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17 pages, 2532 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

A Low-Cost Sensing Strategy for Blade Tip Timing: An Inductive Proximity Probe Approach

by Justin Smith, P. Stephan Heyns, Stephan Schmidt and David H. Diamond

Eng. Proc. 2026, 132(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2026132001 - 16 Apr 2026

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Blade Tip Timing (BTT) provides a superior long-term blade monitoring solution compared to strain gauges, yet its adoption in lower value turbomachinery remains constrained by sensor costs. This study explores Inductive Proximity (IP) probes as a cost-effective alternative to eddy current probes. Experimental [...] Read more.

Blade Tip Timing (BTT) provides a superior long-term blade monitoring solution compared to strain gauges, yet its adoption in lower value turbomachinery remains constrained by sensor costs. This study explores Inductive Proximity (IP) probes as a cost-effective alternative to eddy current probes. Experimental results demonstrate that the IP probes achieve comparable accuracy in natural frequency estimation while being 40 times more affordable than traditional active eddy current probes. Additionally, IP probes maintain robustness, ensuring reliable vibration parameter extraction via open-source BTT software (version 0.17.0). These findings significantly enhance the accessibility of BTT, enabling budget-conscious turbomachine manufacturers to implement high-precision blade monitoring solutions across a wider range of applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 2025 SAIMechE Central Branch Conference on Mechanical Engineering and Related Disciplines)

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15 pages, 2087 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Design of a Hand Water Pump with Integrated Filtration for Rural Areas

by Kavir Rama and Thabo Mathonsi

Eng. Proc. 2026, 132(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2026132002 - 22 Apr 2026

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Abstract

In rural South Africa, many households lack access to clean and reliable water sources and are therefore forced to rely on contaminated sources for their daily needs. This study presents the design of a manually operated hand water pump with an integrated filtration [...] Read more.

In rural South Africa, many households lack access to clean and reliable water sources and are therefore forced to rely on contaminated sources for their daily needs. This study presents the design of a manually operated hand water pump with an integrated filtration system. The design makes use of a double-acting cylinder and is optimized for a 50 m static lift, as this depth provides an optimal balance between structural integrity and ergonomic limits. SolidWorks Flow Simulations 2020 and numerical analysis show that the system overcomes a dynamic head of 51.44 m and a pump pressure of 503,063.62 Pa while maintaining a mechanical advantage of 4.8. Through the use of anthropometric data, a crank radius of 0.396 m was deemed optimal, resulting in a peak hand force of 158.38 N. This design proves that deep well water extraction can be achieved without any compromise to user ergonomics. By integrating filtration, unlike existing designs, this pump offers a practical solution for the water challenges faced in rural communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 2025 SAIMechE Central Branch Conference on Mechanical Engineering and Related Disciplines)

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13 pages, 2861 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Transmission Error in Planetary Gear Systems as an Excitation Source Influencing Vibration Response and Wear Mechanisms

by Mmabotle Letsela, Desejo Filipeson Sozinando, Bernard Xavier Tchomeni and Alfayo Anyika Alugongo

Eng. Proc. 2026, 132(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2026132003 - 23 Apr 2026

Viewed by 1055

Abstract

Planetary gear systems offer compact design and high-power density, but they are strongly influenced by transmission error (TE), which originates from geometric deviations and elastic deflections. This study presents a dynamic model that integrates elastic compliance, mesh stiffness, damping, and error excitation to [...] Read more.

Planetary gear systems offer compact design and high-power density, but they are strongly influenced by transmission error (TE), which originates from geometric deviations and elastic deflections. This study presents a dynamic model that integrates elastic compliance, mesh stiffness, damping, and error excitation to evaluate coupled gear responses. Numerical results show that planet–ring contacts undergo larger forces and deflections than sun–planet meshes. Time–frequency analysis with continuous wavelet transform (CWT) reveals nonstationary vibration patterns, while gear tooth flank inspection confirms torque bias and micro-pitting. The findings connect modeling predictions with observed wear, offering insights for planetary gear diagnostics and design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 2025 SAIMechE Central Branch Conference on Mechanical Engineering and Related Disciplines)

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11 pages, 2497 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Parametric Evaluation of Stress Field Variations in and Vibration Mode Responses of a Flywheel Within the Linear Elastic Limit

by Kgotso Koketso Leema, Desejo Filipeson Sozinando, Vhahangwele Colleen Sigonde, Bernard Xavier Tchomeni and Alfayo Anyika Alugongo

Eng. Proc. 2026, 132(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2026132004 - 23 Apr 2026

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Abstract

A combined analytical model and finite element analysis (FEA) framework is used to assess how the stress field evolves together with the vibratory response of the flywheels within the elastic limit range. Results indicate that circumferential stress rises faster than the radial component, [...] Read more.

A combined analytical model and finite element analysis (FEA) framework is used to assess how the stress field evolves together with the vibratory response of the flywheels within the elastic limit range. Results indicate that circumferential stress rises faster than the radial component, and the outer rim emerges as the dominant failure-prone region. According to the Tresca criterion, the analysis yields an estimate of the maximum safe rotational speed associated with the design. Modal analysis reveals natural frequencies at 613.82 Hz, 616.35 Hz, 1231.1 Hz, and 1514.9 Hz, with a peak mass participation factor of 0.904 in the Y-direction. The framework links material, geometry, and operating conditions, supporting optimized design for high-speed applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 2025 SAIMechE Central Branch Conference on Mechanical Engineering and Related Disciplines)

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18 pages, 3203 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Numerical Analysis of Heat Transfer in Nanofluids Flowing over a Stretching Surface Under the Influence of Oscillating Magnetic Fields: Application of the Crank–Nicolson Finite Difference Method

by Philip Mnisi, Phumlani Dlamini and Thokozani Justin Kunene

Eng. Proc. 2026, 132(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2026132005 - 7 May 2026

Viewed by 787

Abstract

Nanofluids, which are suspensions of nanoparticles within base fluids, are employed in industries such as electronics, automotives, nuclear power, and defense to enhance thermal management, mass transfer, and microchip cooling. This study investigates heat transfer generation on a stretching sheet incorporating aluminum oxide [...] Read more.

Nanofluids, which are suspensions of nanoparticles within base fluids, are employed in industries such as electronics, automotives, nuclear power, and defense to enhance thermal management, mass transfer, and microchip cooling. This study investigates heat transfer generation on a stretching sheet incorporating aluminum oxide

{(A l}_{2} O_{3})

and magnetite

{(F e}_{3} O_{4})

nanoparticles under conditions of constant and varying wall temperatures. Key factors considered include variable viscosity, a periodic magnetic field, and thermal radiative flux, underscoring the thermal advantages of nanoparticles in nuclear reactor applications. The Crank–Nicolson method, an implicit finite difference technique, was utilized to solve the mathematical model, with partial differential equations discretized and approximated using an explicit method. An explicit iterative method was employed to solve the momentum and energy equations in a Python solver, while boundary values were analytically resolved based on discretized equations. In the explicit method, values at the subsequent time step (n + 1) were directly computed from the current time step (n) values. This approach necessitated a sufficiently small time step to satisfy the Courant–Friedrichs–Lewy (CFL) condition for numerical stability. The study examined the mass and heat transfer characteristics of a magnetizable nanofluid. While nanoparticles enhanced heat transfer, magnetic interactions, viscosity, and thermal radiation impeded it. A periodic magnetic field was applied perpendicularly to the plates with a constant pressure gradient, utilizing a magnetic phase angle to decelerate and control flow and heat convection modulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 2025 SAIMechE Central Branch Conference on Mechanical Engineering and Related Disciplines)

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12 pages, 9657 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Mixed-Mode Stress Intensity and Crack Growth at Gear Tooth Roots Using Weight Functions and Finite Element Modelling

by Patrick Sbusiso Africa, Desejo Filipeson Sozinando, Bernard Xavier Tchomeni and Alfayo Anyika Alugongo

Eng. Proc. 2026, 132(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2026132006 - 23 Apr 2026

Viewed by 909

Abstract

Gear tooth root cracks are serious failures mechanism in transmission systems operating under high load and speed. This study develops a mixed-mode model of fracture that incorporates weight function techniques with finite element analysis (FEA) to estimate crack initiation and propagation at the [...] Read more.

Gear tooth root cracks are serious failures mechanism in transmission systems operating under high load and speed. This study develops a mixed-mode model of fracture that incorporates weight function techniques with finite element analysis (FEA) to estimate crack initiation and propagation at the tooth root. Semi-elliptical crack stress intensity factors are obtained by considering a combination of bending and shear forces and contact forces including residual stresses. Simulations of crack growth show the nonlinear development of the depth and redistribution of stress, which is highly dependent on the initial crack aspect ratio. The results of the finite element analysis show that displacement and strain gradually increase with the depth of the crack, and its behaviour is shown to be an essential indicator for maintenance strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 2025 SAIMechE Central Branch Conference on Mechanical Engineering and Related Disciplines)

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25 pages, 3021 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Certification of AI-Based Aviation Systems: A Methodology for Continuous Safety Assurance Across the System Life Cycle

by André Schoeman and Aarti Panday

Eng. Proc. 2026, 132(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2026132007 - 13 May 2026

Viewed by 1655

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a transformative enabler in aviation, with applications spanning Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC), Air Traffic Management (ATM), and predictive maintenance. However, the adoption of AI in safety-critical domains remains constrained by the absence of established certification guidance. [...] Read more.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a transformative enabler in aviation, with applications spanning Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC), Air Traffic Management (ATM), and predictive maintenance. However, the adoption of AI in safety-critical domains remains constrained by the absence of established certification guidance. Traditional standards such as Aerospace Recommended Practice (ARP), ARP4754B, ARP4761A, DO-178C, and DO-254 assume deterministic behaviour and verifiable logic, whereas AI exhibits adaptive and non-deterministic characteristics. Regulatory initiatives, including the European Union Artificial Intelligence Act, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AI Roadmap 2.0, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) AI Safety Assurance Roadmap, and ISO/IEC Technical Report (TR) 5469:2024, signal progress but remain fragmented, exploratory, and often limited to low-level autonomous use cases. This study adopts a qualitative approach combining literature and standards analysis with expert interviews to identify gaps in post-deployment assurance, data governance, explainability, and accountability. A conceptual life cycle-oriented framework is proposed that embeds AI-specific assurance activities such as dataset validation, iterative verification, drift detection, and retraining oversight into established certification processes. The framework extends classical and emerging verification and validation models into operational service, linking machine learning constituents to system-level safety arguments and regulatory expectations to support the development of trustworthy and certifiable AI-enabled aviation systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 2025 SAIMechE Central Branch Conference on Mechanical Engineering and Related Disciplines)

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