Mechanical Design

The Mechanical Design Group applies advanced mechanical design capabilities to create products, processes, and services of superior performance. Starting from established needs and desires we seek solutions which excel in terms of form, functionality, sustainability, and value.

Current projects

1. Composite Structural Assembly (CSA)

The CSAs to be developed are building elements with performance superior to existing building elements, based on the high strength of locally manufactured light gauge steel in combination with other locally produced materials.

The research goal is to develop the appropriate performance parameters, manufacturing concepts and processes as well as gaining knowledge of properties and conceptual designs of CSAs.The initial research steps are focussed towards development of products identified by industry as high priority with strong export potential such as pre-fabricated wall or floor systems for industrial and multi-level buildings.

A partnership between the Heavy Engineering Research Association (HERA), industrial companies NZ Steel, Dimond , Grayson Engineering, Winstone Wallboards, Tandarra Engineering, the University of Auckland and Auckland University of Technology was successful in its bid for government support for this 6 year research programme.

For further information please visit www.composite.net.nz.

Our work is currently focused in the following areas:

• To contribute to composite structural assembly sector development.
• To develop and determine the best core materials options which can be applied to CSAs in a comprehensive and practical way for the engineers and/or the manufacturers.
• To expand known forming techniques for high-strength sheet and model the bonding between the wall elements.
• To develop a design option catalogue for CSA wall panels.

Group members:

• Prof. Thomas Neitzert
• Dr. Xiao-ting Chu
• Florian Kern (PhD candidate)

2. Simulation of Extrusion of Aluminium
(PhD project, start on October 2005)

Group Leader:

Prof. Thomas Neitzert