29 Development of optimized structural member

Supervisors:

Dr Anthony Zander

Moderator:

Ian Brown

Number of Students:

Manfred Kahmann

Description:

Development of optimized structural member for use as a cheap, versatile, environmentally friendly and long lasting replacement for aluminium, steel and timber, especially in aggressive environments where the former materials have limitations and high maintenance costs. Incorporation of this structural member as the modular backbone of a system used to cover orchards and vineyards as well as constructing green houses. Here one is looking to replace shaved permapine poles, the use of which, due to environmental factors and increased demand for supply is becoming problematical. Development of methods of manufacture and design of equipment and tooling to achieve this goal.