Centre for i nstrumentation r esearch (C ir )

Dr K govender govenderk@cput.ac.za

The CIR has a long standing history within the Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering. With a track record of more than 15 years, the centre has housed a large number of master’s and doctoral projects funded through various organisations; this has allowed the CIR to build up a formidable research infrastructure. The centre is capable of hosting 20 BTech students for their final year industrial project, feeding into master’s/doctoral research. A fully stocked component shop facilitates uninterrupted research.

Prior to 2012, the centre consisted of five full time researchers. There was a reduction in CIR staff in 2012 through resignations, leaving only one active researcher and a handful of postgraduate students. Over the past two years the CIR has started to grow again, with two new staff members active in research joining the centre. Postgraduate numbers are also steadily increasing.

The CIR’s main project areas are novel electronics for high frequency ultrasound, condition monitoring of transmission lines, and ultrasonic high voltage insulator cleaning (funded by Eskom’s TESP grant). A new research group focusing on quantum technologies and quantum communications has been established within the CIR together with F’SATI (see separate report on the Quantum Physics Research Group).

Quantum Physics r esearch g roup

There is growing evidence that the next generation of computing and communications will be quantum-based. In order to ensure that CPUT contributes to this exciting field, a Quantum Physics Research Group has been established within the Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering. The group, led by physicist Dr Kessie Govender, investigates and develops expertise in quantum-based technologies.

The group currently consists of three staff members (Dr K Govender, Dr Z Nkosi and Mr R Pentz) and three master’s students (Ms M Patel, Mr A Wyngaard and Mr J Stubbs). A quantum optics laboratory is being developed for the purposes of cooling atoms, and subsequent development of quantum information processing components. The development of an atomic clock using cold atoms is also planned for the future.

The group has established collaborations with researchers at SU, iThemba LABS and the National Metrology Institute of South Africa (NMISA). A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with SU, facilitating exchange of technical and scientific knowledge.

Cape Speed unveils racing car and conquers Formula Student event

a carbon fibre chassis, smarter materials and a fuel efficient engine are just some of the innovative features of CPUT’s 2014 formula racing car. The racing car was designed and manufactured by students based at the university’s TIa adaptronics aMTL research unit. The team of students, known as Cape Speed, were lauded for their innovative design, which earned them a coveted spot in the international formula Student event which took place in Silverstone in the UK in July 2014.

The project has been formally recognised as a WDC 2014 project and has also received a stamp of approval from South african rally champion driver Mr Pierre arries, who said that there are many design opportunities in the racing industry and that student projects such as these are moulding the next generation of engineers and others professionals needed for the industry.

The car was named Prins, after CPUT VC, Dr Prins

Nevhutalu, as representative of the university’s current journey towards becoming a great institution. Dr Nevhutalu said that he was honoured to be part of this innovative project and that the university can only talk about being great if students are doing great things.

Cape Speed competed against 114 universities across the globe at the Silverstone race Circuit in the UK, and came in 59th. The teams competed in 600cc racing cars, which are designed and built from scratch and are capable of travelling 0-90kph in a few seconds.

The team and car faced both highs and lows during the competition, and persevered until they obtained a spot in the final endurance event. The endurance event is the highlight of the competition, and only teams that successfully pass several other tests get a chance to compete in this final event, which requires racers to complete 23 laps.

Centre for m echanics and Technology

Prof Bohua Sun

sunb@cput.ac.za

The centre is dedicated to both fundamental study and applied technology development in the field of mechanics technology, including soundwave cooling, packaging, MEMS sensor, turbulence and Lie group symmetry on nonlinear mechanics. Its team members are Prof Bohua Sun and Mr Walter Kohlhofer.

Highlights for 2014 include collaboration with Peking University in China. One DTech student, Lagouge Tartibu, graduated from the centre.