Message from the Deputy-Dean: Research and Postgraduate Education Prof Jan Eloff
The Faculty’s research strategy is aligned with the University’s overall vision to be a leading, research-intensive university in Africa. It also aims to make a significant contribution to society at large. As such, it focuses its research strengths on six broad research themes, which are aligned to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations.
WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
I BELIEVE THAT THE FACULTY IS WELL RESOURCED TO CONTINUE TO MAKE AN IMPACT ON SOME OF THE MOST PRESSING CHALLENGES OF THE DEVELOPING WORLD, PARTICULARLY THOSE RELATED TO THE COUNTRY’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, JOB CREATION, POVERTY, INEQUALITY, FOOD SECURITY, CLIMATE CHANGE AND QUALITY HEALTH.
Research in the Faculty emphasises issues related to water quality, wastewater treatment, waste treatment, biotechnology and environmental engineering. Furthermore, the inquiry into engineered nanomaterials investigates how nanomaterials interact with environmental and, in particular, water systems. Environmental engineering also focuses on sustainable building methods, building and development, bio-sensors and mining engineering. Within mining engineering, ongoing research includes rock engineering, rock breaking, environmental management and leadership.
MINERALS AND MATERIALS BENEFICIATION Research in this focus area is conducted to further the frontiers of the science and engineering impact on the South African minerals value chain. Optimised industrial processes for minerals processing and the extraction of valuable metals and materials are of particular interest. Furthermore, research projects are aimed at advanced manufacturing, and the fabrication of polymers and advanced alloys. There is an emphasis on nuclear accident-resistant fuel-cladding materials, nanofluids, bionanofluids, nanocellulose, carbon nanotubes, thermal-fluid behaviour and heat transfer.
THE FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION Research conducted across many departments in the Faculty serves as critical components for creating a highly integrated environment for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Studies focus on computer engineering, computer science, electronic engineering, systems engineering, bioengineering, signal processing, power electronics, control systems, optics, electromagnetism, micro-electronics, nanotechnology, additive manufacturing, condition monitoring and artificial intelligence. The Engineering 4.0 Complex entails an integrated roads materials reference laboratory, a training laboratory and a research laboratory, combined with a live traffic research facility and an accelerated pavement testing facility.
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