Earlier today, had my final paper for this semester - Engineering Economy. Out of all the courses I'm taking this semester, I have to say this is the course I'll most likely fail. Well, I can just fail all except for Marketing (carry marks enough for C+) but logically, only my Engineering Economy and Maths 3 are the likeliest. I do hope I won't fail any this semester, 'coz I usually fail one paper for 1st semester. And IF I do fail any in this semester, I guess it'll be better for me to extend 1 semester so that I won't hurt my CGPA any further. Well, this semester is over and I'm hoping for the best.
With the semester over, next I'll concentrate on cutting some curve and weight. The target date for change will be 20th December, the scheduled date for my road trip to KK. It'll be KCH-MIRI-LIMBANG-KK-LIMBANG-BINTULU-SRI AMAN-KCH trip. Not to say I'm really looking forward for it, but I'll for sure do if my results (and my gf's) are good. Crossing fingers again...
That's that... I'm kinda' exhausted... need some sleep.... Later, hang on... Need to wait for my laundry.. then sleep..then DOTA..then badminton...BYah!!
Monday, November 22, 2010
Friday, November 5, 2010
Taking a Break
My final examinations will start next week, so I'll be away for a while from this blog. But I'll try to update if I have the chance... Ok Orait!! Byah!!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Project: River-Taxi Project_Part 7_Model Making
The materials being used for the model construction are polystyrene and cardboard. The selection of these materials is based on the availability of the material, the reliability, affordable in terms of cost and the ease of handling. Polystyrene and cardboard are among the most commonly used materials for a model development and can be bought from any stationery shop. Although these materials have less strength compared to metal, wood or fiberglass, they are dependable and have some advantages for certain criteria. For example, the polystyrene does not absorb water (some wood does) and it also can easily float due to the lightweight (low density). These criteria are the beneficial advantage in the construction of the boat hull or the lower deck for the river taxi model.
Another reason for selecting polystyrene and cardboard as the material for model is the handling equipment. Handling equipment is a very important aspect to be considered in the construction process of the model. It is use to reshape, cutting or joining the material (polystyrene and cardboard) into the desired form. Among the handling equipment being used in the construction of the model is a penknife (cutter), scissors, hot glue, adhesive tape and double-sided adhesive tape. All these handling equipment are easily operated and available.
During the construction process of the model, there are a few methods of joint being used. Each joining methods used are choose based on the required type of joint, the effects on the worked surface (any reaction with material) and the flexibility. The joining method used is such as adhesive bonding, whereby a hot glue or adhesive tape is applied on the contacting surface to be joined. However, there is some type of adhesive bonding such as super glue could not be used as it will erode the material used (polystyrene) due to the chemical content.
Another reason for selecting polystyrene and cardboard as the material for model is the handling equipment. Handling equipment is a very important aspect to be considered in the construction process of the model. It is use to reshape, cutting or joining the material (polystyrene and cardboard) into the desired form. Among the handling equipment being used in the construction of the model is a penknife (cutter), scissors, hot glue, adhesive tape and double-sided adhesive tape. All these handling equipment are easily operated and available.
During the construction process of the model, there are a few methods of joint being used. Each joining methods used are choose based on the required type of joint, the effects on the worked surface (any reaction with material) and the flexibility. The joining method used is such as adhesive bonding, whereby a hot glue or adhesive tape is applied on the contacting surface to be joined. However, there is some type of adhesive bonding such as super glue could not be used as it will erode the material used (polystyrene) due to the chemical content.
Project: River-Taxi Project_Part 6_Material for the hull
Selecting the right material for the hull of boat or any other water transportation is crucial. The information about the material should be revised a few times before it could be selected. Selecting the wrong material may causes flaw in the design and disaster.
In selecting the right material for the hull, three common materials in boat manufacturing are selected to decide which material the most suitable for the design. The materials are wood, aluminium and fibreglass. All sort of aspect should be studied in order the come out with the most suitable material. The characteristic of the wood, aluminium and fibre glass are listed as below:
Wood
Wood usually been seen as the material for the boat. Wood has good floatation, increasing the buoyancy of the river taxi. Besides that wood is strong material and it is flexible, making it easy to be altered in shape. However wood have its own weakness, which is rotting. From the interview made, a boat that uses wood it could sustain up to 10 to 15 years only before the wood rots.
Aluminum
Aluminium is lightweight and this is crucial for the river taxi design. Additionally, aluminium has good strength and it does not rot. However there are still weaknesses in aluminium, which is corrosion. Corrosion is chemical phenomenon that occurs on metal. Not only it would make the appearance of river taxi bad, it also causes leaking to the hull.
Fibre glass
The use of fibreglass in boat manufacturing becomes very popular nowadays. This mainly due to its strength property, which is relatively strong. Besides, fibreglass is also durable compared to wood or aluminium. On the other hand, fibreglass is economical and affordable and this is the factor why fibreglass is widely used nowadays. Fibreglass is a type of polymer; therefore it would not corrode or rot.
As for conclusion, the suitable material to be chosen for the hull is fiberglass. Fibreglass has greater advantages for safety, buoyancy and maintenance.
In selecting the right material for the hull, three common materials in boat manufacturing are selected to decide which material the most suitable for the design. The materials are wood, aluminium and fibreglass. All sort of aspect should be studied in order the come out with the most suitable material. The characteristic of the wood, aluminium and fibre glass are listed as below:
Wood
Wood usually been seen as the material for the boat. Wood has good floatation, increasing the buoyancy of the river taxi. Besides that wood is strong material and it is flexible, making it easy to be altered in shape. However wood have its own weakness, which is rotting. From the interview made, a boat that uses wood it could sustain up to 10 to 15 years only before the wood rots.
Aluminum
Aluminium is lightweight and this is crucial for the river taxi design. Additionally, aluminium has good strength and it does not rot. However there are still weaknesses in aluminium, which is corrosion. Corrosion is chemical phenomenon that occurs on metal. Not only it would make the appearance of river taxi bad, it also causes leaking to the hull.
Fibre glass
The use of fibreglass in boat manufacturing becomes very popular nowadays. This mainly due to its strength property, which is relatively strong. Besides, fibreglass is also durable compared to wood or aluminium. On the other hand, fibreglass is economical and affordable and this is the factor why fibreglass is widely used nowadays. Fibreglass is a type of polymer; therefore it would not corrode or rot.
As for conclusion, the suitable material to be chosen for the hull is fiberglass. Fibreglass has greater advantages for safety, buoyancy and maintenance.
Project: River-Taxi Project_Part 5_ Problems Regarding River Taxi
Batang Lupar is famous for its tidal bore phenomena that attract a lot of tourist from all over the world. However, in developing river taxi design for this region, the tidal bore itself would be a major problem. The tidal bore can cause problem towards the conventional private boat or express boat if the skipper is not well versed on Batang Lupar. In addition to that, there are not many-experienced skipper around.
The velocity of the river flow that is not uniform means it is hard to determine the suitable engine’s horsepower. Additionally there are debris scattered along the river, especially upstream. Due to this, boat users have to navigate slowly to avoid hitting debris that could cause danger to the boat users.
The formation of sandbanks at several areas especially near to Pulau Seduku limits the boat traffic beyond the area. Boats can only pass through the area during high tide and high-tide only last for 2 hours. After that, the level will be too low and considered unsafe for boaters to pass through.
Other problem associated with the river taxi development is the scattered settlement of the Sri Aman residents. It is important for us to measure the distance required for the river in order to determine the size of fuel tank and the size of the boat itself.
Finally, the cost of building the new river taxi must be considered. From economic point of view it is important to communicate with the client at the early stages so that changes could be made earlier to avoid extra cost and increase the saving towards the cost. Since there are a lot of problems to be tackled by the new design, the cost to solve them will be quite significant. Additionally, the number of demand of the customer is important in order to estimate the utilization of the new river taxi.
The velocity of the river flow that is not uniform means it is hard to determine the suitable engine’s horsepower. Additionally there are debris scattered along the river, especially upstream. Due to this, boat users have to navigate slowly to avoid hitting debris that could cause danger to the boat users.
The formation of sandbanks at several areas especially near to Pulau Seduku limits the boat traffic beyond the area. Boats can only pass through the area during high tide and high-tide only last for 2 hours. After that, the level will be too low and considered unsafe for boaters to pass through.
Other problem associated with the river taxi development is the scattered settlement of the Sri Aman residents. It is important for us to measure the distance required for the river in order to determine the size of fuel tank and the size of the boat itself.
Finally, the cost of building the new river taxi must be considered. From economic point of view it is important to communicate with the client at the early stages so that changes could be made earlier to avoid extra cost and increase the saving towards the cost. Since there are a lot of problems to be tackled by the new design, the cost to solve them will be quite significant. Additionally, the number of demand of the customer is important in order to estimate the utilization of the new river taxi.
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
CFD is the numerical solving of partial differential equations on a discretized system that given the available computer resources best approximates the real geometry and fluid flow phenomena of interest. It is also the science of predicting fluid flow, heat and mass transfer, chemical reactions, and related phenomena by solving numerically set of governing mathematical equations.
Quality Functional Requirement (QFD)
QFD is also known as The House of Quality, which is the method for structured product development. It specifies customer needs clearly and evaluate each product capability in terms of its impact on meeting customer needs. This theory is applied by utilizing the House of Quality. The main features of QFD are focus on meeting market needs by using actual customer statements (voice of the customer), its effective application of multidisciplinary teamwork and the use of a comprehensive matrix (called the House of Quality) for documenting information, perceptions and decisions.
Ergonomic
Ergonomics or human factors theory that concern with the interaction between human and technology. Ergonomics integrates knowledge delivered from the human science to match systems, environments, jobs and products to the physical and mental abilities and limitation of people.
Project: River-Taxi Project_Part 4_ Sri Aman Town
Sri Aman is a small town, located around 194 km from Kuching. Formerly known as Sri Aman, it is the 2nd division in Sarawak. Currently, there are 90600 residents scattered all over the division, especially along the river because the river was once the main part of transportation (water transportation) and most areas are reachable by river. Source of income for Sri Aman is agricultural production: rice (along Batang Lupar), palm oil production, pepper, rubber and tourism. Tourism in Sri Aman is centered mainly on Batang Lupar.
Batang Lupar is stretch from Kelingkang Range to South China Sea and the length is around 275km. It is along this river the famous Bujang Senang (a huge crocodile) was found and later shot dead. In fact, Batang Lupar is famous for crocodiles and most crocodiles can be seen sunbathing along the riverbank. Despite the danger posed, crocodiles in Sri Aman are one of tourism attraction and there will be a sanctuary park specially made for the crocodiles in Pulau Seduku.
Other than crocodiles, other tourism attraction along Batang Lupar are Pesta Benak (regatta, benak surfing), tidal bore sighting, Gunong Lesong (for a scenic viewof Batang Lupar), eco-fish (at Batang Ai), Taman Benak and historical sites like Fort Alice and Fort Leonora.
A new attraction proposed to increase number of tourists is the River-Taxi. With the River-Taxi, tourists will be able to ride safely along the river to observe crocodiles, floras and other beautiful scenes. In addition to that, tourists will be able to experience riding the benak and able to reach rural areas to visit Iban longhouses. Other than for tourism purposes, the River Taxi might be able to once again be a source of public transportation for locals.
Batang Lupar is stretch from Kelingkang Range to South China Sea and the length is around 275km. It is along this river the famous Bujang Senang (a huge crocodile) was found and later shot dead. In fact, Batang Lupar is famous for crocodiles and most crocodiles can be seen sunbathing along the riverbank. Despite the danger posed, crocodiles in Sri Aman are one of tourism attraction and there will be a sanctuary park specially made for the crocodiles in Pulau Seduku.
Other than crocodiles, other tourism attraction along Batang Lupar are Pesta Benak (regatta, benak surfing), tidal bore sighting, Gunong Lesong (for a scenic viewof Batang Lupar), eco-fish (at Batang Ai), Taman Benak and historical sites like Fort Alice and Fort Leonora.
A new attraction proposed to increase number of tourists is the River-Taxi. With the River-Taxi, tourists will be able to ride safely along the river to observe crocodiles, floras and other beautiful scenes. In addition to that, tourists will be able to experience riding the benak and able to reach rural areas to visit Iban longhouses. Other than for tourism purposes, the River Taxi might be able to once again be a source of public transportation for locals.
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