Research

The Department offers the facilities to carry out research leading to the MPhil and PhD Degrees in a wide range of important areas: Mechanical, Industrial and Agricultural Engineering (Biosystems), Production Engineering & Management.

Research students register for the MPhil degree in the first instance and then, subject to the Faculty and University’s Regulations, may upgrade to the PhD degree. Students who already have a Master’s degree obtained through a substantial research project, may register directly for the PhD. A research student works in his chosen field of research under the guidance of a supervisor who has substantial expertise and experience in the field.

Persons interested in pursuing research leading to the MPhil or PhD degrees in Agricultural, Industrial, Mechanical or Production Engineering & Management are invited to contact the Head of Department to discuss their research interests and for further information on research opportunities within the Department. The Department may be able to provide some financial support for specific research projects.

Academic staff within the Department are active in several areas of research as indicated below:

Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Mechanisation, Crop Processing & Post- harvest Technology, Soil & Water Engineering
Dr. E. Ekwue
Professor C.V. Narayan
Professor C.K. Sankat

Industrial Engineering & Engineering Management
Dr. B.V. Chowdary
Mr. R. Ellis
Mr. S.M.J. Lau
Dr. W.G. Lewis
Professor Kit-Fai Pun

Industrial Automation & AI Applications
Dr. J. Bridge
Dr. B.V. Chowdary
Dr. P. Persad

Materials & Manufacturing (Technology & Systems)
Dr. B.V. Chowdary
Professor C.A.C. Imbert
Mr. S.M.J. Lau
Dr. W.G. Lewis

Theoretical & Applied Mechanics
Dr. S.Y. Keshavan
Dr. J. Bridge

Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer& Renewable Energy Resources
Professor G.S. Kochhar
Dr. K. Manohar
Dr. P. Persad

A sample of recent Research Theses and Projects are listed as follows:

i. Neural Network Model for a Cement Kiln.
ii. An Exergy Analysis of a Hydrocarbon Processing Unit.
iii. Solids of Revolution: Pose from Symmetry.
iv. Heat Transfer Mechanism in Biological Fibrous Materials.
v. An Investigation into Wave Energy Potential of the Caribbean and Application of Symmetrical Heaving Body Recovery Systems.
vi. Deep Drawing with a Novel Technique for Blank Holding.
vii. Thermal Conductivity Measurement of Local Building Materials.
viii. Post-harvest Handling and Processing Systems for Peanuts, Nutmegs, etc.
ix. Refrigerated and Controlled Atmosphere Storage for Breadfruit, Mangoes, Carambola, etc.
x. Osmotic and Air-drying Behaviour of Fruit and Fish.
xi. A Reliability-centred Maintenance Programme.
xii. Induction Melting of Iron Carbide.
xiii. Strategic Remodelling of the Quality Systems of the Laboratories at the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CEC).