Tribology is a study on friction, wear, adhesion and scratch resistance of moving interferences in contact. In other words, it is a study on movement of surface in contact with one another and the surroundings. The study also involve dissipation of energy (friction induces heat energy and etc.). Wear, being one of the sub-content of tribology is a study of useful life of a material or a part component of a machine. It is given by the equation:
Usp = Vloss / (FxD)
Usp = wear rate
Vloss = volumetric loss
F = force applied
D = total sliding distance
There are 4 types of wear, namely:
a)Abrasive wear
-Due to presence of hard/sharp particles between contacting surface (moving)
b)Adhesive wear
-Due to unsuitable lubrication or lubricant ran dry between moving surfaces in contact
c)Surface fatigue
-Due to repeated mechanical stress
d)Tribo-oxidation
-Tribological sliding causes chemical reaction, increase of temperature of contacting surfaces and oxidation
From the 4 types of wear mentioned above, wear is a study of useful life of components. The useful life of components here are components of a machine that experiences friction during operation. Friction causes loss of solid material on the contacting surface and this will reduces the integrity of the material. Thus, this is why friction and wear are mentioned concurrently since all 4 types of wear are caused by frictional problems.
Showing posts with label Academic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Academic. Show all posts
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Taguchi and Quality in Manufacturing Industry
Quality is one of the most important aspects demanded from a product. Quality represents image and reliability of a manufacturing company, thus proves the importance for it to be stressed by the company. In manufacturing and quality engineering in general, the field quality itself could not sway from the name Genichi Taguchi. Taguchi contributed a lot in terms of quality in product and process design. Two of the important methods in quality engineering are robust design and loss function.
In robust design, Taguchi stresses that product and process should create a design that can avoid failure or product performance below specified standard. Meanwhile, Taguchi loss function stresses more on tolerance of design. This is because a product that performance outside the tolerance is considered loss in value and products must always perform within the desired tolerance.
These two ideologies are very important for production of a new product. Acceptance of a new product by consumers depends very much on the initial impression in terms of quality. Physiologically, it is very hard for a consumer to use a new product compared to using a product which the consumer has used before. If a consumer chooses to use a new product rather than an existing product, feedbacks will go very bad if the quality of the product is not good. In fact, quality level of a new product must be very high especially in the initial stage where it is still gaining acceptance from the society.
In robust design, Taguchi stresses that product and process should create a design that can avoid failure or product performance below specified standard. Meanwhile, Taguchi loss function stresses more on tolerance of design. This is because a product that performance outside the tolerance is considered loss in value and products must always perform within the desired tolerance.
These two ideologies are very important for production of a new product. Acceptance of a new product by consumers depends very much on the initial impression in terms of quality. Physiologically, it is very hard for a consumer to use a new product compared to using a product which the consumer has used before. If a consumer chooses to use a new product rather than an existing product, feedbacks will go very bad if the quality of the product is not good. In fact, quality level of a new product must be very high especially in the initial stage where it is still gaining acceptance from the society.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
CAD/CAM for Modern Injection Moulding
The prominent machinery used to produce wheel cover is Injection Moulding Machine. Modern Injection Moulding machine basically comes with integrated system of CAD/CAM. Therefore, CAD/CAM system is crucial to be implemented in this production.
By applying CAD into production, it helps to increase the productivity by reducing time consumed by designer to do synthesis, analysis and documentation of the design. Synthesis can be referred as geometric modelling in CAD function. Geometric model permits the user of the CAD to perform certain operation on the model which includes making new geometric model or modification on existing model takes less time compared to the manual drafting.
CAD is also useful in order to improve the quality of the design where this software permit the designer to do more complex engineering analysis and to consider a large number of options and varieties of design alternatives. Analysis that can be made by applying CAD in design process includes mass properties analysis, interference checking, tolerance analysis, finite element analysis, kinematic and dynamics analysis and discrete – event simulation.
Besides that, design evaluation and review procedures also can be augmented by CAD. The features includes in-evaluating and reviewing a proposed design consist of automatic dimensioning analysis, error checking, animation of discrete – event simulation solutions and plan layout design scores to design the facilities. CAD also helps to improve the design documentations. The graphical output of CAD system results in better documentation of the design than manual drafting where the drawings is superior and has less drafting error and greater legibility.
Finally, CAD eases to create manufacturing database. The documentation includes the product design (geometric specification of product, dimension of the product, material specification, bill of material etc).
By applying CAD into production, it helps to increase the productivity by reducing time consumed by designer to do synthesis, analysis and documentation of the design. Synthesis can be referred as geometric modelling in CAD function. Geometric model permits the user of the CAD to perform certain operation on the model which includes making new geometric model or modification on existing model takes less time compared to the manual drafting.
CAD is also useful in order to improve the quality of the design where this software permit the designer to do more complex engineering analysis and to consider a large number of options and varieties of design alternatives. Analysis that can be made by applying CAD in design process includes mass properties analysis, interference checking, tolerance analysis, finite element analysis, kinematic and dynamics analysis and discrete – event simulation.
Besides that, design evaluation and review procedures also can be augmented by CAD. The features includes in-evaluating and reviewing a proposed design consist of automatic dimensioning analysis, error checking, animation of discrete – event simulation solutions and plan layout design scores to design the facilities. CAD also helps to improve the design documentations. The graphical output of CAD system results in better documentation of the design than manual drafting where the drawings is superior and has less drafting error and greater legibility.
Finally, CAD eases to create manufacturing database. The documentation includes the product design (geometric specification of product, dimension of the product, material specification, bill of material etc).
Friday, August 19, 2011
Life as a Brooke: Part 1
Industrial training placement is part of compulsory requirements to graduate with a degree from any local university in Malaysia. For Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), undergraduates must undergo at least 10 weeks of industrial training as set by Board of Engineering Malaysia (BEM). Through industrial training, undergraduates are expected to be exposed with work ethics, responsibilities, technical practices and other real life engineering exposures like problem identifying and solving.
Mine was at Brooke Dockyard and Engineering Works Corporation (BDEWC), Sejingkat, under Quality Assurance and Control (QAQC) Department. Their (BDEWC) main industry is to fabricate offshore modules like production/drilling platform, offshore living quarters and platform jacket. Other than that, BDEWC also build and repair vessels, ferries and steel arch bridges as part of their aim to be a major provider for petroleum, marine and manufacturing industries. It is the responsibility of the QAQC Department that all fabrication works are done according to specifications.
So....about wat happens there...I continue later later la....ahaks..
p/s: This post is backdated...hehehe.... Posted part 2 earlier pulak...
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Me at Asia Infrastructure '11
A few days ago, I went for this convention and exhibition at BCCK... Asia's International Infrastructure Development Exhibition & COnference... nang panjang la nama... Not that I want to go there..but was invited by Brooke's Engineering Dept to go..so pergi la..boring ba at cabin..plus... to masuk have to pay RM20 ba.. so ok la dapat masuk free...
To be honest..dunno wat I did there la..just see this and that jak..then talked with the guys from SCORE...TRC..and CMS..the rest..macam malas la mok talk... I'm looking forward for the next convention..that'll be next year la...convention on O&G industry..see you there next year...ahaks...
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Life as a Brooke: Part 2
For the last 3 weeks, I’ve been ‘busy’ with my industrial training at Brooke Dockyard,Sejingkat. It’s my 4th week now and in another 6 weeks I’ll be done with this. But I am considering an extension of 2 weeks, just to make it a 3 months training instead of a 2 ½ months. Alang-alang….
To be honest, I don’t know much about Brooke Dockyard…. In fact I initially thought they’re into shipping industry..but on my first day here, I realized that I’m in oil and gas industry. Brooke in fact fabricates sections of an oil rig and currently they’re making top side of an oil rig for Murphy Oil (Sarawak). Thus, I accidentally involved myself into oil and gas for my training…wahahaha..ketawa penjahat… I wanted to have my training with an oil and gas based company for my training ba but my applications were rejected… like I’ve said, I didn’t know Brooke is in oil and gas ba….
Here at Brooke, I’m in QA/QC department…a department where most will assume it’s more related to Civil instead of Mechanical…. However, they do need others from different field. In fact, the QC/QC manager is a mechanical engineer ba. They need mechanical people to inspect mechanical equipments ba…equipments to be used to build and equipments to be installed to the rig. In addition to that, they’re short of mechanical guys ba…thus I’m assigned to take over some jobs of a mechanical inspector.
So far.. I’ve been exposed quite a lot even though the project is still in the early stages. I’ve inspected a number of machines like air compressors, flare tip, air dryer and etc….but not a full inspection la. Initial inspection will just be inspecting the parts…later before installing them to the rig, baru run them to tests..but I don’t think I’ll be able to do that since my training is so short. The whole project will take 12-14 months ba..meaning they’ll install the machines on the rig by the 10th month like that la…
Other than inspecting received equipments… I’ve inspected welding works…a bit ironic la since my welding skills is not good and I’m inspecting welding works of a welder with years of experience… ahahahahaha…rasa best ada juak..rasa nebes ada juak… yala, skill macam ciput but have to brani sound the welders if they’re work quality is not within acceptable range… Also takut because their welding works will be sent to Johor for tests..and if they tests come out fail…the whole project will be delayed… the weld work are samples for the floors, walls and ceilings…. If fail, have to edit and redo the whole weld work and then send for test again sampai la pass….
(to be continued)
To be honest, I don’t know much about Brooke Dockyard…. In fact I initially thought they’re into shipping industry..but on my first day here, I realized that I’m in oil and gas industry. Brooke in fact fabricates sections of an oil rig and currently they’re making top side of an oil rig for Murphy Oil (Sarawak). Thus, I accidentally involved myself into oil and gas for my training…wahahaha..ketawa penjahat… I wanted to have my training with an oil and gas based company for my training ba but my applications were rejected… like I’ve said, I didn’t know Brooke is in oil and gas ba….
Here at Brooke, I’m in QA/QC department…a department where most will assume it’s more related to Civil instead of Mechanical…. However, they do need others from different field. In fact, the QC/QC manager is a mechanical engineer ba. They need mechanical people to inspect mechanical equipments ba…equipments to be used to build and equipments to be installed to the rig. In addition to that, they’re short of mechanical guys ba…thus I’m assigned to take over some jobs of a mechanical inspector.
So far.. I’ve been exposed quite a lot even though the project is still in the early stages. I’ve inspected a number of machines like air compressors, flare tip, air dryer and etc….but not a full inspection la. Initial inspection will just be inspecting the parts…later before installing them to the rig, baru run them to tests..but I don’t think I’ll be able to do that since my training is so short. The whole project will take 12-14 months ba..meaning they’ll install the machines on the rig by the 10th month like that la…
Other than inspecting received equipments… I’ve inspected welding works…a bit ironic la since my welding skills is not good and I’m inspecting welding works of a welder with years of experience… ahahahahaha…rasa best ada juak..rasa nebes ada juak… yala, skill macam ciput but have to brani sound the welders if they’re work quality is not within acceptable range… Also takut because their welding works will be sent to Johor for tests..and if they tests come out fail…the whole project will be delayed… the weld work are samples for the floors, walls and ceilings…. If fail, have to edit and redo the whole weld work and then send for test again sampai la pass….
(to be continued)
Saturday, May 14, 2011
LI is coming
My training with Brooke Dockyard will start this Monday (that's tomorrow)... not to say I'm nervous...I just don't know what to expect...thus I can't plan anything.. all I know I'll be reporting in this Monday, 8 am at their office..which is located above Everise Demak Laut.... I figure that I'll be there just for the first day..then the rest of it at the shipyard la...all the best...BYah!!
Friday, April 1, 2011
Relationship between Economics and Process Control
In the past, economics has little meaning to engineers since engineers create and build without thinking much about the cost and materials. However, time has change and we no longer have raw materials in abundance. With limited sources and costly materials, engineers have no choice but to consider the economics side of engineering.
One field where engineers have to monitor cost and profit is process control in the industry. In any industry, a process or multi-processes will always involve raw materials and supportive elements like labour hour, machine hour, and salary in order to produce a product. Raw materials and supportive elements are what we view as variables in process and these variables determine if the process is profiting, sustainable or not sustainable. To deduce values of the variables and to relate between input and output of a process, we use Cobb-Douglas Production Function.
Obtaining values of α, β and γ will enable us to do the next step, α+β+γ. This step will give us the following conditions:
• α+β+γ < 1, the return scale is decreasing
• α+β+γ > 1, the return scale is increasing
• α+β+γ = 1, the return scale is constant
To solve Cobb-Douglas Production Function, we can either use Microsoft Excel or SPSS software.
One field where engineers have to monitor cost and profit is process control in the industry. In any industry, a process or multi-processes will always involve raw materials and supportive elements like labour hour, machine hour, and salary in order to produce a product. Raw materials and supportive elements are what we view as variables in process and these variables determine if the process is profiting, sustainable or not sustainable. To deduce values of the variables and to relate between input and output of a process, we use Cobb-Douglas Production Function.
Obtaining values of α, β and γ will enable us to do the next step, α+β+γ. This step will give us the following conditions:
• α+β+γ < 1, the return scale is decreasing
• α+β+γ > 1, the return scale is increasing
• α+β+γ = 1, the return scale is constant
To solve Cobb-Douglas Production Function, we can either use Microsoft Excel or SPSS software.
Machine Vision System
Machine vision system is a system that is capable to acquire one or more images by using an optical, non-contact sensing device. Decisions are made after the processing, analyzing and measuring various characteristics by the sensing device.
In the context of manufacturing, machine vision is a branch of engineering that uses computer vision. Machine vision analyse images to extract data for controlling a process or activity. Machine visions are applied for the quality assurance, sorting, material handling, robot guidance and calibration.
For any vision system, 2 important specifications are sensitivity and resolution. Sensitivity here refers to the ability to detect or differentiate small changes like brightness. As for resolution, it’s the ability to differentiate objects. Usually, sensitivity and resolution are interdependent. This means if sensitivity is high, resolution will be lower and vice-versa.
One of the areas where machine vision system is used is the 3D Model Construction. This is extensively used in entertainment (animation and effects) industry to create digital 3D models. Using scanned 3D models is a lot easier and time saving compared to creating 3D models from scratch.
3D scanner works by scanning and analyzing a real object and reconstruct it as a 3D model in digital mode. Scanning and analyzing is done when the scanner projects wave to the object(s) and collects the reflection of the wave. This wave can be light, ultrasound, laser or x-ray.
An example of a 3D scanner is the time-of-flight laser scanner, a non-contact active scanner type. The main part of this scanner is the laser rangefinder. Just like the name itself, rangefinder, it finds the range between the scanner and object by deducing time for the laser to reflect from the object to the scanner. The precision to measure time is very important for this device because it signifies accuracy.
A laser rangefinder detects an object one point at a time, which means to detect an object; direction view of the scanner must change to scan different point. To change direction view, we either rotate the rangefinder or use a rotating mirror system. Rotating mirror system is the better choice because they’re lighter, making them faster to rotate at a better accuracy.
Another example where machine vision system is used, is for quality assurance. It is the systematic monitoring and evaluation of the various aspects of a project, service or facility to maximize the probability that minimum standards of quality are being attained by the production process. Quality assurance cannot absolutely guarantee the production of quality products but it can reduce the probability of damage. Quality assurance will make sure that the quality of the product produced at least at the minimum requirement for the production.
The system involve camera for motion capture and process the image captured into digital form of image. The system works by capturing the image of the output product and compare the image with the set point image. If the image captured did not satisfy the requirement, the system will trigger the product as faulty and thus the product will be sent back.
For example, label inspection on wine bottles. If the figure/label on the bottle is not the same in database, then the bottle will be sidelined as reject.
There are other applications of machine vision system like in the security (e.g retina recognition, thumb print recognition), medical (bacteria detection) and safety (currency detector)sector.
In the context of manufacturing, machine vision is a branch of engineering that uses computer vision. Machine vision analyse images to extract data for controlling a process or activity. Machine visions are applied for the quality assurance, sorting, material handling, robot guidance and calibration.
For any vision system, 2 important specifications are sensitivity and resolution. Sensitivity here refers to the ability to detect or differentiate small changes like brightness. As for resolution, it’s the ability to differentiate objects. Usually, sensitivity and resolution are interdependent. This means if sensitivity is high, resolution will be lower and vice-versa.
One of the areas where machine vision system is used is the 3D Model Construction. This is extensively used in entertainment (animation and effects) industry to create digital 3D models. Using scanned 3D models is a lot easier and time saving compared to creating 3D models from scratch.
3D scanner works by scanning and analyzing a real object and reconstruct it as a 3D model in digital mode. Scanning and analyzing is done when the scanner projects wave to the object(s) and collects the reflection of the wave. This wave can be light, ultrasound, laser or x-ray.
An example of a 3D scanner is the time-of-flight laser scanner, a non-contact active scanner type. The main part of this scanner is the laser rangefinder. Just like the name itself, rangefinder, it finds the range between the scanner and object by deducing time for the laser to reflect from the object to the scanner. The precision to measure time is very important for this device because it signifies accuracy.
A laser rangefinder detects an object one point at a time, which means to detect an object; direction view of the scanner must change to scan different point. To change direction view, we either rotate the rangefinder or use a rotating mirror system. Rotating mirror system is the better choice because they’re lighter, making them faster to rotate at a better accuracy.
Another example where machine vision system is used, is for quality assurance. It is the systematic monitoring and evaluation of the various aspects of a project, service or facility to maximize the probability that minimum standards of quality are being attained by the production process. Quality assurance cannot absolutely guarantee the production of quality products but it can reduce the probability of damage. Quality assurance will make sure that the quality of the product produced at least at the minimum requirement for the production.
The system involve camera for motion capture and process the image captured into digital form of image. The system works by capturing the image of the output product and compare the image with the set point image. If the image captured did not satisfy the requirement, the system will trigger the product as faulty and thus the product will be sent back.
For example, label inspection on wine bottles. If the figure/label on the bottle is not the same in database, then the bottle will be sidelined as reject.
There are other applications of machine vision system like in the security (e.g retina recognition, thumb print recognition), medical (bacteria detection) and safety (currency detector)sector.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Process Control Monitoring, Controlling and Management
With the vast pace of change over the years, process control has been an important part of any industry. With scarce sources around, the industry demands a more efficient process control in order to produce quality products with minimum cost. That is why we see evolution of better and better process control system from open loop back in the old days to cascade control, a now commonly used system control option.
In the real world, industries do not just have one process control, but plant wide control level. With so many process control system, it is important for us to have process monitoring and control. The main point is to monitor processes in a plant as well as control them, thus ensuring quality production efficiently. Basically there are 2 process monitoring and control method; traditional method and Statistical Process Control.
Other than controlling the process system by implementing monitoring and controlling, it is equally important to manage monitoring and controlling. This is done by planning, organizing, leading and controlling the management itself. In short, we have to manage the organization properly from top management to floor staffs to ensure proper. This will ensure proper flow of order from executive level to technical staffs and this contribute indirectly to quality production of product based on Cobb-Douglas Equation Function.
In the real world, industries do not just have one process control, but plant wide control level. With so many process control system, it is important for us to have process monitoring and control. The main point is to monitor processes in a plant as well as control them, thus ensuring quality production efficiently. Basically there are 2 process monitoring and control method; traditional method and Statistical Process Control.
Other than controlling the process system by implementing monitoring and controlling, it is equally important to manage monitoring and controlling. This is done by planning, organizing, leading and controlling the management itself. In short, we have to manage the organization properly from top management to floor staffs to ensure proper. This will ensure proper flow of order from executive level to technical staffs and this contribute indirectly to quality production of product based on Cobb-Douglas Equation Function.
R484@RABA
Remember that I've been telling you guys that I'm busy with my projects.... well, one of them was finally over last Thursday when we 'succesfully' demo on stage during Engineering Week.
This project is a simple project where we build robot by using LEGO Mindstorms Education set. Yeah, I know..LEGO... macam budak budak... that's why ada rasa malu sikit during demo coz it's just a simple robot made from LEGO set. Quite a lot of people watching ba...demo openly ba itu...
The project itself lasted 3 weeks, with the hardest part is to calibrate the light intensity sensor. For our robot, light intensity sensor is used to detect track borders as well as identifying red balls.
Basically our robot, R484, is built based on a real life example, a space rover. It runs and move randomly within an area in search of set point objects. Once the robot gathers the object, it will return to base. Thus, our robot searches for red balls instead of blue balls, and it will return to base after that.
Our main problem was the light intensity sensor. It is very hard to calibrate since the sensor only identify an object as white or black. So, it's either darker or lighter....But in the end, ok la....hopefully get enough marks la...byah!
This project is a simple project where we build robot by using LEGO Mindstorms Education set. Yeah, I know..LEGO... macam budak budak... that's why ada rasa malu sikit during demo coz it's just a simple robot made from LEGO set. Quite a lot of people watching ba...demo openly ba itu...
The project itself lasted 3 weeks, with the hardest part is to calibrate the light intensity sensor. For our robot, light intensity sensor is used to detect track borders as well as identifying red balls.
Basically our robot, R484, is built based on a real life example, a space rover. It runs and move randomly within an area in search of set point objects. Once the robot gathers the object, it will return to base. Thus, our robot searches for red balls instead of blue balls, and it will return to base after that.
Our main problem was the light intensity sensor. It is very hard to calibrate since the sensor only identify an object as white or black. So, it's either darker or lighter....But in the end, ok la....hopefully get enough marks la...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.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Project: River-Taxi Project_Part 3_Personal visit to Sri Aman
It's an advantage for me when I first knew about this River-Taxi project. Yala, Sri Aman is my mum's hometown so I can reach quite a number of people for information. It's even better since my mum's longhouse is along one of the tributaries (Undop, Lemanak, Skrang and Batang Ai) of Batang Lupar. So during the Raya holidays, I went off to Undop to interview a few locals.
Sungai Undop is further upriver of Batang Undop. The river is quite shallow but quite wide. The flow is quite fast (rapid) and there are a lot of dead tree trunks here and there. In addition to that, the river is nothing like Batang Lupar. Undop have clear water (in the picture it's not so clear because every time it rains, muddy water from logging will pollute the river) and it's with rocks rather than mud.
Thus, it is quite hard for one to use power boats but some do use small boats to fish and travel by short distance to their orchard. However, the scenery of flora and fauna along the river is breathtaking. It's no surprise that tourist do come over to the longhouse to stay for a night (home-stay).
Boats for locals to town is not necessary because it's a lot easier to go by road but if we view it in terms for tourism, then it's worth a shot. However, it's not that easy to do due to the depth of the river...How now???? Byah!!!
Sungai Undop is further upriver of Batang Undop. The river is quite shallow but quite wide. The flow is quite fast (rapid) and there are a lot of dead tree trunks here and there. In addition to that, the river is nothing like Batang Lupar. Undop have clear water (in the picture it's not so clear because every time it rains, muddy water from logging will pollute the river) and it's with rocks rather than mud.
Thus, it is quite hard for one to use power boats but some do use small boats to fish and travel by short distance to their orchard. However, the scenery of flora and fauna along the river is breathtaking. It's no surprise that tourist do come over to the longhouse to stay for a night (home-stay).
Boats for locals to town is not necessary because it's a lot easier to go by road but if we view it in terms for tourism, then it's worth a shot. However, it's not that easy to do due to the depth of the river...How now???? Byah!!!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Project: River-Taxi Project_Part 2
Right now I'm in the process of dissecting the outcome of our survey in Sri Aman... The most significant information is shown below. From the picture, we can see out of 198 respondents, 59 of them stay near river while the other 139 stays in villages further in land or in town area.
Interestingly, we observe that out of those staying near river, only 23 respondents uses water transportation while 36 others do not use them. Reasons stated are concerns on the safety aspect of water transportation, the low or non-existent of public water transportation and the availability of roads from their houses to town. From respondents not living near river, we’re surprised that there are water transportation users among them, 32 of them. Of course the other 107 of them do not use water transportation because they don’t need to.
I expected more users from those staying near river and no user at all for those staying further inland... oh well..Byah!!
Interestingly, we observe that out of those staying near river, only 23 respondents uses water transportation while 36 others do not use them. Reasons stated are concerns on the safety aspect of water transportation, the low or non-existent of public water transportation and the availability of roads from their houses to town. From respondents not living near river, we’re surprised that there are water transportation users among them, 32 of them. Of course the other 107 of them do not use water transportation because they don’t need to.
I expected more users from those staying near river and no user at all for those staying further inland... oh well..Byah!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)