My approach to FEA is to apply simple, clean models with attention to material detail. I have modelled metallic and quartz components with material specific yield criterion. Careful attention to meshing anomalies (primarily high aspect ratio cells and cells with an excessive Jacobian) allow me to critically assess FEA models and understand the information they provide. Applying an FEA model is easy, understanding its implications is not.

The components I have designed as part of my PhD have all been manufactured on contract, and as a result my drafting skills are second to none. I have the ability to draft a full set of contract drawings with complete GD&T, so that contracted manufacture is fully defined and cost effective.

My PhD work has lead me to look at the technical problems associated with using natural gas as a replacement for gasoline and diesel in medium-duty (bus and truck) engines. I employ laser diagnostics to look inside a simplified replica of an engine, and analyse the fuel mixing and combustion processes. Using the patented technology of partially stratified combustion I investigate the applicability of lean burn engines to more efficient, less polluting transport solutions. I collaborate closely with Westport Innovations who have a significant stake in the technology because of the clear symbiosis with their own gases injection solutions.

How is natural gas considered clean, it’s a fossil fuel? Natural gas is over 90% methane which emits up to 1/3 less CO2 upon combustion than conventional fuels. Yes, it still emits CO2 and is still a fossil fuel; yet for transport a better solution (in the form of hydrogen fuel cells, electric cars or hybrid electrics) is still a long way from commercialization. As a result, an intermediate technology needs to be sought. Natural gas is still abundant (about twice the proven reserves of oil) and I am helping develop the technology which will ensure it is cleaner and more efficient than current solutions. This will allow us to move towards the long-range solutions needed for clean efficient transport. For more of my thoughts about the energy conundrum see my opinion page.

I use laser induced fluorescence, LIF, to understand the fuel mixing process in directly injected natural gas engines. The majority of my experience is in the UV excitation of acetone, using high power excimer lasers. I am also, however, well versed in a wide range of LIF applications for pre- and post-combustion diagnostics, mixing and species identification. Further, I have a good understanding of LIF’s sister techniques Rayleigh and Raman scattering.

Teaching Philosophy

Engineering is a profession based in clarity and logical application of carefully honed hard and soft skills; and in this respect engineering education is no different. My teaching approach reflects this, and engenders what it is to be an engineer: a mindset, a way of thinking, critical application of a thought process built around lateral thought.

I have a rapport with my students; one built around an interactive teaching style and a true understanding of their difficulties- I can remember all too clearly my own fears and difficulties as an Undergraduate (it’s not that long ago that I was there!). I demand  my students to think ‘there and then’ about the material being presented, seeking confirmation that it’s correct and encouraging them into discourse amongst themselves and with me. I blend lecture material with lab material, and most importantly with material from the ‘real world’ outside University.

I demand and uphold the highest standards of understanding and reporting; there is no room for mediocre engineering in the professional world, and this mindset must be set form the start. Above all, I try to bring home to my students that no one part of their education can be taken in isolation. Engineering is about integration and applying an entire suite of transferable skills, no matter the problem at hand.

Testimonials

Below are a selection of anonymous student testimonials, which were voluntarily submitted as part of my Graduate Teaching Assistant Award 2008/09.

“Malcolm has demonstrated a strong passion to push the limits of problem solving…”

“[Malcolm] stands apart from most TA’s with his position on comprehension…”

“Malcolm focuses his teaching on problem reduction, clarification, and strategy skills that transcend course goals and are applicable for all engineering problems.”

“…very comfortable with challenging student questions about material…”

“…his knowledge on other subjects that are not part of the tutorial session or lab has also surprised us…”

“We ended up staying after the lab was done and talking about aerodynamics and our conversation was enough to spark the interest of several other students who decided to stay and listen in on Malcolm’s explanations and descriptions.”

“Malcolm has helped push the professionalism by laying out high…content standards”

“[Malcolm] works through problems in a manner which lays out what is important and actively seeks participation…”

“[Malcolm] believes that teaching is a guiding process and not a feeding process…”

“…thorough with his solutions and requests student input during the working out of the solutions…”

I am experienced in design of experiment techniques. These factorial and centre-composite approaches allow the most parsimonious data collection, which keeps cost and time inputs to a minimum, whilst  maintaining the validity of the findings. Using these findings and applying response surface methods I also have the tools required to fully optimize executed processes.

Using traditional statistical techniques I can access data sets for trends and distributions, provide appropriate trend-fits and assess the quality of the models chosen. Using more contemporary techniques based on information entropy I have the ability to analyse data for difficult to find information, or to ensure the efficacy of the information.

Applying statistical techniques to scientific images I have the ability to maximize the utility and information held within and ensure that the conclusions drawn are astute.

Although limited in my ability to implement electronic designs myself, I have a strong base upon which to interact with people in the field, understand their methodologies and the processes involved in seeing electrical and electronic projects to completion.