ERU - 2010

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://192.248.9.226/handle/123/14687

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item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Proceedings of the 16 Annual Symposium 2010 (Pre Text)
(The Engineering Research Unit University of Moratuwa, 2010-11) Rodrigo, R
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Development of an antibacterial non woven filter
(2010) Abeyweera, SM
Medical Textiles is a major area of advancement among the wide scope of textiles which utilized best of textile engineering. Nonwoven technology is heavily utilized for medical textiles though the local technology of non woven manufacturing is not matured. Major use of nonwovens in the medical field is bacteria filtering masks. The currently available imported masks are a heavy burden to be used as disposable masks in local context. In this sense, developing a low cost disposable mask using the locally available needle punching non woven technology incorporating thermal bonding, which has a bacteria filtration efficiency almost over 95%. was a significant achievement. With the limited resources in terms of high tech testing the research provided inspiring results, opening the door to discuss on other value adding applications of such a filtering material other than a mask.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Measuring the heart pulse rate of a human body using a smart textile panel
(2010) Athauda, T; Amarasinghe, A; Dissanayake, G; Samaravvickrama, N; Thaasan, S; Fernando, S; Jayavvardena, TSS; Niles, SN
In today's world people have been using a large number of portable electronic devices in medical diagnosis. Of particular note are the portable heart measuring meters, insulin measuring units etc. But today the world is moving towards (he path of integration of portable sophisticated devices with clothing to achieve simultaneous multi tasking approaches. The concept of electronics collaboration with textiles. called Electronic Clothing , has come to play in many areas. This paper explores this phenomenon from a textile point of view. H hat are the possibilities of integrating electronics into wearable clothing? How can the functionalities of clothing be improved with the presence of health related issues? These questions are being addressed here and the ways of integrating electronics into textile structures are also discussed. Necessary steps to textile research and the current trends of clothing will be taken into consideration with possible future trends and challenges
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Comparison of rational formula alternatives for streamflow generation for small ungauged catchments
(2010) Wijesinghe, WMD; Wijesekera, NTS
The suitability of the Rational Equation for the derivation of steam/lows for small ungauged watersheds is studied. A Unit Hydrograph can be derived using the peak discharge obtained from the Rational Equation and using unit depth of rainfall in calculating the Rainfall Intensity. Possible alternatives for selection of sub catchments. selection of a guideline to determine the Runoff Coefficients and the Time of Concentration were taken into account. A significant variation of the results was observed with the selected alternatives In order to select a better alternative comparison of generated streamflows with the observed values is required.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Investigation of the factors affecting the formation of cold joints in concrete
(2010) Jatheeshan, V; Peiris, TNU; Mendis, LBSK; Nanayakkara, SMA
Performance of concrete structures can be directly affected by the presence of a joint. These joints can be either intentional or unintentional. The intentional joints may be formed to make the construction sequence more convenient. Construction joints and movement joints are very good examples to illustrate the intentional joints in concrete structures. However there can be joints which are formed unintentionally and can affect the performance of the structure. Cold joints are such unintentional joints which occur due to the time lag of pouring consecutive layers of the concrete. This can be happened when the initial setting time o f the first layer has passed when pouring the second concrete layer. However there were hardly any researches carried out under this topic. Therefore, it was decided to carry out this research to find out the factors which affect the formation of cold joints in concrete. The procedure mentioned in ASTM C403-92 was followed to conduct the penetration resistance test to determine the initial setting time of concrete under laboratory conditions. Test methods were developed to check the influence of a cold joint on strength parameters such as tensile strength and shear strength of concrete at the cold joint. Concrete specimens with cold joint were prepared by varying the casting time of the second concrete layer. From results obtained, it was found that there is a significant reduction in tensile strength and shear strength due to the presence of a cold joint. Furthermore, it was found that a cold joint can be formed even within the initial setting time period if the successive layers of concrete are not vibrated together.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Effects of ultra fines in quarry dust on properties of mortar
(2010) Mathanraj, T; Senthil., B; Gogulan, S; Nanayakkara, SMA
The Quarry dust (QD) is being extensively used as fine aggregates for both mortar and concrete applications as an alternative to river sand. Because of the limited availability of river sand it is necessary to search for alternatives and QD has been identified as one of the best preferred options. QD in this article is referred to quarry dust without changing its original composition. The differences in chemical and physical properties of river sand and OD are significant enough to behave differently in their applications. The primary reason which causes the difference is the physical property. One of the noticeable physical difference is that the possession ultra fines (UF) in different quantities. UF in this context is re ferred as particles less than 75pm. Effects of UF on properties of mortar such as workability, compressive strength, tensile strength and sorptivity were evaluated. Mix proportion of 1:3 cement : fine aggregate was selected with fixed w c ratio of 0. 7. QD with different UF contents (i.e. 5%, 10%. 15 <5:25%) and river sand were considered in study. Results showed that complete removal of UF gave high compressive strength, increased workability', increased sorptivity and lower shrinkage than QD.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Effectiveness of performance management systems in information technology industry in Sri Lanka
(2010) Guhanathan, P; Wickramasinghe, VM
This empirical study is based on the perceived effectiveness of the performance management system in information technology (IT) organizations in Sri Lanka and the sample consists of 88 employees working in the capacity of executives. This study focuses on factors that are responsible for effectiveness of performance management system and its association with organization and individuals goals and employee satisfaction in performance management system. Also the findings of this study are congruent with the research that emphasizes the importance of procedural fairness over the techniques and instruments. The results indicates that the fairness perception in performance management is the most important variable in explaining employee satisfaction in performance management.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
The strategic value of institutional cultural paradigms for achieving long term self-sustainability of postgraduate programmes: comparative study of university of moratuwa (UOM) and university of kelaniya (UOK)
(2010) Subasinghe, R
This research evaluates institutional cultural paradigms within the state university system in terms of its strategic value for achieving organizational objectives of survival, self-sustainability and growth of postgraduate programmes by comparing University of Moratuwa and University of Kelaniya. For the study, a random sample of200 respondents with 100 from each university was responded The institutional culture was measured based on the dimensions proposed by Denison and Mishra (\995) while the effectiveness was measured based on the dimensions proposed by Cameron (1978) It was found that University o f Moratuwa has more conducive institutional culture to achieve higher levels of effectiveness compared to University of kelaniya
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Factors affecting effective lean implementation: a case study of a tyre manufacturing company in Sri Lanka
(2010) Perera, HSC; Perera, PST; Raveendra, LM
The lean manufacturing system is an integrated set of principles, practices, tools, and techniques which addresses the root causes of the operational problems. It ensures that the customer receives the product with required quality, price, and delivery performance while maximizing company's competitive advantage and shareholder value When lean system is successfully implemented production will he run smoothly without huge inventory. It was found that the companies had not reaped the expected benefits by implementing lean all the times. Studies reveal that the benefits are limited by the environmental context and the organizational contingencies. Therefore this study focuses on identifying the factors affecting the lean implementation using case study approach A conceptual model was developed from the facts drawn from the literature and it was tested with a manufacturing organization which had implemented the lean concept. Core team members who directly involved during the implementation process were interviewed. A questionnaire was designed based on the information gathered from the core team members and the literature It was distributed among 100 executives to collect data. They were randomly selected from those who participated in lean implementation process. Principal component analysis and descriptive statistics were used to analyze data using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS'). Results disclosed the factors which drove the lean implementation process and those that prevent effective implementation. I he outcome of this study would help other
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Developmenl of an antibacterial non woven filter
(2010) Abeyweera, SM
Medical Textiles is a major area of advancement among the wide scope of textiles which utilized best of textile engineering Nonwoven technology is heavily utilized for medical textiles though the local technology of nonwoven manufacturing is not matured Major use of nonwovens in the medical field is bacteria filtering masks The currently available imported masks are a heavy burden to be used as disposable masks in local context. In this sense, developing a low cost disposable mask using the locally available needle punching non woven technology incorporating thermal bonding, which has a bacteria filtration efficiency almost over 95%. was a significant achievement With the limited resources in terms of high tech testing the research provided inspiring results, opening the door to discuss on other value adding applications of such a jittering material other than a mask
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Improving low temperature radiator based cooling system for low earth orbit satellites
(2010) Kuruppumullage, NS
As radiators are the key cooling technique is satellite cooling systems, improving the performance of radiators was major concern in last few decades. As a solution, active cooling techniques were incorporated with radiators. This technology not only helps in improving performance but also in reducing the size of radiators which is a major concern in low earth orbit satellite. In this paper, integration of peltier elements with satellite radiators and heat pipes is discussed. A design was developed using those techniques. Investigated and verified the results using a thermal simulation model. The design was optimized using the results obtained from simulation. A breadboard setup was built up to observe the performance of the peltier elements. In addition, incorporation of peltier elements in future applications was investigated.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Performance enhancement of a general purpose tumbler dryer for rubber glove production
(2010) Karunanayake, K
This project focus on performance enhancement of general purpose tumbler dryers which are currently operated at a plant western province Sri Lanaka Tumbler drying is one of the key operation in glove production process which remove moisture, excess flock in the gloves and fragrance to the glove manufacturing plant it is important to optimize performance according to requirements of glove manufacturing processes. Tumbler drying has thus created to a bottleneck in the production line. Objective of this study is to see the possibility of modifying the existing dryers is an energy efficient manner while improving production rate by automation of tumbler drying process.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Development of low cost continuous positive airway pressure device
(2010) Weerasinghe, K
When an infant is born, he quickly begins to breathe on its own. Unfortunately, premature infants are susceptible to a variety of lung-type ailments, which may progress into respiratory distress syndrome. Different factors may contribute to the inability of infant to sustain independent ventilation. For infants suffering from respiratory distress syndrome. CPAP is typically administrated. CPAP is the application of positive pressure to the airways of a spontaneously breathing patient throughout the respiratory cycle Research was carried out for developing a method for low cost and accurate CPAP system for the use in rural hospitals in Sri Lanka The proposed design is consisted with two pressure vessels one of which has two pneumatic solenoid valves, which are operated to obtain the required concentration based on the partial pressures of the air and medical oxygen, thus the cost for an expensive oxygen sensor has been eliminated The mixed air with required concentration is fed to the patient via a supply vessel. Bubbling method is used to control the exit pressure hence it is the least cost method with considerable accuracy.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Performance analysis and improvement of an absorption cycle refrigeration system operated by an exhaust system of a motor vehicle.
(2010) Pathinayaka, CG; Pathirage, HN; Naligama, CA; Fernando, MARV
Vapour compression refrigeration is abundantly used as the method of refrigeration for refrigerated food transport applications But issues such as higher weight, noise, regular maintenance requirements, higher installation cast, environmental impact, high fuel consumption and low efficiency are akin to these systems. Thermally driven refrigeration system such as ammonia water absorption refrigeration system can be used as an effective replacement to conventional vapour compression refrigeration systems. Haste heal that is available in the exhaust gas of the motor vehicles can be utilized to power such systems.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Development of an autopilot system for fishing boats
(2010) De Silva, NP; Gamage, MDD; Sudarshana, WS
Autopilot system is a navigation methodology that can he introduced to local fishing industry in order to improve the productivity. This project was carried out with the purpose of supplying a tow cost autopilot system for local fishermen. In this paper, it addresses the tracking problem for an Autopilot boat using a controller, namely yaw moment (yaw torque control) taking environmental disturbances also into account. A simple slate feedback control law is developed Simulation results are presented in the form of graphical method . Also designing of the mechanical and electronic parts of the system is addressed here. The input and output components of the system and their functionality are described. Further describes the communication methods that used to interface microcontroller to other electronic components like GPS, compass. Also the methods that used to control the output devices like DC motors Requirement of designing a servo controller for rudder movement is a major task of the project Drive mechanism of the rudder and methods used to get feedback is explained I he importance of designing user interface of the system is also addressed. Programming the microcontrollers is done using C language. CSS compiler To snitch between autopilot mode and manual mode two solenoid operated directional control valves are used . it present autopilot system is mounted on a platform and can be used to demonstrate how the system works.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Design and analysis of an affordable spacer device for asthmatic patients
(2010) kumarathunga, V
Asthma is a chronic disease which cannot be cured, hut can be controlled with appropriate medication. Asthma medication mostly involves with DPI and MDl inhalers MDl inhaler is coupled with a spacer device W improve the drug inhalation. Design and improvement in affordability and performance analysis of the spacer device is the main objective of the project The geometric shapes of the spacer devices which have a great influence on its performance were modeled and ( IT) simulations were obtained for the existing devices. By analyzing the CFD simulation a new design was developed in order to reduce the stagnant area and to maximize the drug delivery I low patterns inside the newly developed spacer device were analyzed using CFD simulation and obtained results were used to validate the design. Proposed new design was finalized with higher performance and improved affordability
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Alternative design of a geo textile weaving machine
(2010) Appuhamy, SG
Our objective of this project is to replace the manual processes which are used to produce geo textiles by a cost effective, reliable, automated geo textile producing machine with a cross rope moving mechanism, which will reduce the cost of production of geo textiles while increasing the overall production of this value added products.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Development of an automated guided vehicle for use in industrial applications
(2010) Dassanayaka, VPC; Ukwatta, AK; Kulasekera, AL; Surendra, NW; Madusanka, HWRS
This paper presents a navigation system for an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) based on existing IEEE 802.11 wireless infrastructure in place for localization and navigation, through the use of multiple wireless access points. A fingerprinting based method is used to deduce the location based on the wireless signal intensities and a Kalman filter based approach is used to estimate the location of the unit accurately. The proposed method is able to break free of the accumulation of error in pure odometry based system and the error in pure signal intensity based systems due to variability of the received signal. The system incorporates the localization system with a navigation system including obstacle detection and avoidance to improve upon existing AVG navigation systems.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Extraction and usage of pectin to enhance biodegradability of LDPE blends
(2010) Sitinamaluwa, HS; Somasiri, GWD; Samarasekara, AMPB
Blends of pectin and low density polyethylene (LDPE) were prepared and the effect of pectin on biodegradability was analyzed Pectin was extracted front passion fruit peels hy hot acid extraction with a yield of 20 wt.%. I he physical, mechanical and chemical properties of the blends were investigated using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (f IIR). tensile test, water absorption test and optical and electron microscopy. The biodegradability wits evaluated by time dependent weight loss using soil burial test. The test results showed that weight loss up to 4.5% in 14 weeks period. Pectin addition had a positive impact on enhancement of biodegradability of LDPE blends.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Experimental study of the relationship between upper-limb motions and EMG levels of related muscles
(2010) Gopura, RC; Kiguchi, K; Horikawa, E; Agalawatta, NT
Human upper-limb muscle activities during daily upper-limb motions have been studied to identify the relationship between upper-limb motions and electromyography (EMG) activity levels oj related muscles Sixteen muscles have been identified to enable power-assist exoskeleton robot to estimate the upper-limb motions based on EMG signals.

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