Reference no: EM132390683 , Length: word count : 8000

Assignment - Optimization of porosity effect in 3D printing To increase the Mechanical properties

1. Background

The main goal of this section is to identify a problem that is worthy of investigation.A preliminary literature review is necessary for the purpose of identifying the research problem.

The following issues should be considered when identifying a suitable topic.

• The topic should interest you, professional and general communities;

• The topic is original;

• The outcome of the research will contribute to the relevant disciplines;

• Your personal strengths and weaknesses should be taken into account;

• You should recognise the limitations imposed by time and research resources;

• Do not knowingly choose a topic addressed previously unless you have something new to add.

You should bear the following questions in mind when drafting this section:

Why did you select this topic?

What is the problem you intend to investigate?

What has been done by other researchers in the relevant area?

Where is the knowledge gap? What need to be done to fill in the gap or to make a progress?

You need to consult your supervisor in the process of selecting a topic and drafting the proposal.

2. Objective

Specific objectives should be stated.

What do you want to achieve in the proposed study?

It should be noted that the objectives of your research define the OUTCOME, i.e. what will be learned. They are not a statement of the approach or tasks that are required to achieve these objectives. Some examples of reasonable research objectives:

• To determine the effect of Marangoni convection on mixing of molten glasses

• To predict the extent of thermal degradation of polymers

Both of the above define the resulting outcome (prediction, effect on...) so they are objectives.

3. Hypothesis/question

You may establish a hypothesis you will be trying to verify or test, or questions to which you will be searching for answers in the proposed research. Your hypothesis must be related to your objectives.

4. Methodology

Describe the methods (e.g., literature review, experiments, computer modelling, field study and/or survey) with which you will conduct the research.

What data are needed? Define the parameters clearly. Explain how data are to be collected and processed. Identify the relevant regulatory document, standards, guides (e.g., Australian/ASTM test standard, computer models and user guide, field survey questionnaire and protocol etc.).

What analysis will be conducted to the data? (E.g., statistical analysis, regression, confidence test, comparison with existing data from the literature, comparison with model predictions, comparison with established standards and/or criteria, etc.)

The related tasks or research approach could be:

• Solve a set of coupled non-linear PDEs...

• Perform experiments on...

The above dot points are examples that define the required steps and can be part of the methodology section; they do not define the outcome so they are NOT objectives.

Block diagrams may be used to illustrate your research approach.

5. Expected outcomes

Describe the outcomes (e.g., better understanding of the topic, a new method of testing, a new method of evaluation, a paper to be published in a journal, a report to be submitted to the relevant authority or organisation etc.).

6. Program of work

Describe your research plan and timetable.

A Gantt chart may be used.