ResearchSpace
ResearchSpace is the institutional repository of the University of KwaZulu-Natal, unlocking knowledge, empowering impact, and preserving UKZN's research legacy.
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Development of an injector test rig for shear thinning gel propellants.
(2024) Mdhluli, Thabang.; Brooks, Michael John.; Velthuysen, Timothy Johnathan.
This work describes the development of an injector test rig to characterise the behavior of shear-thinning gelled rocket propellants. The work falls under a broader program of research into gel propellants conducted by the Aerospace Systems Research Institute (ASRI). Gels represent a new class of propellant for rocket propulsion applications. They offer potential advantages over conventional liquid and solid propellants but their behaviour through injector orifices is poorly understood. Consequently, there is no standardised design procedure for gelled propellant injectors, although computational fluid dynamic (CFD) methods have shown potential. The aim of this research was to design, build and commission an injector test rig utilising single-element impinging injectors to generate experimental data on gel sprays such as breakup length, and droplet size. The rig is intended to inform gel injector design methodologies by providing experimental data against which CFD-generated simulations can be compared and refined. MATLAB® image processing tools were used to analyse spray sheet images and quantify the resulting fluid structures generated by the test rig. The study included the design and manufacture of the propellant/simulant feed system, injector insert, injector manifold, frame and propellant/simulant supply tank. Two adjustable converging injection orifices were used to form spray sheets at 45°, 60° and 90° impinging angles. For testing purposes, two water-based simulants were formulated using hydrocolloid xanthan and guar gum gelling agents at 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 wt%. Rheological characterisation of the gels was performed to verify their shear-thinning behavior using a rotational rheometer. Spray sheets were then generated at injector pressure drops in the range of 140 kPa to 1400 kPa. A MATLAB® model of the system was developed to establish control parameters for the desired outputs and the rig was controlled via a LabVIEWTM application. The rig provides a platform for further research into the behavior of gelled rocket propellants, with an intended focus on hydroxylamine nitrate (HAN) and ammonium dinitramide (ADN).
Exploring the isiZulu translation process of medical content at University of kwaZulu Natal Medical School.
(2024) Dlamini, Sinethemba.; Gokool, Roshni.; Dlamini, Phindile.
Communication is essential for healthcare practitioners who intend to understand their patients. KwaZulu-Natal has the largest isiZulu-speaking population in South Africa. In some parts of KwaZulu-Natal, especially in the rural areas, many patients are monolingual. Therefore, it is vital that isiZulu and/or other African indigenous languages be integrated into health sciences curricula across the country. At UKZN (University of KwaZulu-Natal), isiZulu has made significant inroads into the MBChB (i.e. Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) curriculum. However, more research and further integration of isiZulu is urgently needed. This study explores the isiZulu translation process of medical content used to develop a web-based learning tool at the Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine to assist non-isiZulu-speaking students in enhancing isiZulu for clinical communication. Translation is a way of building a language communication relationship between patients who are native speakers of isiZulu language and non-isiZulu-speaking medical students. This study intends to generate new knowledge on the isiZulu translation process of medical content by addressing the problem of translating English medical content into the isiZulu language. Specifically, it relates to medical terminology that is non-existent in isiZulu. The main objectives of this study are to review language policies on the use of isiZulu in a medical context, to explore the isiZulu translation process of medical content to improve clinical communication in a clinical setting and to understand the influence of social aspects during the translation process. The study is based on two theoretical frameworks: Nord’s Functionalist theories (1992) and Vinay and Darbelnet’s translation approach (1995). This is a textual study; thus, it uses textual analysis of information from the ongoing UKZN medical school project of medical translated content. This study reflects on the translator's challenges and process when translating medical content from English into isiZulu. Moreover, it reflects on how the translator employs theories to guide the translation process. The study suggests that the isiZulu translation process of medical content for a communicative context is influenced by the social factors attached to language use and the differences in the grammatical nature of writing the languages involved in translation. The steps undertaken in the study highlight that the value of the isiZulu language to AmaZulu impacts the value of isiZulu and how isiZulu is used for communication purposes. The isiZulu language semantically dictates that certain terms should be avoided because of the derogatory status they carry on their social use, which affects the choice of terms during translation.
Exploring gamification within the teaching and learning of isiZulu first additional language: A case study on the use of Kahoot to motivate young learners.
(2023) Chiliza, Noluthando Noxolo.; Gokool, Roshni.
Traditional methods of second language learning, especially in the case of isiZulu as a First Additional Language (FAL), have often been analysed for their tedious and grammar-focused nature. These traditional methods can lead to a loss of learner commitment and inspiration. The outcome of this research study suggests that learners become disinterested due to the outdated and uninspiring teaching methods used for African languages like isiZulu. Therefore, this study seeks to explore the integration of Kahoot as an advanced instrument within the isiZulu FAL classroom to advance a more engaging and collaborative learning environment. Kahoot!, a popular gamification platform, allows learners to participate with isiZulu FAL in a fun and encouraging manner. This method signifies a departure from traditional teaching methods, aiming to reignite learners' curiosity and excitement for the language. However, there is a lack of research investigating integrating technology and gamification into the teaching and learning of isiZulu FAL, making this study particularly significant and innovative. The research targets grades 4,5 and 6 learners, aiming to evaluate the influence of Kahoot! on their isiZulu FAL learning experience. Data collection for this study is facilitated using an online questionnaire via Google Forms, allowing for effective and appropriate data gathering. Additionally, classroom observations provided a constructive qualitative perception of the learners' interactions with Kahoot! and their overall learning experiences. Existing research has proven that gamification-based platforms like Kahoot! can effectively motivate learners and advance language learning outcomes. Kahoot! is an active and engaging tool for both teaching and assessment purposes. This study aimed to contribute to the existing understanding by investigating the benefits and challenges of applying Kahoot! within the isiZulu FAL classroom by leveraging these findings. Drawing on support from previous studies that have emphasised the language learning effectiveness of Kahoot!, this research endeavours to offer perceptions and suggestions for the improved integration of Kahoot! into the isiZulu FAL curriculum. The study seeks to investigate the perception of Kahoot! as an instrumental resource for educators and learners alike, encouraging effective language learning within the isiZulu FAL context.
Research and development of a hybrid kinematic platform, with associated control methodology, for several low degree of freedom serial kinematic manipulators.
(2023) Kelly, Bryan Sherwood.; Bright, Glen.; Padayachee, Jared.
Industry has placed focus on efficiency and flexibility, for this reason it is beneficial to propose a method in which serial manipulators can be reoriented into a parallel system when needed. This reorientation allows industry to implement less robotic manipulators, which reduces cost and space requirements; while still being able to receive the benefits that are associated with serial and parallel robotic manipulators. This research focuses on the development of a hybrid kinematic platform that consists of the combination of several low degree of freedom Serial Kinematic Manipulators (SKM) into a Parallel Kinematic Manipulator (PKM). Special attention was placed on the initial selection of the serial manipulators to be combined into a hybrid SKM PKM platform. The aim of the hybridization is to create the ability to have several serial manipulators that can operate within a collaborative workspace for tasks that require dexterity, such as assembly operations. As well as, become an individual parallel mechanism to perform tasks that require increased rigidity, such as machining. Several desktop models were produced via rapid prototyping methods. An electronic system that included stepper motors, limit switches, Arduino, RAMPS breakout board and motor drivers were installed onto each RobotArm. Several design optimizations were implemented to improve the potential of the final platform. Full serial kinematic analysis was performed on the individual serial RobotArms, including full 3D forward and inverse derivations via a geometric approach. A parallel inverse kinematic derivation was performed for the combined system, which includes a rotation matrix. The rotation matrix was required due to the added degrees of freedom that became available in the combined hybrid kinematic platform. The kinematics were used for the control system that were implemented via Arduino and a Python GUI. The kinematics also allowed for investigation into the workspace, and the singularities present in that workspace. Both the workspace and the singularity plots were performed via Monte Carlo randomization scripts performed in Octave/MATLAB and Python. Testing was then performed to identify how well the platform works as individual collaborative serial manipulators as well as a single combined hybrid platform. The tests focused on the accuracy and repeatability present within the different combination of the platform. It was found that the combined hybrid kinematic platform outperformed the individual serial kinematic manipulator in accuracy as well as displaying a lower level of deflection to load. The combined hybrid kinematic platform was able to achieve three further degrees of freedom compared to the individual serial kinematic manipulator. The results obtained validate the research question of whether it is possible to combine several low degree of freedom serial kinematic chains into a single hybrid platform and how such a platform would be controlled.
Integrated supply chain management approach in petroleum industry: a case of British Petroleum Southern Africa.
(2024) Gumede, Zanele Angel Thobile.; Ncube, Eric Dumisani.
The broader literature shows that supply chain uncertainty in the petroleum industry remains the challenging issue as the world changing, where several studies focus on the Collaboration Planning, Forecasting and Replenishment (CPFR) model in the petroleum industry. Industries find it challenging to successfully match their processes for demand planning to the unpredictable environment in which they work. Lack of coordination would probably lead to unreliable and erroneous forecasts, which may ultimately jeopardise a company's long-term existence. One of the key components to enhancing supply chain performance is the ability to effectively predict demand in variable situations. This study aims to establish the level of the integrated supply chain of activities in British Petroleum and to enable real time information sharing, along with an integrated network through (CPFR) to enhance cooperation between supply chain activities. The research methodology for this study included a description of the precise methods used to gather and analyses the data, as well as the research approach, population, sampling strategy, data collecting, and data analysis. This study adopted quantitative method that entails the numerical value allowing the researcher to translate numeral data to the relevant statistics. The study further used questionnaires research tools to collect data. Furthermore, according to the research most of the respondents strongly agreed that the terminal collaborate with other internal operational department in order to ensure that information is shared across the organisation so as to enable value creation in the industry, minimising delays and maximising efficiency and product quality. As a result of this finding, the petroleum industries need to shift their focus more to collaborative supply chains, which can help to mitigate the challenges associated with uncertainty in the business. Collaboration is crucial and is expected of all parties involved in the supply chain.