All about mechanical engineering
ACOUSTIC absorption is the property of any material that changes the acoustic energy of sound waves into another form, often heat, which to some extent will be retained, as opposed to sound energy in which material reflects or conducts.
In real life, most of the sound absorbing products consisting of simulated materials dominate the commercial market, and therefore limits the study for alternative materials. However, several research findings identify new materials for sound absorption applications in the industry.
In fact, natural substances are progressively becoming the centre of interest, as they are recyclable and easily available in certain countries.
In Malaysia, natural fibres are suitable as substitutes for synthetic fibres in acoustic absorption resolutions.
Taylor’s University School of Engineering (SOE) Mechanical Engineering programme director, Dr Mohammad Hosseini, shares his insights on using natural fibres as an acoustic absorption panel from a Mechanical Engineering perspective:
Q: How do natural fibres relate to Mechanical Engineering studies at Taylor’s University School of Engineering (SOE)?
A: Mechanical Engineering is the ability to understand and implement the rules of physics and mathematics in a wide variety of real world applications. In Taylor’s University, dedicated lecturers guide the students in carrying out analytical modelling techniques through projects or assignments in order to characterise the acoustic behaviour of several natural fibre. In addition to learning how certain factors affect the acoustic absorption, students are also exposed to experimental observations to enhance their understanding in this field.
Q: Can you share one of your most impactful research studies and its outcome?
A: My recent research at Taylor’s University was to implement local natural fibres in acoustic absorption panels.
An acoustic panel absorbs the unwanted sound or noise inside the room and provides a more comfortable environment.
The study of the acoustical performance of natural substance material is important to use it efficiently in applications.
Several groups of Taylor’s University degree students worked on this project as part of their Engineering Design modules and achieved impressive results that won them a Bronze Medal in the recent Malaysia Technology Expo (MTE) 2012 at Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC).
Q: In your opinion, how do you see the potential of mechanical engineering for graduates in Malaysia industry?
A: Oil and gas, transportation and their related industries are growing very fast in Malaysia, creating a large market for Mechanical Engineering graduates based on their level of education, including sound technical knowledge and essential soft skills. I believe that more mechanical engineers will be in demand in these industries, contributing towards the advancement of the country.
Q: In your opinion, what makes the Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering programme offered by Taylor’s University SOE exclusive?
A: Our Mechanical Engineering programme provides a platform in teaching students, not only in the area of gaining knowledge, but also trains them to be a professional engineer with strong teamwork, possess good communication skills and effectively applies knowledge towards the benefit of themselves and the community.
Furthermore, Taylor’s University SOE is the only school in the country that has implemented the CDIO initiative and its structure is very well aligned with UNESCO’S four pillars of learning.
By exposing students to such a teaching and learning framework, their employability rate is much higher than the rest.
The project-based learning approach exposes our students to actual industry’s demands, better preparing them to step into the working world upon graduation.
Dr Mohammad Hosseini started his career as a technical engineer 10 years ago in one of the subsidiary companies for South Pars Gas Field, Iran, the world’s largest gas field.
His area of expertise includes sound and vibration source recognition and suppression where he started his researches seven years ago.
Dr Mohammad’s researches were also published in various journals.
For details on the programmes offered by Taylor’s University School of Engineering, contact 035629 5000, e-mail admissions@ taylors.edu.my or visit www.taylors. edu.my/soe.