Aeronautical Research Group | Blast Impact and Survivability Research Unit (BISRU) | Energy Research Centre (ERC) | Centre for Materials Engineering (CME) | Centre for Research in Computational and Applied Mechanics (CERECAM) | Low Cost Automation and Robotics (LCAR)| Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) | Sasol Advanced Fuels Laboratory | Engineering Management (SEM)
We have a number of world-class research groups led by a dynamic professional staff of experienced academics and practitioners, many of whom are recognised as world leaders in their fields. The following is a list some of the larger groups together with a brief description of their focus areas. Where the group has a website, there will be a link to that site for more detailed information on their activities.
The Department of Mechanical Engineering has in recent times embarked on a number of research projects in the field of aeronautical engineering. Although the BSc(Eng) in mechanical engineering at the University of Cape Town is a general degree without specialization and the Department had not been doing much aeronautical research in the past, the appointment of Professor Chris Redelinghuys a few years ago has led to the establishment of such a research focus. Chris's formal postgraduate education has been in the field of aeronautical engineering and he has substantial local and international industrial experience in flight vehicle simulation and design, particularly related to flight mechanics and applied aerodynamics. He is currently the Western Cape Representative of the National Aerospace Centre of Excellence, sponsored by the Department of Trade and Industry and hosted by the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
Blast Impact and Survivability Research Unit (BISRU)
Research at the University of Cape Town in the field of blast, impact and survivability began in the mid 1970's and gained momentum in the mid 1980's. These types of loading situations occur on a daily basis - car, train, aircraft and shipping accidents, explosions in industrial plants, humanitarian and military injury due to landmines. The effects of these situations cause thousands of deaths and many thousands of life changing permanent injuries per year.
In 2003, BISRU was established in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Cape Town. BISRU has also developed collaborative links with industry and academia on both national and international levels.
The objective of the research work during the past 25 years has been and continues to be to strive to reduce risk of injury and save lives through fundamental principles of science and engineering, using experimental, analytical and computational tools and techniques to understand the mechanics and dynamics of blast and impact loads.
The Energy Research Centre (ERC) is the result of the logical merger of activities of the Energy Research Institute and the Energy Development Research Centre.
The ERC is a multi-disciplinary energy research centre, housed in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at the University of Cape Town. The staff of the ERC have qualifications in engineering, natural and environmental sciences, urban and regional planning, economics, law, politics, sociology and anthropology.
The ERC conducts high quality, targeted and relevant research as well as offering postgraduate opportunities at the Masters and PhD levels.
Centre for Materials Engineering (CME)
The Centre for Materials Engineering carries out research, education and training in the field of Materials Engineering. We are concerned with the physical, chemical, electrical and mechanical properties of ceramic, polymeric, metallic and composite materials.
The Centre undertakes extensive research programmes and is supported by industrial partners and the National Research Foundation (NRF). We promote quality research by maintaining international liaisons and publication in reputable journals.
The Centre also aims to support and assist both large and developing industries through research projects, practical solutions and human resource development.
Centre for Research in Computational and Applied Mechanics (CERECAM)
The Centre promotes and supports fundamental research and industrial interaction in the area of computational and applied mechanics. In particular, its objectives are:
Low Cost Automation and Robotics (LCAR)
The Low Cost Automation and Robotics group was born out of collaboration between mechanical, electro-mechanical and electrical engineers to produce low cost systems for the automation of manufacturing and assembly lines with a focus on increasing production and reducing costs for industry. The emphasis of the research work being done is to use simple robotic techniques in the solution of complex problems.
We specialise in optical interference techniques including Holographic Interferometry, Electronic Speckle Pattern Interferometry and Digital Shearography.
Sasol Advanced Fuels Laboratory
The Sasol Advanced Fuels laboratory was set up in 2002 as a joint collaboration between Sasol and the University of Cape Town. The objective was to promote synthetic-fuel applications research with a future focus and to build capacity for Sasol's future growth. The research is focused primarily on combustion in engines, ranging from the study of current synthetic fuels in current engines to future fuels and future engine concepts. The Laboratory is staffed by Sasol personnel who have been transferred to the University where they hold an honorary academic teaching status and lead the various postgraduate study activities. The laboratory team currently comprises ten full-time MSc students and four PhD students.
The Sasol Advanced Fuels Laboratory comprises four test-cells that have been built and equipped for conducting research on a) single-cylinder research engines with optical access, b) standard passenger-car gasoline or diesel engines, c) heavy duty engines up to a maximum power rating of 400kW. The test-cells are comprehensively equipped with world-class instrumentation including sophisticated exhaust-gas analysers, data acquisition and control systems. There is also an assortment of specialised equipment for conducting various combustion studies, some of which was designed and built by the post-graduate students.
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