Faculty of Mechanical Engineering UiTM

89 Pages·2011·5.74 MB·English

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Dean’s Foreword

This Research Achievements 2000-2010 book is a collection of research projects carried out by our
academic staff over the span of ten (10) years. With the tremendous concerted effort shown by our
management team and Deputy Dean (Research & Networking), the total grant that the Faculty of
Mechanical Engineering has acquired stands out to nearly RM7.8 Million over this period. Our faculty has
grown from strength to strength with merely 60 staff in year 2000 to 130 staff currently. Over and above
the research grant acquired, the faculty has participated in various competitions that allow us to win in a
major event at British Invention Show 2009 where two prestigious awards were won, Diamond Best
Innovation Award and the Best Innovation Award from Moscow International Salon of Inventions and
Innovation Technologies Archimedes.

The publication of Research Achievements 2000-2010 is for references by other universities and
industries with interest in collaborative research work in enhancing future directions of our research
projects to meet the industrial requirements as well as global demand. The faculty also believes that
with our strength in human capital, facilities, and networking, the opportunity to obtained international
overseas grants is higher. Finally, the faculty is looking forward to having strategic collaboration with our
present and future partners from industries and universities in near future.

TOWARDS ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

PROF. IR. DR. HJ. AHMED JAFFAR

Dean

Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
Universiti Teknologi MARA

FACULTY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Deputy Dean’s Foreword

Alhamdulillah! This Research Achievements 2000-2010 compilation was finally completed and timely
produced for the Anugerah Kuality Naib Cancelor (AKNC) Award Competition, which the Faculty of
Mechanical Engineering had won the Overall Champion twice for the year 2008 and 2010. The motivation
behind the compilation of Research Achievements 2000-2010 arises from the request of our industrial
partners and stakeholders expressed during many of our engagements with them. The debut of this piece
reflects how serious we took suggestions and requests of our partners from various industries and
universities locally and abroad. Indeed, we hope to work together in every avenue possible. Research
and Industrial Networking division have also published other complementary series namely Directory of
Equipment, Directory of Expertise, and i-META. The next series, Strategic Partners in Industry and
Academia will be out soon, insyaAllah. We hope to reach-out and continuously serve our stakeholders
and partners better.

Research Achievements 2000-2010 presents two major sections. The first section describes the
achievements of the most recent projects (2008 onwards). There are 51 projects complete with their
descriptions. In the second section, research projects are described in brief, but suffice to provide
important information. Through Research Achievements 2000-2010, industrial and academic
communities are aware of the past and present research interests as carried out in the Faculty of
Mechanical Engineering.

My deepest gratitude goes to all the committee members especially Mr. Helmey Rahmat helping out with
the typing of the manuscript. Many thanks also to Mr. Hazimin Safiq Mohd Mahsop and Mr Mohd Azrol
Zulkefli for coming up with the wonderful design of the book. A special thank is dedicated to our beloved
Dean, Prof. Ir. Dr. Hj. Ahmed Jaffar, for his continuous support. Thank you to everyone for directly and

indirectly supporting Research Achievements 2000-2010 debut. Syabbas!
‘CARE FOR ALL AND TOGETHER WE GROW’
ASSOC. PROF. DR. SALMIAH KASOLANG @ KASALUNG
Deputy Dean (Research and Industrial Networking)
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
Universiti Teknologi MARA
FACULTY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
iii
Committee Members
PROF. IR. DR. HJ. AHMED JAFFAR
ASSOC. PROF. DR. SALMIAH KASOLANG @ KASALUNG
HAZIMIN SAFIQ MOHD MAHSOP MOHD AZROL ZULKEFLI
MOHD FIRDAUS MOHD SAHIR HELMEY RAHMAT
FACULTY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
TITLE :
Basic study of interference screw fixation stability in anterior cruciate
ligament reconstruction

RESEARCHERS :
Abdul Halim Bin Abdullah
Jamaluddin Bin Mahmud
Helmi Bin Rashid
Muhamad Fauzi Bin Othman
Mohd Asri Bin Mohd Nor
Alias Bin Mohd Saman

AMOUNT OF GRANT (RM) : 50, 740.00

TYPE OF GRANT : FRGS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY :
The failure of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) produces abnormal kinematics of the knee joint and leads
to knee instability. Graft fixation is the critical issue in the ACL reconstruction especially during the
primary post operative period. Interference screw has become as one of the most commonly used
fixation methods for ACL reconstruction. In this study, the stress distribution and displacement in the ACL
reconstruction are established using finite element method. The treated knee model consists of a
interference screw implanted inside the distal femoral. Contact force and tensile load are simulated
along the tunnel axis towards the tibia which approximates the graft tension of the knee during gait.
The objectives of this research are to formulate the mechanical model of interference screw fixation in
ACL reconstruction on the resulting stress distribution and total displacement. Also, to investigate the
fundamental mechanical factors that influence the stability of the interferences screw fixation, i.e. screw
design, material selection using finite element method.
Initial stage of the research methodology is to concentrate on the literature study of the knee joint,
anatomy and function of the ACL and ACL reconstruction. The next stage is the development of CAD
model that represents the mechanism involved in the ACL reconstruction. The respective models are
adapted from Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) data. The models of the femur and interference screws
will be simulated using finite element analysis. Then, simulations with different geometries and materials
of interference screw are established. The results of the screws fixation will be discussed with respect to
the primary stability of ACL reconstruction. Findings from the computational study will be discussed and
validated with previous works done by others researches including clinical findings.
Outcomes of the study will contribute to predict the primary stability of the interference screw fixation.
Some fundamental factor will be identified especially mechanical factor to minimize the failure of ACL
reconstruction. This work could be extended to look other aspects of biomechanics through
experimental and clinically.

PRINCIPLE INVESTIGATOR (PI) :
Abdul Halim Bin Abdullah
Position : Lecturer
Qualification : M.Eng (Mechanical), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 2009
B.Eng (Hons) Mechanical, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 2005
Expertise/SIG : Computational Solid Mechanics, Finite Element Analysis, Biomechanical Engineering

FACULTY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
TITLE :
Muscle Fatigue Solutions for Prolonged Standing at Workplace Using
Electromyography (EMG) and Customer Reliability Methodology

RESEARCHERS :
Abdul Rahman Omar (PI), Alias Mohd Saman, Ibrahim Othman, Isa Halim (UTeM).

RESEARCH ASSISTANTS:
Mas Alina Mohd Ali, Anis Salwa Ahmad

AMOUNT OF GRANT (RM) : E-Science

TYPE OF GRANT : 143,000

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY : (copied and adapted from e-science project document)
Industrial occupations such as metal stamping workers, electronic assembly operators and automotive
industry welders require standing in one area for long periods of time. Due to improper design of flooring
conditions and shoe insoles, they may experience muscles fatigue in the lower back and legs. Ideally all
standing task should permit workers to adopt different working position i.e. seated or standing position
without affecting the capability to perform the task. Work-related musculoskeletal problems associated with
prolonged standing potentially reduce occupational health quality of Malaysian industrial workers. In reality,
the efforts to minimize the work-related musculoskeletal problems associated with prolonged standing have
several constrains that can be summarized as follow:

(i) There is no Malaysian standard for prolonged standing for Malaysian industrial workers.
(ii) The solutions to counter muscle fatigue associated with prolonged standing are not well documented
and their effectiveness has not been proven.
Realizing negative impacts of prolonged standing to the workers’ health, the objective of this research is to
manage muscle activity of workers and explore effective solutions in order to remove muscle fatigue
associated with prolonged standing.

DURARATION:
01/9/2009 To 30/06/2011

OUTPUTS AND FURTHER WORK:
 2 BOOK CHAPTERS AND 3 PROCEEDING PAPERS
 TRAINED 1 PhD; 3 MASTERS STUDENT

PRINCIPLE INVESTIGATOR (PI) :
Abdul Rahman specialized and researched in mostly systems and knowledge engineering and he has
produced more than 60 publications in the area of quality function deployment, knowledge based
modeling, ergonomics design and system identification. His active involvement in research has obtained
recognition from various government funded agencies and has been receiving research grants. He has also
participated in invention competition both national and international levels and has won awards and
recognition in each of the event. He is currently supervising 3 PhD and 3 Masters students.
FACULTY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
TITLE :
Detection and Assessment of Damage Using Ambient Modal Response in 3D
Structures with Applications to Large Structures such as Tower Cranes anf
Offshore Structures

RESEARCHERS :
Ahmad Azlan Bin Mat Isa
Muhamad Azhan Bin Anuar
Mohamed Dahalan Mohamed Ramli
Zamri Bin Abdul Rahman

AMOUNT OF GRANT (RM) : 48, 000.00

TYPE OF GRANT : FRGS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY :
For the past few years, a considerable number of damage identification techniques have been proposed
and successfully tested on vibration data obtained from a wide range of mechanical structures. Most
techniques, for the identification of cracks, make use of an analytical model (e.g., finite element model)
of the structure. Other techniques aim for the same objective without making use of of such models.
Until recently, some of these non-finite element model damage identification techniques were restricted
to the domain of input-output data (i.e. experimental modal analysis method). For instance, the
sensitivity-based technique, and the changes in flexibility method both require normalized mode shape
estimates. Since the most straightforward normalization procedure of mode shapes involves the
combined measurement of force and response at a driving point location, the application of such
techniques to output-only data was not evident.

This research is about applying output only modal models (as oppose to input-output data normally
used method) on damage detection specifically on large 3D structure such as space frame, tower cranes,
offshore structures etc. Numerical simulations and experimental works are carried out to achieve the
objective. The method allows the normalization of operational mode shape estimates, as obtained from
output-only data, purely on a basis of output-only modal models. Combination of this method with the
existing damage identification techniques extends their applicability towards output-only data.

PRINCIPLE INVESTIGATOR (PI) :
Ahmad Azlan Bin Mat Isa (Prof. Madya Dr.)
Position : Lecturer
Qualitifications : University Of Malaya, Malaysia Q. ENG (HONS) IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING (
1980-84)
University Of Birmingham, U.K M.SC (ENGINEERING) (1987 -88)
University Of Aston. U.K PHD. ( ROTORDYNAMICS) (1997-2001)
Expertise/SIG : Mechanics of Machines, Dynamics of Rigid Bodies, Dynamic, Systems and Control, Modal
Testing and Analysis, Mechanical Engineering Design I,Mechanical Engineering Design II and
Mechancical Engineering Design III.

FACULTY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
TITLE :
A New Failure Criterion for Composite Material

RESEARCHERS :
Ahmad Kamil Bin Hussain
Jamaluddin Bin Mahmud
Mohd Suhairil Bin Meon

RESEARCH ASSISTANTS:
Norzihan Rahimi

AMOUNT OF GRANT (RM) : 44, 720.00

TYPE OF GRANT : FRGS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY :
The present study is aimed to model, simulate and experimentally and analytically evaluate the
progressive failure of the plates from the initial failure, which is the First Ply Failure, up to the total
failure, which is the Last Ply Failure. A failure criterion with the existence of coupling terms to determine
the mode of failure for composite materials is employed. The uniqueness of this criterion compared to all
other existing criteria which could determine mode of failure, is that it includes the coupling terms,
which relate the interaction between the longitudinal and transverse stresses. As a consequence, it
allows the interaction between the fiber properties and the matrix properties in terms of strength of the
material, which other failure criteria have neglected. The behavior and the pattern of the progressive
failure are studied. The results obtained with current failure criterion are then compared with the results
obtained with existing failure criteria.

DURATION:
01/09/2010 To 31/08/2012

OUTPUTS AND FURTHER WORK:
 2 JOURNAL PAPERS AND 2 PROCEEDING PAPERS
 1 MASTERS STUDENT
 APPLICATION TO TEXTILE COMPOSITES

PRINCIPLE INVESTIGATOR (PI) :
Assoc Prof. Ahmad Kamil has worked in the areas of Advanced Materials and Experimental Stress
Analysis. His latest research is on the Thermoelastic Stress Analysis of polymers and elastomers.
Position : Associate Professor
Deputy Director, Centre for Foundation Studies UiTM (2010 – present)
Qualification : Associate in Science Degree, Columbia Greene Community College, New York (1984)
BSc., Civil Engineering, Clarkson University, New York (1986)
M. Sc., Mechanical Engineering, University of Wyoming, Wyoming (1998)
Expertise/SIG : Composite Materials - Modelling and Testing
Experimental Stress Analysis Techniques – Thermoelasticity, Infrared
Solid Mechanics

FACULTY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
TITLE :
New Configuration of Meso-Scale Hollow Cone Rocket Injectors for Improved
Swirling Flow Characteristics

RESEARCHERS :
Ahmad Hussein Bin Abdul Hamid
Rahim Bin Atan
Mohd Hafiz Bin Mohd Noh
Salmiah Binti Kasolang
Fauziah Binti Jerai @ Junaidi
Zainoor Hailmee Bin Solihin
Zulkifli Abdul Ghaffar (Research Assistants)

AMOUNT OF GRANT (RM) : 40, 000.00

TYPE OF GRANT : FRGS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY :(copied and adapted from FRGS project document)
Rocket injector is a very critical component since that small differences in its design can result in
dramatically different performance. The principal function of the injector is to break the fuel up into very
small droplets. The smaller droplets are necessary for fast quiet ignition and to establish a flame front close
to the injector head, thus shorter combustion chamber is possible to be utilized. A number of swirl
injectors of different geometrical dimensions is to be fabricated from Perspex. An experimental test rig is
to be constructed to measure the discharge coefficient, spray cone angle, spray breakup length and air
core diameter for different injection pressure. These data are crucial in designing an efficient and high
performance rocket injector.

Figure 1: Swirl injector
DURATION:
01/3/2010 To 29/02/2012
OUTPUTS AND FURTHER WORK:
 6 PROCEEDING PAPERS
 TRAINED 2 MASTERS STUDENTS
 DEVELOPMENT OF ROCKET INJECTOR — FURTHER WORK

PRINCIPLE INVESTIGATOR (PI) :
Ahmad Hussein Abdul Hamid has worked in the areas of Aerospace Propulsion, Liquid Atomization, Gas
Turbine and Renewable Energy. He is currently supervising 2 Masters students working on liquid
atomization of rocket injectors.
Qualification : 2006-2008: Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah
Alam, Malaysia. 2001-2005: BEng (Mechanical Engineering) UiTM, Shah Alam, Malaysia
Expertise : Fluid atomization, gas turbine, rocket propulsion, renewable energy, composite material

FACULTY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
TITLE :
Development of Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS) Model for Furniture
Industry

RESEARCHERS :
Ahmed Jaffar (P.I)
Nor Hayati Saad

AMOUNT OF GRANT (RM) : 20,000

TYPE OF GRANT : STG-IRDC

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY :
The research involved building and testing FMS modeling for the furniture industry. Questionnaires were
developed to gauge the understanding and the implementation of FMS by other industries particularly
automotive assembly plant, electrical and electronics manufacturing industry, car components
manufacturing plant, plastic manufacturing industry and furniture manufacturing industry. An FMS model
was developed using Delmia QUEST software simulation which is used to validate the new proposed FMS set-
up and form a basis for measuring the time, productivity, quality and cost attributes. The physical model
developed shows the possible flexibility of the equipment and the speed to change from one product variant
to another. The simulation result has proven that furniture company could increase their productivity by 100
per cent if they were to adopt the FMS layout to their plant.

PRINCIPLE INVESTIGATOR (PI) :
Ahmed Bin Jaffar
Position : Professor, Dean (2009 – present)
Qualification : Ph.D. in Manufacturing (1998) UNIVERSITY OF LONDON (Royal Holloway), UNITED KING
DOM
MBA (International Management) (1994) UNIVERSITY OF EAST LONDON, UNITED KING
DOM
Certificate in Low-Cost Automation and Production Management (1982) UNIVERSITY OF
THE PHILIPPINES
B.Eng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering (1978) UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA, MALAYSIA
Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (1976) UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA, MALAYSIA
Expertise/SIG : Robotics & Automation, World Class Manufacturing, Lean Manufacturing, Advanced
Manufacturing
FACULTY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING