Engineering Projects
Academic and technical engineering projects from University of Galway
Literature review proposing ML to break computational barriers in wind turbine simulation:
• 2.3–3.1× speed-up targets via CFD-ML coupling and neural turbulence closures
• Graded 98% — highest in cohort
• Adopted as reference document for master's research projects
• Identified ML as unexploited lever for surrogate FEM integration
Process–structure–property model predicting steel yield strength from chemistry and heat treatment:
• Four-stage model calibrated against five literature sources, validated against sixth
• Six independent strengthening mechanisms (Taylor, Hall–Petch, Naylor, Orowan)
• Derived activation energy Q = 104.85 kJ/mol for austenite grain growth
• Independent validation against X-80 linepipe HAZ at 1000 K/s heating ramp
Built a 2D CFD model of an SE1050 turbine cascade in Ansys Fluent — quantified the lift-vs-drag trade-off across five inlet/blade-angle scenarios, demonstrating that shallow-angle multi-stage cascades extract work more efficiently than aggressive single-stage designs.
Three Ansys Fluent studies covering distinct physical regimes — arterial plaque flow, turbulent mixing validation, and electronics cooling with radiation. Each lab swapped governing equations, mesh strategy, and validation approach.
Built a computational solver in Excel implementing the Chaboche nonlinear hardening algorithm with integrated parameter fitting, cross-validated against an Abaqus axisymmetric FEA model — fit SSE 406.62, ±17% agreement on small-deformation loads.
Led 4-person team designing fully automated 1000 kg EV battery swap system:
• Owned scissor lift sub-assembly: kinematics, FEA, hydraulics, full CAD
• 300+ part assembly for University of Galway capstone (2023)
• Designed automated lifting and battery exchange mechanism
• Complete hydraulic system design and structural validation