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Engineering the Future
Research Groupings
associated with this theme
Blast Impact and
Survivability Research Unit
The Department of Mechanical Engineering has
been involved in impact dynamics for over 25
years. The Blast Impact and Survivability Research
Unit (BISRU) has developed experimental facilities
which include a blast chamber, a selection of
drop testers, material characterisation systems,
and a sled tester for impact biomechanics. This
collection of equipment is unique in that no other
university laboratory worldwide has this full suite
of facilities in one area. The research activities are
aimed at promoting the study and understanding
of impact dynamics through projects at senior
undergraduate level and master’s, doctoral and
postdoctoral levels. The research objectives are to
reduce the risk of injuries and to save lives through
fundamental principles of science and engineering.
BISRU currently has several international interactions
through collaborative projects with universities in
Australia, Argentina, Europe and the USA.
Director: Professor G Nurick
E-mail: gerald.nurick@uct.ac.za
Web: http://www.bisru.uct.ac.za/
Concrete Materials and
Structural Integrity Research Unit
The Concrete Materials and Structural Integrity
Research Unit at the University of Cape Town has
been developing technologies and procedures for
the design and assessment of concrete structures for
more than 20 years. The unit has had a marked focus
on infrastructure performance and renewal, largely in
response to industry needs.
Directors: Professor M Alexander,
Associate Professor P Moyo and
Associate Professor H Beushausen
E-mail: mark.alexander@uct.ac.za,
pilate.moyo@uct.ac.za, hans.beushausen@uct.ac.za
Web: http://www.comsiru.uct.ac.za/
Centre for Materials
Engineering
The Centre for Materials Engineering strives to educate
and train students in techniques and fundamentals in
the broad field of Materials Engineering. It also seeks
to serve a wide range of engineering activities, giving
advice concerning material processing, properties
and performance, while maintaining an international
profile for its research. The research activities of the
centre are aimed at addressing national needs in
terms of both the provision of technological solutions
and the development of skilled graduates.
Director: Professor RD Knutsen
E-mail: robert.knutsen@uct.ac.za
Web: http://www.mateng.uct.ac.za
Centre for Minerals
Research
The Centre for Minerals Research is a multidisciplinary,
inter-departmental research centre based in the
Department of Chemical Engineering. The focus
of research is on the processes of comminution,
classification, and froth flotation, arguably the most
important unit operations in mineral beneficiation.
The primary objective of the centre is to investigate
the above research areas at both an industrial
(applied) level and a laboratory (fundamental) level,
so as to develop predictive models for describing
the performance of industrial units and circuits. The
centre enjoys excellent international collaborations
with all the world's leading mining companies.
Director: Professor CT O’Connor
E-mail: cyril.oconnor@uct.ac.za
Web: http://www.cmr.uct.ac.za/