon the mechanical properties and morphology of polycarbonate or rubber-polycarbonate modified epoxy systems is considered. Toughenability of the epoxy matrix is found not to be improved by the presence of dissolved polycarbonate. Study of chemical interactions between polycarbonate and epoxy resin and polycarbonate and hardener shows a degradation of the polycarbonate by the epoxy resin and also by the diamine hardener. Failure of the polycarbonate to increase the toughenability of the epoxy matrix is considered to be related to this degradation. Toughness properties of polyethersulfone modified epoxy systems are also considered.
Open Access
Combined coagulation and membrane microfiltration for removal of natural organic material (nom)
(1999-03) Hillis, Peter; Judd, Simon J.
The removal of natural organic matter (NOM) is a key requirement of many processes in potable water treatment. Conventionally, removal of NOM and colloidal material has been achieved by coagulation with inorganic coagulants followed by either direct rapid gravity filtration alone or clarification (sedimentation or flotation) followed by at least one stage of rapid gravity filtration. An alternative to conventional processes is to combine membrane microfiltration (MF) with coagulation for NOM removal. The advantages of MF technology over traditional sand filters is the maintenance of an absolute barrier throughout the filtration process, thereby enhancing the physical separation process by presenting an absolute barrier to suspended materials. This thesis presents the results from such a system. A 9.6m2 hollow fibre hydrophilic polysulphone MF membrane system was used in combination with ferric sulphate under controlled pH conditions. The system was operated under constant flow condition and the coagulant concentration varied to assess performance. Coagulation conditions which promoted rapid aggregation of particles was found to give best performance with respect to pressure development, this coincided with a zeta potential at or near zero. Also, a pre-flocculation time of 20 seconds was found to be sufficient to allow complete removal of material associated with the coagulation process. Comparison with other workers showed similar results for the specific cake resistance despite considerable differences in both the scale and type of system used.
Open Access
Conceptual design of a support documentation system to assist troubleshooting in manufacturing
(2005-04) Juliao, Jorge; Greenough, Richard
This research explores the conceptual design of a Support Documentation System (SDS), to assist manufacturing maintenance personnel during troubleshooting. Manufacturing systems maintenance is a crucial element of any organisation’s operating strategy. One of its main goals is to reduce downtime, both by avoiding the occurrence of failures and by effective reaction to breakdowns. Currently, most downtime reduction studies focus on the prevention of failures. Although these studies have made a significant contribution toward downtime reduction, it is impossible to prevent all failures. As such, troubleshooting will always be necessary for maintenance personnel to provide an effective contribution to their organisation. This research proposes a Support Documentation System that will improve maintenance through documentation management. It is argued that troubleshooting time will be reduced since such a system could provide maintenance personnel with enhanced access to support documentation, particularly to failure records. Until this research, little direct empirical evidence had been collected about the feasibility of such a system, and about the performance of current systems regarding troubleshooting support. There had also been no evidence concerning maintenance personnel requirements for improved support documentation. The objectives of this research are to assess the feasibility of the SDS, to determine why current systems do not effectively support troubleshooting, and to identify key features for the development of the SDS. To fulfil the objectives of this research, exploratory investigations were conducted. Questionnaire and interview surveys of maintenance practitioners, equipment vendors, and CMMS developers were performed to determine the status of failure records management and the reasons for the failure of current systems. A case study strategy was employed within three companies to identify requirements for the development of the SDS. The findings of this research are that the development of an SDS is feasible, and that current systems do not effectively support troubleshooting. The research identifies a set of design features for the SDS. It presents the end-user requirements, a ranking of most relevant troubleshooting data to be included in the failure records, and a list of record attributes that are to be used to better identify and classify records. The latter attributes constitute the means to manage failure records in a systematic way.
Open Access
ConSERV : A methodology for the management of capital projects and concurrent engineering design using knowledge based technology.
(1997-09) Conroy, G.; Soltan, Hossein
Project management is a complex process that does not lend itself to traditional line management theories. Projects fail more times than they succeed, the measures of success and failure vary widely depending upon the management strategy and the focus of the project at the time of the assessment i.e. Cost, Time or Quality. Most of the commercially available software packages developed for the use of project managers employ dated management theories and limited reasoning ability. With over 300 variations of software tools available to the project manager selecting the most appropriate packages is becoming increasingly more difficult. Projects are managed by employing a subtle combination of elements of interdependent software tools and human expertise. Project management systems include a variety of management tools and techniques that are not equally applicable across all projects. This submission introduces ConSERV, a project management technique that uses a knowledge based risk driven approach, in which key elements of a multidisciplinary capital project are identified using the Win-prolog Flex facility. ConSERV identifies the main project elements, including the risks, sensitivities and the project success criteria. The further use of knowledge based rules provides a framework in which the decisions made by the respective users can be challenged. ConSERV advises on the project management system best suited to manage the specific needs of the engineering design and project management issues. The aims of the research described in this thesis are i) To research and analyse project management decision making processes over the life of major capital projects, undertaken in accordance with established procedures. ii) To identify, from the industrial case studies, failure mechanisms resulting from flaws in human decision making, the use of inappropriate management processes and the application of unsuitable project execution procedures. iii) To apply an established KBS development technique (KLIC) in developing the ConSERV concept and selecting the demonstrator tools. iv) To compare the effectiveness of traditional project management concepts and justify the need for a customised project management system. vi) To build two limited application demonstrators of the ConSERV concept employing advanced reasoning and knowledge based technology. The thesis argues that the complexities of managing multidisciplinary projects in a competitive technologically advanced environment demand more sophisticated methods to those presently offered. The methodology aims to minimise project failure by providing a structured risk driven procedure able to identify and customise a dynamic project management system designed specifically to meet the real needs of a project over its life cycle. Using case studies the thesis aims to contrast the effectiveness of traditional project management software, against the proposed knowledge based alternative. In support of this research work three academic papers have been published by the IJPM (International Journal of Project Management) Ref. Appendix B8 (Table 8).
Open Access
The coupling mechanisms in the CO2 laser welding of copper
(1994) Gouveia, H. N.; Norrish, J.
The CO2 laser is a potentially powerful tool for welding, allowing high integrity joints to be produced with minimal thermal damage and high joint completion rates. Its use in the joining of reflective, high conductivity materials, such as copper is, however, limited. The current work examined the high power CO2 laser welding of oxygen free high conductivity copper and in particular the coupling mechanisms which appear to control the consistency of the process. The role of the plasma control jet was found to have a fundamental influence on the coupling behaviour. Due to the practical problems of direct observation of the jet gas flow during welding, the process was modelled using a flow simulation package. The results of the simulation enabled a satisfactory theory for the coupling mechanism to be developed. Plasma plume formation and maintenance during the welding process appeared to be responsible for coupling and to occur by a non-conventional mechanism. The theory explains the anomalies in previous work and indicates how the process consistency may be improved.
Open Access
Defining a modular approach for mapping and documenting of Manufacturing Engineering process.
(1999-09) Cowdry, Henry; Roy, Rajkumar
Traditionally, enterprise and functional process understanding were not considered a priority in the Aerospace industry. The build of an aircraft was carried out sequentially. Now, due to increased competitive and customer pressure, time to market has been reduced. Work must be carried out concurrently to satisfy these new competitive forces. In recent years there has been a focus on Business Process Reengineering (BPR). The solution is to have a clear idea of sequence and clear toplevel process defined. Therefore it is imperative to have a clear framework to capture the process. The research demonstrates the development of a methodology to capture process within a major aircraft manufacturer. The research starts by looking at the present practices across the whole organisation. Examination of the present working practices within the organisation facilitated an objective analysis of three modelling techniques within different working groups. This fragmentation was addressed through the presentation of a generic framework. Condition of Supply processes was modelled as a demonstration to the organisations’ practitioners. Through consultation with practitioners from the working groups framework benefits were realised; • Understanding of mapping organisational processes • Generic technique for capturing working processes • Continuation of framework • Future opportunities. Conclusions highlight that the proposed framework is adaptable and easy to use, addressing user requirements; top management and operational level staff. Furthermore maps generated utilising the framework provides capability of drilling down, detailing lower level processes.
Open Access
A design methodology for jigless aerospace manufacture
(2005-03) Burley, Graham John; Corbett, John
Between 10% and 40% of the overall cost of an aerostructure can be directly attributed to the cost of type specific, hard-tooling. Hence, any attempt to reduce the cost of aerostructure must eventually focus on reducing the need for type specific hard-tooling. The tooling is one of the major investments made during the development phase of an aircraft programme, accounting for more than a third of the development cost of a civil aircraft and nearly a quarter of the development cost of a military aircraft. The development phase for civil aircraft typically lasts two to four years and the tooling cost represents a multi-million pound forward investment with a long pay back period. Consequently, reducing the need for type specific hard-tooling will significantly reduce development costs and the time from concept to market. This thesis describes a new design-for-assembly JAM Methodology that reduces the need to manufacture and build with type specific hard-tooling. The Methodology was developed by identifying, utilising and developing existing design methodologies, and by identifying and applying enabling technologies. The methodologies are integrated to create a design algorithm that identifies and draws on the enabling technologies to achieve minimal hard tooling assembly concepts. Included in the methodologies is an innovative systems analysis tool. This enables the comparison of alternative assembly concepts ahead of the detail design, and the prediction and control of the total assembly error at the design stage. The first part of the thesis describes the development of the JAM Methodology and explains the function and purpose of each step. The second part of the thesis demonstrates, and tests, two slightly different forms of the Methodology in the re-engineering of an existing aerospace structure, and in the designing of a new aerospace structure. Publications relating to this research thesis include eleven authored, and co-authored, refereed conference papers, one journal article, and two EPSRC final reports.
Open Access
Design of and development a diamond fly-cutting system
(2005) Jarrett, James; Shore, Paul
This thesis presents a conceptual design, for a single point diamond fly-cutting system. This design is based on the performance of an existing, diamond facing lathe. The design requirements for a precision machine tool have been considered, and a deterministic design philosophy has been adopted. The error motions within the diamond facing lathe are considered as effects, generated by defined causes. These causes include geometric, kinematic and dynamic sources. Diamond turning and flycutting processes have been compared and consideration has been given to the process influences, including variations in; diamond tool geometries, cutting forces, rotational error motions and the process characteristics required for an optimal surface finish. A single point diamond facing lathe has been refurbished and the dynamic error motions of this machine tool have been analysed, using different techniques. The stiffness properties have also been investigated, which indicate how the performance of the machine tool has been affected over time and during the refurbishment process. The dynamic error motions have been used to generate a set of technical specifications, governing the design of the fly-cutting system. A design concept has been presented and optimised. This includes a fly-cutting head, with a quick release tool holder based on a kinematically located side locking clamp. A design concept for a dynamic workpiece holder has also been presented, which monitors the error motions of the machine tool and orientates the workpiece accordingly. A three pair flexure system has been simulated to orientate the workpiece. Consideration has been given to mounting the workpiece, feedback transducers and the design of the control system. This thesis has provided the initial steps in the design of a single point diamond flycutting system. A further stage of development work is required to complete a detailed design.
Open Access
A development methodology for industrial hypermedia task support systems
(2003-04) Tjahjono, Benny Eko; Greenough, Richard
Workers in today’s manufacturing environments have to cope with a greater variety of complex and rapidly changing tasks than ever before. To ensure consistent high quality of products and manufacturing processes, workers require constantly available source of information that serves as a task support and an aide-memoire for settings and task procedures. Hypermedia technology has been proven suitable for this purpose. However, developing industrial hypermedia task support systems (TSS) is different to developing conventional, non-industrial hypermedia applications. This research, therefore, aims to formulate the development methodology that can be used as a guidance to develop industrial hypermedia task support systems. The development methodology, incorporating formal design methods and design heuristics, has been used to develop a number of industrial hypermedia TSS. Both the hypermedia TSS and the methodology have been evaluated through a series of case studies. The thesis confirms that the success of the hypermedia task support systems is not only dependent on the usability of the system, but also on the quality of the content. Difficult and time consuming updating processes will cause poor accuracy and currency of the content, resulting in the users not being able to get the benefits from using it. The collaborative authoring environment that exists within the development methodology enables the content of the hypermedia task support system to be easily created and maintained, so as to ensure its usability. Compared to existing methodologies, the proposed methodology is more comprehensive and more suitable for developing industrial hypermedia systems. In addition to the formal approach typically found in ‘off-the-shelf methodologies, the methodology formulated in this research incorporates design heuristics that aim to improve an application’s coherence and to reduce users’ cognitive overhead, two important requirements for designing the user interface of industrial hypermedia systems.
Open Access
The development of a bacterial biosensor for the analysis of benzene in workplace air
(2004-12) Lanyon, Yvonne H.; Tothill, Ibtisam E.
The presence of toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene in workplace air has accounted for the death of many occupationally exposed workers over the last century. The conventional gas chromatographic method of monitoring benzene is known to be costly, complex and in most cases, laboratory-based. Therefore a need exists for the development of low-cost, easy to use, portable devices that can be used on-site for the rapid evaluation of airborne benzene. In this thesis, the development of an amperometric bacterial biosensor based on Pseudomonas putida ML2 for the detection of airborne benzene is described. Benzene can be used by the bacteria as a sole carbon source, and its aerobic degradation can be measured using a dissolved oxygen electrode. In this work, P. putida ML2 cells were immobilised between two cellulose acetate membranes and fixed onto a Clark dissolved oxygen electrode. Biosensor responses were investigated in batch and kinetic (Flow Injection Analysis) mode, and also using screen-printed electrodes. In each case, the response characteristics, sensitivity, reproducibility and lifetime of the sensor were investigated, as well as construction techniques and operational parameters. The applicability of the biosensor for the analysis of air samples containing benzene was investigated. Air samples were collected from an exposure room of controlled concentration using charcoal adsorption tubes, and benzene extracted with solvent desorption using dimethylformamide (DMF). DMF proved to be compatible for use with the biosensor, causing minimal interference with the sensor response and causing no toxic effects on the bacterial cells. The biosensor displayed a linear detection range between 0.025 - 0.15 mM benzene based on standard solutions containing a maximum of 2% DMF, with a response time of 6 minutes. This linear detection range allowed the analysis of air containing between 3-16 ppm benzene, based on a 60-minute sampling period. The inter-assay reproducibility of the sensor response to standard benzene calibration curves under such conditions gave a 3% variation coefficient based on 5 separate assays (n = 17) using the same bacterial membrane. The FIA system was easily transported to an in situ location for the air sample analyses, and a correlation was obtained between the biosensor and gas chromatography (GC) results for the exposure room air samples investigated. Moreover, the biosensor displayed no interference to other benzene related compounds in the BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene) range. Overall, this thesis has described the development of an alternative method for the monitoring of benzene in workplace air, using a bacterial biosensor based on Flow Injection Analysis. Advantages over the conventional GC methods including ease of operation, cost-effective production and portability demonstrate that the P. putida ML2 biosensor has potential applications as an alternative means for the rapid analysis of workplace air containing benzene.
Open Access
Development of a joint TQM&IlT implementation model
(1997-02) Georgousis, Ioannis D.; Kay, John M.
This study investigates the impact of the joint TQM and JIT approach on the performance of manufacturing organisations. The final objective is the development of a Joint TQM&JIT Implementation Model, based on the results of the investigation. The Model will contain a series of activities and operations that will lead to process and product improvement, based on the principles of the joint implementation approach. Many studies and researches have been conducted in order to investigate and clarify the details and the potential benefits of each system. However, few studies looked at the operations that are necessary for a successful joint TQM and JIT approach; and even if they did it, they did not analyse the manufacturing process systematically. The present study attempts to give an answer to this problem and, moreover, to produce a systematic, analytical, and clear implementation plan. The literature review and the industrial survey showed that there is a very close link between TQM and JIT; what is missing is a detailed implementation plan. The TQM&JIT Model tries to satisfy the musts and the wants of every manufacturing organisation which wishes to be competitive and world-class in the contemporary demanding markets, using the quality of the products and the low manufacturing cost as weapons. Furthermore, the Model details the sequence of the activities that should be followed in order to get completely beneficial results. It determines the production areas that should be improved, but also determines the role of everyone within the company towards that objective. The flowchart that presents the network of the activities is very simple and very clear, and this is perhaps the major advantage of the Joint TQM&JIT Implementation Model. A series of performance measures for each step of the Model has also been developed, in order to ensure the completion of each implementation stage.
Open Access
The development of a sustainability tool
(2005-09) Sasaki, S; Dewberry, Emma
This study examines the potential for ICI Paints, a paint and coating manufacturer, to move their products towards greater sustainability. A brief review of the tools and techniques currently in use to encourage sustainable outputs is given. A new tool is proposed and developed that combines the principles from The Natural Step (TNS) and the streamlined life-cycle analysis concept. Using a matrix to contain TNS’s four system conditions, which measure sustainability in four scientific principles, against five lifecycle stages, a ‘snapshot’ of the sustainability profile of paint can be efficiently determined. Study methods included semi-structured interviews with ICI Paints employees representing different stages of the paint life-cycle. Significantly, despite being a leader in paint innovation and a Dow Jones Sustainability member, ICI Paints had performed very little life-cycle work in the past few decades. The development ofthe snapshot tool was made up ofthree areas: setting the context by understanding ICI Paints sustainability needs; meeting the sustainability needs through the development ofthe snapshot tool; finding where and how the snapshot tool could be useful to ICI Paints. By extracting common themes from interviews and secondary data, the main finding which over-arched all three objectives was the tool’s potential in communicating sustainable messages to generalist and specialist audiences. Other themes included the usefulness of the tool in sustainability focused risk management strategies. Future work includes reviewing and testing the snapshot tool in workshops.
Open Access
Development of a test geometry for evaluating the hydrogen cracking susceptibility of high strength GMA welding consumables
(2002-09) Barbosa, P. M. R.; Spurrier, J.
This thesis presents the work developed at Cranfield University through a research programme on the hydrogen cracking susceptibility of multipass girth welds of X-100 steel pipeline produced by the gas metal arc welding process (GMAW). The work aimed to develop a test geometry able to test very low hydrogen content GMAW consumables available in the market. A number of weldability' tests were studied and the Welding Institute of Canada Test (WIC) was selected as the initial configuration to be adjusted because of its simplicity and proved correlation of its results and field data in the past. A simplified one dimensional model of intensity of restraint was derived and the influence of the main geometrical parameters on the intensity of restraint was studied. The restraint length and the sectional area of the restraint plates combined with different groove preparations were employed to achieve four test configurations of successively increased severity. One particular configuration proved to generate hydrogen cracks and discriminated between the two consumables tested. Another configuration achieved to induce hydrogen and solidification cracks but was considered too much severe as it did not discriminate between those consumables. Additional adjustment of restraint length and the cross sectional area of the restraint plates in the plane perpendicular to the weld direction were performed. An optimal configuration prevented the occurrence of longitudinal cracking and induced transverse cracks typical of pipeline girth welding. This work studied a range of heat input from 0.3 to 0.6 kJ/mm. It was found that minimum values of heat input were not always the most critical for hydrogen cracking. It is suggested that there may be significant differences in the residual stress (as a result of the weld heat input) and that these stresses also influence the onset of cracking. The optimal configuration obtained was sensitive to consumables of very low hydrogen content and discriminated between the consumables tested. In order the test configuration can be validated, further tests are needed covering a wider range of consumables.
Open Access
Development of an objective evaluation framework with subjective impact
(1999-09) Taylor, J. P.; Roy, Rajkumar
Multimedia technologies are finding new and advanced uses within the modern organisation. From a strategic perspective, these organisations realise techhology contributes to enhance productivity and operational success. However, to embrace technology without recourse to those who ultimately utilise such facilities, could effectively jeopardize the up-take of new improved working practices. Sir Paul Condon: Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis has been noted within MetView (1999) for the following statements: • “Technology is playing an ever increasing role in modern policing methods and has been responsible for many of our current successes” • "Good and innovative policing, and good and innovative technology cannot be separated”. To continue this success there is a need within a modern policing organisation to develop an objective framework for evaluating multimedia technologies. This framework will give recognition to subjective user issues that are necessary to contribute towards the partnership that exists between innovative policing and innovative technology. This research presents a framework that achieves specific business requirements outlined by a technology aware department within a police organisation. Three research objectives were completed. These objectives are: - Provide a business process for evaluating multimedia technologies in a way that is repeatable and unbiased - Provide a sound foundation that accounts for the typical user of multimedia technologies - Aid towards increased user satisfaction and confidence. Conclusions detail the objective evaluation framework with subjective impact, reference to a business process and considerations for a modern policing organisation on a way forward
Open Access
The development of machine algorithms for the Cranfield underwater laser stripe imaging system
(2003-04) MacAdam Sproat, G. O.; Tetlow, S.
When using conventional illumination in the underwater environment, the greatest problem faced has always been that of back-scatter. This reduces visual quality both to the naked eye and through the use of underwater cameras. This project continues research into a hybrid underwater laser viewing system, combining a laser scanning technique with conventional underwater viewing system technology. The use of carefully positioned lighting can greatly reduce the problem of back-scattered light, improving image definition and contrast. With the use of a laser light source this can be improved even further within a more flexible system. Utilising two scanning devices a narrow stripe of light can be formed which is scanned over a target area. Small successive regions of any object lying within that area can then be illuminated, isolated and extracted using image processing to compile a complete image of the object. For the purposes of surf zone and shallow water mines counter measures, the system requires reliable machine algorithm based image processing techniques, to compile a constructed image of target objects within highly turbid regions. Projected stripes take on various characteristics dependent on the geometry and aspect of the object which they fall upon and the conditions experienced. High levels of turbidity leading to significant noise, creates considerable difficulties in the isolation of the stripe region and the extraction of meaningful visual information. The success of any technique would rely upon the overcoming of these difficulties, allowing the system to offer the operator the most useful visual information permissible in the final compilation of the image. Through various image processing techniques these factors have been tackled and their effects on the final image, greatly reduced. The result is the creation of highly stable and effective processing techniques allowing improved object definition and recognition, in levels of high turbidity.
Open Access
Dimensioning of an automotive final assembly shop using a system of key performance indicators
(2006-01) Gruneisl, Markus; Kay, John M.
All worldwide operating automobile manufacturers are on the constant search for the optimum between desirable flexibility on that one hand and required cost productivity on the other hand. In particular, the planning of a new final assembly shop of a car manufacturer is a big challenge since a huge number of influencing factors must be taken into consideration, so that in the end a best-practice final assembly shop with the desired attributes is created. To minimise the risk of bad planning, the length of time for the planning process should be shortened and at the same time the planning exactness should be improved with the help of new tools. This research project demonstrates that in the early stages of the planning process key performance indicators could be a proper instrument to achieve the the desired effects. Even if key performance indicators have been used in many areas of industry over several decades, this is the first research project which deals in this degree of accuracy with the dependencies between the different key performance indicators during the factory planning process for a new final assembly shop of a car manufacturer. Following the basic idea of 'System Thinking', numerous key performance indicators were linked to each other in an adaptable system of key performance indicators. During this research project, the developed model was successfully evaluated with four locations of the research partner BMW Group. Since the results are all between ± 20%, which is a sufficient exactness for this planning stage, there is great confidence that this general system of key performance indicators could also be important to other automobile manufacturers. The findings of this research project should serve as a basis for other researchers in this field to enhance the scarce theories about the dependencies. Besides, the software 'Powersim' and the chosen approach of 'System Thinking' doubtless can be transferred to other industrial areas with similar challenges.
Open Access
Ecotechnology as interdisciplinary method: ecological engineering of water quality
(2000-03) Browne, Brigid; Seaton, R. A. F.
The principle objective of the work is to explore an ecotechnological, interdisciplinary approach to studying ‘natural’, in ecologically engineered terms, systems. This requires the investigation of two sub-objectives. The first of which is to develop an assessment method for investigating the bi-directionality between water quality (biochemical) and ecological change as a socially directed biophysical or ‘natural’ technology. Supporting this first sub-objective is a second one which offers an innovative approach, in the form of developing a new classificatoiy framework or ‘ecotaxonomy’, which uses the concepts of hierarchy and emergence in describing the biological components (bios) of such ‘natural’ systems. Central also to the research is a case-study which relates to an issue of perception in the way that treatment processes at a water treatment works are generally regarded as separate from the treatment processes of water in ‘natural’ watercourses and the aquatic ecologies endogenous to them. Wastewater-fed aquaculture systems are a principle example of an ecological engineered treatment system or socially directed biophysical technology, which bridges this perceptual divide. Such an aquaculture system is used to test the new taxonomic framework. As a result of the development of a conceptual model and the hybrid classification exercise several interesting observations are made. Firstly the way in which the ecotaxonomy as a hybridization of traditional biological and ecological classification enables the systems biochemistry to be mapped to its ecology. Secondly the utility of ‘inter’ taxonomic systems generally as mapping functions to facilitate knowledge transfer and interdisciplinary research. Thirdly the creation of a classification systems which allows, by merit of it’s structure, for the phenomenon of emergence. Other interesting side issues are raised such as the role of ‘objective’ as opposed to ‘natural’ biological classification systems and further implications on the effect of changing biological taxonomic structure are discussed, with particular reference to principle ecological theories such as the diversity-stability hypothesis and the nature of biological variety and functional diversity in natural systems generally. If social needs, such as water treatment, are to ‘harness’ natural biological systems then these properties of ecotechnology need to be further developed.