Other Modules

In this module, I was given an overview of multiphase flows. I learnt about surface tension and used the Young-Laplace equation to solve axisymmetric, static problems such as the Sessile drop. I also learnt about instabilities: Plateau-Rayleigh, Kelvin-Helmholtz and Rayleigh-Taylor. I was introduced different pipe flow regimes from stratified to annular-dispersed, and the onset of slugging. Additionally, I learnt about terminal velocities for spherical particles and spherical-cap bubbles and how this can be applied for many particles during sedimentation/fluidisation.

In this module I developed an intuitive understanding of PID control. I learnt about how mass, spring and damper elements alter the Nyquist and Bode diagrams for coupled mass systems and how to find the eigenmodes and eigenfrequencies. I then learnt how to control a realistic mass-spring-damper model using a “grey-box” approach to identify the system.

This involved the use of PID control with filters such as low-pass, notch and anti-notch. I also looked at controller design for stability and robustness, using Nyquist stability, gain margin, phase margin and modulus margin to achieve the maximum bandwidth for the controller. Additionally, I learnt about how disturbances and noise create error and how to minimise this based on the sensitivity and process sensitivity functions. Finally, I was introduced electromagnetism and the dynamics of Lorentz and Reluctance actuators.

In this module, I learnt about different modes of crack initiation and propagation. Firstly, I learnt about linear-elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) concepts, such as plastic zone size and fracture toughness testing. I also learnt about the limitations of LEFM and how elasto-plastic fracture mechanics can be used to explain crack propagation for large plastic zones – such as the J-integral and crack tip opening displacement. I also learnt about fatigue described by the Paris equation and techniques to improve fatigue lifetime. Finally, I learnt about how the environment (i.e. hydrogen embrittlement) can accelerate crack growth

I was introduced to the fundamentals of boundary layer theory in this module. I learnt about the Navier-Stokes equations and important non-dimensional numbers for boundary layers. I also learnt about important properties for boundary layers, such as boundary and momentum thickness and calculated exact solutions using the Falkner-Skan equation. Additionally, I learnt about the behaviour of a boundary layer at separation and for instabilities. Finally, I was introduced to incompressible turbulent boundary layers.

In this module, I learnt about geo-engineering. This is the implementation of solutions to directly stop global warming rather than attempting to reduce carbon emissions. This can be achieved by increasing the amount of incoming radiation reflected into space, with techniques such as injecting aerosols into the stratosphere or brightening clouds. Alternatively, I also learnt about the feasibility of capturing and storing carbon, using direct air capture, afforestation or iron ocean fertilisation.

In a group of four, we performed a literature review of the carbon release of dead plant matter and considered possible options to capture the carbon stored in this detritus. Also, we discussed the ethical considerations of geo-engineering because it only treats the symptoms, not the cause of global warming and may have unknown, large-scale, detrimental impacts on the environment.

In this entrepreneurship module, I learnt about the Lean Startup methodology to maximise the chance of a start-ups survivability. In a group of 4, we tested our business hypothesis that cultivated meat start-ups require a solution to help them scale-up production to comparable levels with traditional meat production. We performed an in-depth stakeholder analysis, independently setting up meetings with over 20 industry leaders and specialists both in-person and on MS Teams. From this, we generated a value proposition for the customers and an analysis of competitors, risk and potential profitability. We then assessed out idea to use machine learning to optimise the cell bioreactor environment based on experimental data. We even continued our work outside of the core module, presenting our work on a TU Delft Start-Up night and also to a scout at the Yes!Delft start-up incubator.

I chose to broaden my knowledge about the ethical implications of engineering, and how frameworks can help to guide engineers to make reasoned decisions. I learnt about different strands of normative ethics – deontological ethics, utilitarianism and virtue ethics, and the strengths and limitations of them. I also learn about the responsibilities of engineers and as part of a group I presented and debated who bears responsibility for the sinking of the Titanic. Additionally, I learnt about the role of codes of conduct and guidelines for engineers.