Pico satellite control board by Ramses Rotin.

A control platform for a tiny satellite device, an alloy for biodegradable body implants and a cooling fan speed controller are among prototype engineering models which will be showcased at the University of Malta.

Designed by undergraduate students as part of their dissertation, the projects will be on display at the various Faculty of Engineering laboratories, at the Tal-Qroqq campus on July 1 and 2.

A total of 80 projects will be on display in this event which is in its 28th edition, comprising a wide selection of topical areas related to the biomedical field, renewable energy, the environment, electronic products, robotics, transportation, new materials and surface treatments.

Biodegradable material for stents by Daniel Aquilina.

Some of these prototype devices were yesterday on display during a media preview event.

Electrical engineering student Jeanluc Mangion designed a cooling fan speed controller for a race car engine, whereby the fan’s velocity depends on the temperature. Such set-up allows for a lighter battery use, hence improving overall fuel efficiency.

Another project, designed by Ramses Rotin, consisted of a control platform for tiny satellites which can fit in the palm of a hand. Known as pico satellites, these devices are becoming increasingly popular as they can be a means for space investigation at a relatively low budget. This control platform was designed to overcome a number of restrictions which were hindering further pico satellites applications.

Space investigation at a relatively low budget

In the field of optics, Alessandro Catania designed a high frame rate image sensor which may have various scientific research and commercial applications. These range from machine vision, topographic imaging, and optical molecular vision. In terms of results the simulation reached speeds of one million frames per second.

In the mechanical engineering section, Alec Fenech devised a reconfigurable material handling system with potential application in the manufacturing industry. The flexible design of this conveyor belt system means its width and configuration could be changed according to the dimensions of the object being transported.

Cavitation investigation model by Jacqueline Mifsud.

Jacqueline Mifsud devised a system to investigate “cavitation” in the maritime industry. This effect is caused by the tiny bubbles in a high-pressure liquid which may cause structural damage when they burst. Such research is of high interest to the maritime industry, as cavitation leads to increased maintenance costs.

Cooling fan speed controller designed by Jeanluc Mangion.

Another engineering stream involved in this exhibition is that from the Department of Metallurgy and Materials. Daniel Aquilina investigated the use of an iron-manganese alloy which could be used in the medical sector for biodegradable implants such as stents. The idea is for this medical device to automatically degrade after a period of time when its function is no longer necessary.

The exhibition aims to entice young students to the engineering profession by giving them a glimpse of the opportunities available to professional engineers at the University of Malta. It will also serve as a meeting place where employers meet prospective engineering graduates.

Projects will be on display to the public between 9am and 1pm on Saturday 1 and Sunday July 2.