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PHYS 3387 PHYSICS FINAL YEAR PROJECTS
2011 – 2012
BOOK OF ABSTRACTS
FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND AGRICULTURE
THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES
ST. AUGUSTINE CAMPUS
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS
UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES
PHYS 3387
FINAL YEAR PROJECTS
2011-2012
BOOK OF ABSTRACTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Program
Abstract No. Title Page No.
587 Energy and Buildings I – Thermal Comfort in the Library 1
588 Energy and Buildings II – Thermal Comfort in UWI SPEC Gym 3
589 Energy and Buildings III – Thermal Comfort 5
590 Energy and Buildings II - Photovoltiacs 6
591 Simple Prediction Models of Solar Radiation Data for a Horizontal Surface in Trinidad
7
592 Energy and Buildings I – Air Contamination 8
593 Sizing of Photovoltiac Systems for Residential Buildings via Solar Radiation Analysis
10
594 Geomagnetic Field variations in the Caribbean during current solar cycle
11
595 Popularization of Astronomy – Astronomy Themed Peace Park 13
596 Astrobiology at the Pitch Lake and Mud Volcanoes 14
597 Suite of Demoes, Simulations and Experiments for revised CSEC Physics syllabus
15
598 Blueshift in Quasars 16
599 Microstructure/Properties study of Steatite porcelains incorporating local clays
18
600 Geophysical survey at the Devil’s Woodyard Mud Volcano 19
601 Geophysical survey at Piparo Mud Volcano 21
602 An investigation into the effects of temperature of the glazing cover and thickness on the rate of solar distillation
22
603 Utilization of Photovoltaics to provide lighting in the Solar Energy Laboratory located on the roof-top of the Natural Sciences building at UWI, St. Augustine
24
604 Investigation of the Characteristics of the Fracture Wall of a Geothermal Energy System
25
605 Physics of Cricket at Night vs. Day 27
606 Investigating the effect of El Niño/ La Niña on the climate of Trinidad and Tobago using MODIS data
28
607 The Mechanisms used by animals to adhere to and travel on walls 29
608 Solar Timber Drying 31
609 Radiation Levels at the Doppler Radar site at Tabaquite 32
610 Effect of Alcohol on EEG Brain Maps 33
611 Health & Safety Issues associated with the use of Infra-red Radiation in Physiotherapy
35
612 An investigation of the Health and Safety Issues associated with the use of Therapeutic Diathermy
37
613 Investigating Occupational Exposures to Physical Therapists II: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulators
39
614 Investigating Occupational Exposures to Physical Therapists I : Ultrasound
40
615 An assessment of Traumatic Shoulder Instability 42
616 Modeling the Behaviour of the Polymer Electrolyte Membrane within a Fuel Cell using COMSOL
44
617 Development of Low Cost Function Generator for CAPE students of Caribbean Countries
46
618 Design of data Scramblers for 4G Communication Systems 47
619 Design of Matlab based models for Control Theory and its applications
48
620 Nanocomposite Acid-Base polymer Electrolyte Membranes for Fuel Cell Applications
49
621 Investigating and calculating methanol cross-over for various membranes in a direct methanol fuel cell
50
622 Development of Acid-base Ionic liquids as Proton Conductors for Fuel Cell Applications
51
623 Development of a novel dye-polymer for a DSSC 52
624 Development of a sodium ion solid state electrolyte for Supercapacitors
53
UNIVERSITY OF WEST INDIES
ST. AUGUSTINE
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS
PHYS 3387FINAL YEAR PROJECTS
INTRODUCTION
In addition to standard laboratory work, Final Year students of the Physics Department of The
University of West Indies, St. Augustine are required to do a Research Projects which ideally spans over
one semester and has a weighting of 4 credits. The projects are designed not only to acquaint students
with rigorous research methods and independent work, but also to introduce the student to the work
environment to which he/she may be confronted after graduation.
There are two aspects of the submission: a formal report and an oral presentation. The oral
presentation is a significant aspect of each project since the academic community and the public are
sensitized about the research work done by the students and its significance in terms of the potential for
postgraduate study. The entire procedure, even when results may be negative, can be useful to the
academic community and provides significant learning experience for students. Another very positive
aspect of the research projects is the incorporation of outside personnel and organizations in varying
fields of work and also the business community.
Final year projects are a vital part of University students training and we, the Academic Staff of
the Physics Department, truly appreciate the hard work, dedication and importance that so many students
attach to this course.
Good luck to all of the students.
Dr. Davinder Sharma
Projects Coordinator
THE UNIVERSITY OF WEST INDIES
ST. AUGUSTINE
Department of Physics
PHYS 3387 ORAL PRESENTATION
Day 1 – Wednesday 23rd November 2011
TIME
NAME TITLE SUPERVISOR(S) CHAIRMAN
8.25 AM Opening remarks - Head of Department
8.30 AM
Tamara Malcolm Ricky Boodram
Energy and Buildings I –Thermal Comfort in the Library
Dr. R. Andrews Dr. K. De Souza
Dr. R. Andrews
9.00 AM Mickhel Mano Shivani Bhola
Energy and Buildings II – Thermal Comfort in the Gym
9.30 AM Sheetal Sirjudeen Wahid Terry Hosein
Energy and Buildings III– Thermal Comfort
10.00 AM COFFEE BREAK
10.30AM Shiva Ballyram Tishawna Donatien
Energy and Buildings II - Photovoltiacs
Dr. R. Andrews Dr. K. De Souza
Dr. K. De Souza
11.00AM Judith Balkisoon
Simple Prediction Models of Solar Radiation Data for a Horizontal Surface in Trinidad
11.15AM Nigel Chin Sang Energy and Buildings I – Air Contamination
11.30AM Vasan Sahatoo
Sizing of Photovoltaic (PV) Systems for Residential Buildings via Solar Radiation Analysis and Determination of Load Demand
11.45 AM
END
Day 2 – Thursday 24th November 2011
TIME
NAME TITLE SUPERVISOR(S) CHAIRMAN
8.00 AM Shanaaz Mohamid Vijay Nanan
Geomagnetic Field variations in the Caribbean during current solar cycle.
Dr. S. Haque
Dr. S. Haque
8.30 AM Ashley Ramdhan Ravi Ramdoolar Anthony Michael Ramnath
Popularization of Astronomy – Astronomy Themed Peace Park
9.15 AM Jerod David Cooper Katerina S. Marcano Saleem Mondol
Astrobiology at the Pitch Lake and Mud Volcanoes
10.00 AM -10.15AM
COFFEE BREAK
10.15 AM Kapil Ramcharan Riaz Mondol
Suite of Demos, simulations and experiments for revised CSEC Physics syllabus
Dr. S. Haque
Dr. S. Haque 10.45 AM Djertsen Jone
Reon Morris
Blueshift in Quasars
11.15 AM Jabari St.Paul Keeron J. Steverson Vidya Amarsingh
Microstructure/Properties study of Steatite porcelains incorporating local clays.
Dr. J. C. Knight Dr. J. C. Knight
12.00 – 1.00 PM
LUNCH
1.00 PM Chitra R. Jagmohan Darnell Bereaux
Geophysical Survey at the Devil’s Woodyard Mud Volcano
Dr. R. Clarke / Dr. J. C. Knight
Dr. J. C. Knight
Sean Ashby Melissa De Freitas Satesh Lalloo Anthony S Khan
2.30 PM Anthony Ragbir Saleem Mohammed Tracy Gooptar Rajesh Rattan Hemawatie Seelochan Christopher Roopnarine
Geophysical Survey at Piparo Mud Volcano
Dr. R. Clarke / Dr. J. C. Knight
Dr. R. Clarke
4.00 PM -4.15 PM
BREAK
4.15 PM Narindra Nandlal Shavani Ramnarine
An investigation into the effects of temperature of the glazing cover and thickness on the rate of solar distillation
Dr. Indra Haraksingh
Dr. Indra Haraksingh
4.45PM Paul Kassie Ronnie Partapsingh
Utilization of Photovoltaics to provide lighting in the Solar Energy Laboratory located on the roof-top of the Natural Sciences building at UWI, St. Augustine
5.15 PM
Sarah Khan Cherisse Lashley
Investigation of the Characteristics of the Fracture Wall of a Geothermal Energy System
5.45 PM Aleem Gaffoor Michael Boodram
Physics of Cricket at Night vs. Day
6.15 PM END
Day 3 – Friday 25th November 2011
TIME
NAME TITLE SUPERVISOR(S) CHAIRMAN
8.00 AM Allister Bandoo Nikolai Mohammed Varun Maharaj Melissa Gayadeen
Investigating the effect of El Niño/ La Niña on the climate of Trinidad and Tobago using MODIS data
Dr. Ricardo Clarke Dr. Ricardo Clarke
9.00 AM Annacia Jeffers
The Mechanisms used by animals to adhere to and travel on walls
Prof. Saunders Professor Saunders 9.15 AM Daniella J
Sudarsan Tseli Hutchinson
Solar Timber Drying Professor Saunders Dr. R Clarke
9.45AM-10.00 AM
COFFEE BREAK
10.00 AM Aleea Hosein Don-Leon Powder
Radiation Levels at the Doppler Radar site at Tabaquite.
Prof. Ramsay Saunders
Prof. Ramsay Saunders
10.30AM Amanda Nanansingh Josanne Forestine
Effect of Alcohol on EEG Brain Maps
11.00AM Praveen Rampersad Raadiyah Mohammed
Health & Safety Issues Associated with the Use of Infra-red Radiation in Physiotherapy
Dr. Sybele Williams
Dr. Sybele Williams
11.30AM Kerwyn Bahadur Raiisa Naipaul
An Investigation of the Health and Safety Issues Associated with the Use of Therapeutic Diathermy
12.00 – 1.00 PM
LUNCH
1.00AM Sursatee Maraj Matthew O. Dabrell
Investigating Occupational Exposures to Physical Therapists II: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulators
Dr. Sybele Williams
Dr. Sybele Williams
1.30PM Fawwaaz A Abdool
Investigating Occupational Exposures to Physical
Melissa I Heeralal
Therapists I: Ultrasound
2.00PM Samantha Sangster
An Assessment of Traumatic Shoulder Instability
2.15 PM Stefan Beharry Ruqayyah Hosein Anthony Lee Fai
Modeling the Behavior of the Polymer Electrolyte Membrane within a Fuel Cell Using COMSOL
Dr. Davinder Sharma
Dr. Davinder Sharma
3.00 PM Narrin Jonas
Development of Low Cost Function Generator for CAPE Students of Caribbean Countries
3.00 – 3.15PM
BREAK
3.15 PM Kirlon Peters
Design of Data Scramblers for 4G Communication Systems
Dr. Davinder Sharma
Dr. Davinder Sharma
3.30 PM
Jimmy Elvis Kevin Devenish
Design of Matlab based models for control theory and its applications.
4.00 PM
Mekelea Ashe
Nanocomposite Acid-Base Polymer Electrolyte Membranes for Fuel Cell Applications
Dr. Harinder Missan
Ms. Kerrilee Stewart
4.15 PM
Neil Dattadeen
Investigating and calculating methanol cross-over for various membranes in a direct methanol fuel cell
4.30 PM
Steffi Hanuman
Development of Acid-base Ionic liquids as Proton Conductors for Fuel Cell Applications
Ms. Marisa Singh
4.45 PM
Tushara Maharaj
Development of a novel dye-polymer for a DSSC
5.00 PM
Nikolai Assam-Paul
Development of a sodium ion solid state electrolyte for Supercapacitors
5.15PM END
Book of Abstracts (2011‐2012)
Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 1
ABSTRACT No.: 587
TITLE: Thermal Comfort
AUTHOR: Ricky Boodram (808010586)
Tamara Malcom (808000024)
SUPERVISORS: Dr. R. Andrews and Dr. K. De Souza
An accepted international definition for thermal comfort is ‘that condition of mind which expresses satisfaction with the thermal environment. The environmental factors which affect human being thermal comfort are air temperature, radiant temperature, relative humidity, air velocity, and the two personal factors are activity and metabolic rate. When these factors are known the thermal sensation for the body can be predicted using Fanger’s equation. Although knowing the thermal sensation for the body it is impossible to develop a thermal environment that will satisfy everyone. To determine the thermal comfort conditions the ASHRAE standard 55 is used which define temperature ranges that should result in thermal satisfaction for at least 80% of occupants in a space.
The body is normally in thermo-equilibrium. The heat produced by the body is due to metabolism and physical exercise. The body losses and gain heat by three processes conduction, convection and radiation. Heat is loss by the body through evaporation when the body temperature is increasing and eat is also loss through respiratory.
The experiment will perform using equipments to measure the different environmental parameters. The equipment have probes which would be used probes to take reading of dry bulb temperature, wet bulb temperature, radiant temperature, relative humidity and air velocity. A lap top would be used to record the measurements because this experiment would take 5 days to complete; it would be done from a specific time in the morning to the evening. at time period of six hours. The probes have to be placed at a specific height above the floor level; this is to represent the height of the occupants’ body level, the height can be adjusted depending on the occupants in the room.
Book of Abstracts (2011‐2012)
Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 2
From the results, it can be used to find the sensible heat loss from the skin which is the heat loss by radiation, conduction and convection. When this is done it can be used to determine if the room was thermally comfortable foe occupants.
Book of Abstracts (2011‐2012)
Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 3
ABSTRACT No.: 588
TITLE: Investigating thermal comfort in UWI SPEC gym
AUTHORS: Shivani Bhola (808000142) Mickhel Mano (808010135)
SUPERVISORS: Dr. Andrews and Dr. De Souza
In this investigation the thermal comfort, of the University of the West Indies St
Augustine Campus, Sports and Physical Education Centre (SPEC) gym was
investigated using the INNOVA 1221 thermal comfort data logger. On the first
day of the investigation, twenty random individuals who were in the process of
using the gym’s equipment was asked about the clothing which they found most
comfortable to wear to exercise. From this sample the majority indicated that their
preference was a sweat pants and a sweat shirt. Therefore, in the data logger the
value entered for clothing insulation of sweat pants and a sweat shirt was 0.74 clo
and the value for metabolic rate for exercising was 3.5 met (Parsons 2005). These
values had to be entered before the equipment began taking measurements. In this
case the equipment was set up in one particular location and left it for the entire
day to measure the operative temperature, humidity and the air velocity. During
the day however, every thirty minutes the number of people in the gym was also
recorded. The equipment was placed in three different locations and left an entire
day in each location to measure the parameters important for thermal comfort.
The gym’s dimensions were also measured and found to be approximately twenty
feet by sixty feet, and its height was approximately fifteen feet. The gyms peak
hours were twelve to two in the afternoon and four to six in the evening during
which time the fact that the gym was air conditioned was not prominent. The
(PMV) Predicted mean vote and (PPD) predicted percent of dissatisfied people
Book of Abstracts (2011‐2012)
Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 4
was investigated using the data collected and then the thermal comfort of the gym
was fairly represented.
Book of Abstracts (2011‐2012)
Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 5
ABSTRACT No.: 589
TITLE: Energy & Buildings
AUTHORS: Sheetal Sirjudeen (808014657) Wahid Hosein (808012274)
SUPERVISORS: Dr. K. De Souza and Dr. R. Andrews
This research paper presents and investigates the thermal comfort requirements
for students in campus classrooms through field experimental procedures.
Universities offer an ideal location for this study because of their huge power
consuming expenses. Three classrooms: JFK Lecture theatre, C1 and Room 413
were selected to conduct physical measurements in the University of the West
Indies, St. Augustine campus. Data was measured and collected for the
environmental parameters affecting thermal comfort: air temperature, mean
radiant temperature, relative air velocity and humidity; using the thermal comfort
data logger INNOVA 1221. The plots were done and analyzed using the thermal
comfort manager software INNOVA 7701. Questionnaires were also
administered to students in the classrooms to assess the personal factors affecting
the students’ thermal comfort. The comfort criteria was examined and compared
with the ASHRAE Standard 55. The goal of this research was to provide
improved air quality and a thermally acceptable environment for the students to
increase their productivity in the classroom; while simultaneously reducing the
rate of energy consumption at the University of the West Indies.
Book of Abstracts (2011‐2012)
Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 6
ABSTRACT No.: 590
TITLE: Energy and Buildings II
Photovoltaics – Efficiencies Investigating the Efficiency of Solar Cells
AUTHORS: Tishawna Donatien (808000187) Shiva Ballyram (807000883)
SUPERVISORS: Dr. R. Andrews and Dr. K De Souza
A Solar Cell is used to produce electricity from sunlight or visible light by using
the Photovoltaic Effect. Efficiency is the ratio of the useful output to the total
input of a system. It is the ratio of the energy delivered by to the energy supplied
to a system in order for it to function properly. Third Generation Solar Cells are
most ideal since these cells are most efficient and least costly. As a result,
research is continuously being done to develop different types of solar cells that
would fit into the Third Generation bracket of high efficiency and low cost
because the uses of solar cells are becoming more popular in everyday lives.
This paper discusses several popular types of solar cells, how they are made and
their functions. With reference to the paper; Detailed balance Limit of Efficiency
of p-n Junction Solar Cells by Willaim Shockley and Hans J. Queisser, it also
discusses the calculation of the efficiency including the relationship between the
voltage and current for a solar cell, nominal efficiency and the detailed balance
limit. Solar cells and their relative efficiencies are compared together with their
limitations and factors that affect it. Looking at the past and present of solar cells,
an aim also includes future improvements to the efficiency of Solar Cells since
there is a growing need for new, clean sources of solar energy.
Book of Abstracts (2011‐2012)
Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 7
ABSTRACT No.: 591
TITLE: Simple Prediction Models of Solar Radiation Data for a
Horizontal Surface in Trinidad
AUTHOR: Judith Balkissoon (808000132)
SUPERVISORS: Dr. K. De Souza and Dr. R. Andrews
Solar radiation data plays an important role in the sizing, design and performance
evaluation of solar energy systems. This paper presents two methodsto estimate
solar radiationon a horizontal surface in Trinidad. Firstly, the Angström-Prescott
model is used to estimate monthly average global solar radiation values. The
second method is by using a parabolic model to predict the monthly average
hourly global and diffuse solar radiation on a horizontal surface. These methods
are carried out by using solar radiation and sunshine duration data, which was
obtained, from the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service for the period of
2007 to 2009. The model parameters of both methods are determined using least
squares regression techniques and are verified by applying statistical error tests.
Book of Abstracts (2011‐2012)
Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 8
ABSTRACT No.: 592
TITLE: Energy and building (Air Contamination)
AUTHOR: Nigel Chin Sang (808010259)
SUPERVISORS: Dr. R. Andrews and Dr. K. De Souza
Air is all around us and we need air to carry out one of life’s basic processes
‘metabolism’. It is important that we consider the quality of air with regards to the
amount of air contaminants and the amount of pollutants that compose the air we
breathe. Contaminates of the air can be either be gaseous or particulate. In this
project we set out to investigate the amount of air contamination (particulate
matter) present in an indoor work environment. Almost 90% of an individual’s
live is spent in an office or work area (WHO, 2005) therefore it is necessary to
find out whether the air in a work environment is suitable for a productive,
healthy individual. Contaminants that pose the most problems in an indoor work
environment are allergens (dust mites or cat antigens) tobacco smoke, radon, and
formaldehyde. Work will be done in various places, investigating in each, the
amount of aerosols present in each location. Aerosols are basically suspended
particles in the air or in other gaseous environment. This will be done by using
particle scan equipment so as to measure/count the amount of suspended air
particulates of various particle sizes present in the surrounding air over a period of
time, usually ranging from 1-3 hours. This equipment gives both cumulative and
differential data. Analysis will be done using the cumulative data, so as to obtain
the amount of each particle size contained in that environment. The equipment
measures particles ranging from greater than or equal to 0.3µm to greater than or
equal to 5µm. Determination of the type of contaminant within our range will
Book of Abstracts (2011‐2012)
Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 9
require more test and chemical analysis, however for this investigation one can
only assume based on the relative particle size detected and the environment
under investigation.
Book of Abstracts (2011‐2012)
Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 10
ABSTRACT No.: 593
TITLE: Sizing of Photovoltaic (PV) Systems for Residential
Buildings via Solar Radiation Analysis and
Determination of Load Demand
AUTHOR: Vasan Sahatoo (809002497)
SUPERVISOR: Dr. K. De Souza and Dr. R. Andrews
The objective is the sizing of the PV system by determining the designed
electrical load of the building for which the system is to be implemented and the
design of a sizing curve. Solar radiation and sunshine duration information is
obtained from the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Services and is used to
help determine the size of the PV array by forming a sizing curve so as to
consider the fluctuation in the amount of sunshine received by the region. The
sizing curve also allows for determination of the size of the battery bank by
calculating the longest climatic cycle for which the solar radiation received is
below the average value for that period (i.e. the longest period for which the
battery is used to supply the load of the structure). The load demand of the
structure is obtained from the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission. The
information is then used to determine the load size of the PV array and its
components.
Book of Abstracts (2011‐2012)
Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 11
ABSTRACT No.: 594
TITLE: Geomagnetic Field variations in the Caribbean during current solar cycle
AUTHORS: Shanaaz Mohamid (808012213)
Vijay Nanan (808011423)
SUPERVISORS: Dr. Shirin Haque
Dr. P. Pilly
�
The geomagnetic field variation in the Caribbean, and the effects of suchon the circulation at different latitudes during the current solar cycle, does not begin suddenly but it is a chain of processes causing different effects and changes in the atmosphere.Despite technological advances in modern society; results are still inconclusive on the subject matter. The effects of geomagnetic activity on troposphere circulation have been demonstrated experimentally by Bochnicek et.al and theoretically by Arnold and Robinson in 2001. It is a continuum as this project embodied an attempt to understand the geomagnetic field variations in the Caribbean during the current solar cycle. The first solar cycle occurred in 1859; roughly every eleven years the sun goes through a cycle of peak solar activity and sun spots; the next one is due by May 2013. The national oceanic and atmospheric administration says that cycle could produce fewer than average solar storms; but warns the earth is still vulnerable to a single devastating storm.
Based on results obtained the region studied for the Caribbean lying between 5˚ and 30˚ latitude.Data obtained wasextensively used throughout this project through the National Hurricane Center (NHC), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Papers also done and published on related topics are also being analyzed and noted. The most feasible data, and reviews was also considered, with regards to the solar cycles, and how it impacts on geomagnetic activity not forgetting the variation of the magnetic and geomagnetic field, space activities affects the climate and causes changes in the weather. Future
Book of Abstracts (2011‐2012)
Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 12
expectation and prediction of the next solar cycle from the patterns obtained in the previous and current solar cycles will also be considered. Even though weather is also linked to hurricanes and tropical cyclones, this project is designed to understand how the solar cycle affects the hurricane and the weather in the Caribbean and by extension the Caribbean sea and Atlantic ocean, bearing in mind that there are other causes and effects of the solar cycle that affects the Caribbean, example;the negative effects on the ozone and the results of solar fleers, and how this can cause change in the Caribbean climate and circulation at different latitudes.�
Book of Abstracts (2011‐2012)
Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 13
ABSTRACT No.: 595
TITLE: Popularization of Astronomy
AUTHORS: Anthony Michael Ramnath (808000457)
Ashley Ramdhan (808011252) Ravi Ramdoolar (807007244)
SUPERVISOR: Dr. Shirin Haque
This project seeks to popularize and bring awareness of astronomy. This is accomplished by dividing it into two components: the construction of an “Astronomy Themed Peace Park” located on the University of The West Indies St Augustine Campus, and a feasibility study of a planetarium for Trinidad. The peace park is geared towards relaxation and contemplation of astronomy related thoughts and the universe in general. The feasibility study for the planetarium will include a design, size, location and the cost of the planetarium. To aid in this a study was conducted based on a questionnaire to determine the basic educational level and interest of Trinidadians towards astronomy. This is to determine the best suited planetarium for Trinidad to aid the public on astronomy and the universe.
The design for the peace park will include six peace poles, a sundial/shadow dial, two flags, peace rocks and 3 pyramids. These items play a large role in the history of astronomy and promote the curiosity of visitors as to how they relate to astronomy. There will be 3-4 benches and flower plants which help to create a relaxing ambience with the accompaniment of fresh air as well as sunlight. These items will be infused into the traditional peace symbol design. From the results of the questionnaire it has shown that the citizens of Trinidad have a generally low level of knowledge in relation to astronomy and the significance of a planetarium. Despite this, the results also showed that there is a high interest of citizens towards learning about “the heavens”. From this the planetarium was designed with a 12.19m tilted dome capable of seating 55 persons at a time. A centralised location was determined to be the most effective.
Book of Abstracts (2011‐2012)
Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 14
ABSTRACT No.: 596
TITLE: Astrobiology at the Pitch Lake and Mud Volcanoes
AUTHORS: Saleem Mondol (808010832)
Kate Marcano (808010527) Jerod Cooper (808011047)
SUPERVISOR: Dr. Shirin Haque
Astrobiology is the investigation of the origin, evolution, distribution and fate of
life in the Universe with no tangible evidence that life exists anywhere else other
than on Earth (Schulze-Makuch 2008). The intent of this research project is to
present an updated examination on previous work in this area of astrobiology. The
comprehension and requirements for the existence of life as well as its
sustainability in hostile environments on planet Earth provides useful analogues
for life in the Universe. The probability of life in the Solar System has been
referenced with the previous and latest developments in the study of Titan and
Mars being addressed.
The methodology utilized for this project comprised the completion of field work
with sampling at the mud volcanic sites and at the pitch lake in Trinidad. The
water activity levels, pH measurements and concentrations of methane at these
sample sites were assessed. X-ray diffraction tests were also conducted on the
samples. The results obtained from these experiments are discussed with the
primary vision being that the theoretical considerations can further establish the
importance of locating other habitable planets in the Universe.
Book of Abstracts (2011‐2012)
Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 15
ABSTRACT No.: 597
TITLE: Suite of demos, simulations and experiments for revised
CSEC Physics Syllabus
AUTHORS: Kapil Ramcharan (808000426) Riaz Mondol (808000365)
SUPERVISOR: Dr. Shirin Haque
The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) is the governing body responsible
for carrying out examinations throughout the English speaking Commonwealth
Caribbean Countries and Territories. Every five years the syllabuses are revised as
a measure to help enhance students’ performance and overall understanding of its
contents. Critical thinking on the part of students is seen as a major factor in
revising such syllabuses. As a result, this project was done to address such
concerns by developing a suite of demos, simulations and experiments for a
revised CSEC Physics syllabus. Also, with the advancements in technology, there
are improvements for existing experiments and the development of new
experiments for practical purposes.
Results from questionnaires directed towards both students and teachers of
random schools across the country shows that over 95% of students share the
view that support material via demos and simulations would help in
bothunderstanding and attract greater interest in the subject. Furthermore, most
teachers agreed that a greater effort for students to understand the principles of
physics should be considered developing such syllabus.
Book of Abstracts (2011‐2012)
Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 16
ABSTRACT No.: 598
TITLE: Blueshift in Quasars
AUTHORS: Djertsen Jones (809100003)
Reon Morris (807002323)
SUPERVISOR: Dr. Shirin Haque
Quasi Stellar Objects are peculiar celestial objects which display a high redshift of
their emission lines and have star-like properties. The redshift associated with
these QSOs have been the centre of controversy since they were first discovered
as they suggest these objects are quite far away and are moving at enormous
speeds. The redshifts identified in some of these objects cannot fully explain the
characteristics of these objects as well as there some inconsistencies in the
determination of the redshift. As such new theories had to be considered by
scientist to account for the issues previously encountered. The blueshift scenario
is considered as a possible explanation for the results obtained as it suggests that
these objects may be blueshifted instead of redshifted
In this project, four QSOs displaying weak emission lines, namely,
SDSSJ130216.13+003032, SDSSJ144231.72+0111055.26,
SDSSJ133550.81+353315.8 and SDSSJ140850.9+020522.7 were re-examined
under the blueshift scenario. This was done by examining the observed lines, in
their emission spectrum, and calculating the blueshift with standard search lines.
Thus far out of the four objects, desirable and suitable results were obtained for
three of them. These include SDSSJ130216.13+003032,
SDSSJ144231.72+0111055.26 and SDSSJ140850.9+020522.7. The blueshift of
Book of Abstracts (2011‐2012)
Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 17
the last object, SDSSJ133550.81+353315.8 is still to be determined but it may be
difficult to do so as this object does not show any easily detectable emission lines.
These results show that the blueshift scenario can be a suitable candidate to
explain the features of these objects as it provides a blueshift spread of less than
0.01 ( the standard) in the three cases.
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Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 18
ABSTRACT No.: 599
TITLE: Microstructure/Properties study of Steatite porcelains
incorporating local clays.
AUTHORS: Jabari St.Paul (808100283)
Keeron J. Steverson (808013315)
Vidya Amarsingh (808013009)
SUPERVISOR: Dr. J.C.Knight
In this research project the main objective was to investigate the potential of local
clays as possibly clay component in steatite porcelains based on fired properties
and microstructure. Steatite porcelains are used as electrical insulators for high
frequency power transmissions and are of MgOAl2O3SiO2 ternary compositions
and are processed industrially at high temperatures, starting with talc and clay as
raw materials.
Two local clays (one from Valencia and the other from Longdonville) and an
imported commercial clay were involved in the study. Fabrication of the test
sample (comprised of 90% talc and 10% clay) was done by the “dry” pressing
technique and firing was done in the temperature range 1300oC to 1375oC. X-Ray
diffraction was used to characterize the mineralogy of the raw materials and to
identify the thermochemical change and reactions, which occurred during firing.
After firing, standard physical and mechanical testing techniques were used to
determine physical and mechanical properties of the sample as a function of firing
temperatures while Scanning Electron Microscopy was used to investigate
microstructure.
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Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 19
ABSTRACT No.: 600
TITLE: The ongoing investigation of the Devil’s Woodyard Mud
Volcano
AUTHORS: Sean Ashby (809001412) Melissa De Frietas (809100010) Chitra Jagmohan (808010069) Satesh Lalloo (807004175) Anthony Khan (808013664) Darnell Bereaux (808013233)
SUPERVISORS: Dr. R. Clarke
Dr. J.C. Knight
The Department of Physics at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine campus has been involved in the monitoring of the activities of the mud volcanoes of Trinidad, particularly the two most active; the Devil’s Woodyard and Piparo Mud volcanoes with Devil’s Woodyard being the focus of our group. Employing the Geophysical techniques of seismic refraction, electrical resistivity, magnetometry, and analysis of surface indicators, and the non-geophysical technique of x-ray diffraction, information on the characteristics and features of the subsurface was obtained.
The seismic refraction technique provided information on subsurface stratification. The schlumberger array was employed to probe subsurface details in terms of electrical resistivity. Complementary to this, magnetometry was done as part of the comprehensive study. Surface indicators comprise of location of major and minor vents, vegetation, and aesthetics of the surface, these gave us an
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Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 20
idea of how active the site is. The mineralogy of the extruded mud was determined using the x-ray powder diffraction technique.
The velocities from seismic refraction and resistivities from electrical resistivity were well within the values expected for clay. The main minerals present were Kaolinite, Quartz, and Mica. The subsurface of the mud volcano is heavily truncated and the mineralogy has remained the same over the past few years. The surface indicators show that the site is not as active as it was in previous years.
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Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 21
ABSTRACT No.: 601
TITLE: Geophysical Survey at the Piparo Mud Volcano
AUTHORS: Anthony Ragbir (808011647) Christopher Roopnarine (807001150) Hemawatie Seelochan (806003004) Rajesh Rattan (01725871) Saleem Mohammed (808014554) Tracy Gooptar (807000805)
SUPERVISORS: Dr. R. Clarke
Dr. J. C. Knight
Geophysics explores the fundamental structure and evolution of our planet by applying physical theories and various measurements. Each geophysical technique evaluates a different property of the earth’s subsurface. Mud Volcanism and diapirism are well known phenomena which occur predominantly in collisional plate tectonic areas. The location of the Piparo Mud Volcano is 10º33’99” north latitude and 61º34’53” west longitude on the island of Trinidad which is located on the boundary of the South American and Caribbean plates. The Naparima Hill thrust fault passes through the centre of the Piparo mud volcano making it one of the most active volcanoes in Trinidad. The main objective of this project is to further annual, ongoing geophysical monitoring, initiated by the Department of Physics since the last main eruption in 1997. The geophysical techniques used in this study were Seismic Refraction, Magnetometry and Electrical Resistivity. In addition, mapping the number and configuration of current vents was done as surface indicators of subsurface activity. X- Ray diffraction was used to characterize the mineralogy of the effluent.
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Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 22
ABSTRACT No.: 602
TITLE: An investigation into the effects of temperature of the
glazing cover and thickness on the rate of solar
distillation
AUTHORS: Narindra Nandlal (809002201) Shavani Ramnarine (808014294)
SUPERVISORS: Dr. Indra Haraksingh
Ms. Monica Boodhan
The lack of potable water for consumption has been linked to increasing rates of illnesses and deaths worldwide. With the increasing global population, the quantity of potable water needed on a daily basis continues to rise daily. Purifying water through distillation is a simple, cost-effective and efficient means of providing drinking water. Solar distillation eliminates all salts, minerals, heavy metals and water borne pathogens. The productivity of the still is dependent on parameters such as brine depth, atmospheric temperature, solar radiation intensity, thickness and type of glazing, inclination, wind velocity and heat capacity of the still.
Theoretically, for a higher efficiency, the temperature gradient between the brine and the condensing surface needs to be high. Also it is necessary to have no vapor leakage and adequatesolar insolation.In most cases, when calculations are done to determine the efficiency of solar stills, the temperature used for the condensing surface is the outer glass temperature and not the condensing surface temperature. This is done on the assumption that there is little or no drop in temperature across the thickness of the glazing and the fact that the outer glass temperature is a bit easier to measure. This practice leaves room for misleading results owing to temperature losses across the glazing thickness. This project seeks to determine the variation of temperature across the glazing surface and to
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Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 23
determinethe best suited glazing thickness that may be used for solar stills located in Trinidad, West Indies.
Three solar stills were constructed using 2mm thick Aluzinc sheets with a black painted basin andfitted with glass covers of varying thicknesses. Three thermocouples were attached to each still and used to measure the outer and inner glass temperatures and the brine temperature. Readings were recorded for solar insulation,temperatures for the ambient, outer glass, inner glass and brine; and volume and massofthe distillate for various weather conditions over the course of several days. The temperature variation across the thicknesses of the glazing was then examined and the efficiencies of the stillscalculated.
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Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 24
ABSTRACT No.: 603
TITLE: Utilization of Photovoltaics to provide lighting in the
Solar Energy Laboratory located on the roof-top of the
Natural Sciences building at UWI, St. Augustine.
AUTHORS: Ronnie Partapsingh (807005990) Paul Kassie (807004157)
SUPERVISOR: Dr. Indra Haraksingh
Photovoltaics are solid state semi-conductors that convert solar energy directly
into electricity. Presently, photovoltaic technology usage is rapidly increasing
worldwide as the search for a sustainable form of energy continues. It is the
feasible to utilize available solar energy as an alternative source of energy over
the conventional fossil fuel sources. The objectives of this study are to utilize an
existing rigid array of photovoltaic panels to power the lighting system in the
Solar Energy Laboratory located on the roof-top of the Natural Sciences building
at UWI, St. Augustine and to determine the characteristics of the array. The array
was connected through an electricity control panel to a Prostar-30 photovoltaic
controller which was used to charge a 12 volts DC car battery via another
household electricity control panel with a 30 Amp breaker. The car battery was
connected by a separate household electricity control panel to a 160 Watts Stinger
DC-AC inverter with four 14W household energy savings bulbs. One limitation
encountered was the inability to utilize the recommended deep cycle photovoltaic
batteries as the storage component. As an alternative, a 12 volts car battery was
used. The characteristics of the array was determined by recording the irradiance,
time of day, battery voltage, array current, load current and the array voltage and
plotting suitable graphs to determine the efficiency and the fill factor.
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Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 25
ABSTRACT No.: 604
TITLE: Investigation of the Characteristics of the
Fracture Wall of a Geothermal Energy System
AUTHORS: Cherisse Lashley (808011668)
Sarah Khan (808000253)
SUPERVISOR: Dr. Indra Haraksingh
Geothermal energy is the thermal energy bounded within the sub surfaces of the
Earth. This heat can be extracted using a selection of engineering techniques.
However, all geothermal fields are not ready for immediate harnessing of this
energy and therefore factors to increase the flow of heat via liquid or vapour
mediums are considered. The characteristic of fractures present within the earth’s
crust is a major feature, which can promote or hinder the heat flow towards the
surface.
The type of rocks present also influences the flow and so therefore the pore scale
flow characteristic was understood. The crustal region of the Earth was the main
focus of investigation. Within the crustal region it is mainly composed of Quartz
and Feldspar, hence the characteristic of the fracture can be mirrored to those
these known materials.
Through the use of COMSOL, characteristics of the fracture wall can be
investigated.
As the geofluid flows through the open channel (fracture pathway) this
supercritical fluid generates thermal stress that is distributed onto the upper and
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Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 26
lower plates of the fracture wall. Appreciation of the fluid flow and its behaviour
can be described and modelled for ideal conditions.
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Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 27
ABSTRACT No.: 605
TITLE: Physics of Cricket at Night vs. Day
AUTHORS: Michael Boodram (8006009057)
AleemGaffoor (806002773)
SUPERVISOR: Dr. Indra Haraksingh
The aim of this project is to determine the difference in performance in cricket for night vs.day by examining the Physics parameters. Several experiments were performed to help illustrate this.The ball was dropped from a set height and the difference in carry in the pitch under both circumstances, the difference in range of the ball and the drop speed of the cricket ball at night vs. the daywere measured. A simple eye test for both conditions of play was also carried out and a specialcricketswing bowler was used to try to observe the differencein swing with bothcolourballs (white for night and red for day).It was observed that eyesight is harder in the night lights and the white ball swung more in the night.
Aquestionnairewas given to cricketers and the results showed most people enjoyed night cricket more than day cricket. For the drop in ball speed the results were quite amazing as it was found that the speed of the ball dropping at night wasfaster. After getting such results,it wasassumed that the night range of the ball using a constant speed would be greater. Howeverfor the range test, to our surprise the results were very similar and it was concluded there was no significant change in the range of the balls. The range of the balls was calculated manually and further verified using projectile motion equation. The cricket pitch, which is highly critical to the outcome of a game, showed that there is in fact a difference based on conditions.It was found that there was more carry in the night and this was largely due to the environment conditions inthe dew point andsaturationpoint being greater at night.
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Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 28
ABSTRACT No.: 606
TITLE: Investigating the effect of El Niño/ La Niña on
the climate of Trinidad and Tobago using
MODIS data.
AUTHORS: Melissa Gayadeen (808012044)
Varune Maharaj (808012779)
Nikolai Mohammed (808014547) Allister Bandoo (806000183)
SUPERVISOR: Dr. Ricardo Clarke
There are various climatic factors that affect Trinidad and Tobago. One of these is
El Niño/ La Niña. The effects that El Niño/ La Niña have on the rainfall of
Trinidad can be investigated using sea surface temperature (SST) and sea surface
temperature anomalies (SSTA). This investigation was carried out using daily
daytime and nighttime MODIS sea surface temperature data for the period of
2008 to 2010. MODIS is Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer and it
is a key instrument aboard the Terra and Aqua satellites measuring SSTs. These
data sets were used to produce sea surface temperature maps as well as sea
surface temperature anomaly maps for each month of the time period under
investigation, for a spatial resolution of 9km. These maps were produced for
waters around Trinidad bounded by 9.5° to 11.5° North Latitude and 60° to 62°
West Longitude. Furthermore, a correlation between the Oceanic Nino Index and
rainfall as well as sea surface temperature anomaly maps and rainfall were
investigated.
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Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 29
ABSTRACT No.: 607
TITLE: The Mechanisms used by animals to adhere to and
travel on walls
AUTHOR: Annacia Jeffers (808011886)
SUPERVISOR: Professor Ramsey Saunders
For years organisms have been observed to possess the unique ability to travel on
erect surfaces such as walls and ceilings. Studies dating back to as far as the 19th
century have shown that these organisms have peaked the interest of many
scientists and researchers. Yet, it is not only arthropods and myriapods that
possess such abilities but also the tree frog (Litoria Caerulea) and the house lizard
(Hemidactylus frenatus).
Within the period of September 19th to October 21st 2011, a study was conducted
on the campus of the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad, W.I.
as well as on the Mt. Hope campus, Champ Fleur, Trinidad, W.I on the
mechanisms by which these organisms are able to accomplish such feats. A
collection of insects namely, the Long Horn Beetle (Acrocinus longimanus L.),
the brown beetle (Cerambycidae sp.), the black beetle (Passalus sp.), the mole
cricket (Scapteriscus sp.), the yellow grasshopper (Neuconocephalus fratellus)
and the brown grasshopper (Acrididae sp.) was obtained and their legs were
amputated, dehydrated and coated with gold dust and observed under a Scanning
Electron microscope.
It was found that most of the insects with the exception of the Acrididae sp. had
sharp, bone-like hooks at the tips of their feet. The Acrididae sp. had what
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Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 30
appeared to be an adhesive pad located between two lateral hooks. Along with
these hook-like appendages, some of the animals (Acrocinus longimanus L.,
Neuconocephalus fratellus) also had hairs and micro hairs adorning the length of
their feet. It is suggested that they are used as extra support. These animals are
found mostly on rough surfaces and in local grasslands. Therefore, their legs are
so designed for them to be able to grasp unto the many grooves in the surface.
These findings correlate with the designs of grappler hooks that mountain-
climbers and rescuers use in their activities. However, further studies should be
conducted on animals like the mosquito and housefly which are able to walk on
smooth surfaces and the results of those studies could aid to improve the
efficiency of rescuers and window washers.
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Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 31
ABSTRACT No.: 608
TITLE: Solar Timber Drying
AUTHORS: Daniella J. Sudarsan (807005942) Tseli Hutchinson (808013914)
SUPERVISORS: Professor Ramsey Saunders
Dr. R. Clarke
Although solar kilns in general use flat plate collectors, the solar kiln at the
University Field Station in Mount Hope, Trinidad uses a slagbed as a roughened
absorber and heat storage. The drying process for this kiln was monitored for
approximately two months by means of measuring the moisture content for
selected pieces of Honduras mahogany wood at chosen intervals. Thereafter,
drying curves for this hardwood were determined.
In addition, designs for a solar dryer were developed by analyzing the energy
supply of such a solar kiln with the energy a given amount of wood requires in
order to be dried. An examination of the thermal analysis for a single cover
collector using a slagbed was made so that any size solar kiln can be created to
accommodate the desired timber for drying to predetermined final moisture
content. At the end of the assessment period it was found that the dryer was
capable of reducing more than 20% of the moisture content in nearly 3 weeks to a
final moisture content of 11.82% and the drying process for this type of solar kiln
was effective for timber drying.
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Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 32
ABSTRACT No.: 609
TITLE: Radiation Levels at the Doppler Radar site at
Tabaquite.
AUTHORS: Aleea Hosein (808000370)
Don-Leon Powder (05707806)
SUPERVISOR: Professor Ramsay Saunders
The Doppler weather radar site in Tabaquite was one of the first radar sites to be constructed in Trinidad which can provide early warnings of hurricanes, storms and other weather phenomenon. Trinidad, Guyana, Barbados and Belize were the four Caribbean countries to be selected to construct the radar facility which were funded from the European Union at a value of13.2 million Euros. The objective of this project is to determine the radiation intensity at the Doppler radar site in Tabaquite in accordance to the international and national health and safety standards.The Doppler Effect occurs when the radar beams microwave signals at a target and listens for the reflection, then evaluateif the strength of the returned signal was varied by the objects' motion.The Holaday HI 4460 attached to a probe was used to take microwave intensity readings.Electromagnetic field measurements around the SELEX-Gematronik METEOR 600S S-band Doppler Weather Radar will be taken in the Near-field (within 270 metres) which includes the interior of the building at all levels and the Far-field (beyond 270 metres). All measurements will be applied to the necessary equations to calculate the power density. Since this project was created by the Caribbean Meteorological Organization (CMO), the public exposure level should not exceed 10W/m2 as stipulated by the International Commission on Non Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). Based on the location of the Doppler radar site, if the antenna was at zero elevation, the radiation beam and side lobes would not have any effect on the community since the beam will be above the housing level. Power densities at different heights below the tower as well as around the unit at ground level were recorded.The results gained will be fully discussed during the presentation and in the report.
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Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 33
ABSTRACT No.: 610
TITLE: Effect of Alcohol on EEG Brain Maps
AUTHORS: Josanne Forestine (808011676)
Amanda Nanansingh (807004290)
SUPERVISORS: Professor Ramsey Saunders
Mr. Oba Ranu
EEG is the acronym for Electroencephalography which is the recording of
electrical signals from the brain. EEG works under the concept that the brain’s
electrical charge is maintained by billions of neurons. These billions of neurons
produce very small electrical signals that forms patterns called brain waves.
During an EEG recording, small electrodes are attached to the person’s head and
the electrode detects the brain waves and the EEG machine amplifies the signals
and records them on wave patterns on the computer screen. Various regions of the
brain do not emit the same brain wave frequency simultaneously. Through this
fact, brain waves have been characterized in four different groups and they are
alpha, beta, theta and delta waves.
For this study, 10-20 EEG system was used to investigate the effects of alcohol on
EEG brain maps, by comparing the brain maps of alcoholics with non-alcoholics.
Twenty subjects were obtained, ten alcoholics and ten non-alcoholics. Following
the 10-20 system, electrodes were placed on the volunteers’ head and different
tests; counting, flashing and allowing the volunteer to rest at intervals, were
performed.
Book of Abstracts (2011‐2012)
Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 34
In this experiment differences were observed in theta, beta and alpha waves in the
alcoholics as compared to the non-alcoholics. From the topographic graphs it was
shown that the alcoholics had significantly lower alpha frequency than the non-
alcoholics in the frontal region of the brain. The alcoholics had higher theta and
beta power when compared to the non-alcoholics. Both theoretically and
experimentally, it is shown that brain maps are affected significantly through
alcohol abuse.
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Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 35
ABSTRACT No.: 611
TITLE: Health & Safety Issues Associated with the Use of Infra-
red Radiation in Physiotherapy
AUTHORS: Praveen Rampersad (808012357)
Raadiyah Mohammed (808011364)
SUPERVISOR: Dr. Sybele Williams
Over the years, it appears that physiotherapists who have worked in Trinidad have
contracted diseases, which may be associated with their workplace. Conditions or
factors associated with the use of infrared lamps in Physiotherapy were
investigated to determine if any harmful outcomes may arise so that procedures
and recommendations can be put in place to initiate prevention.
Data regarding infrared therapy as performed by physiotherapists in Trinidad
were collected at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex for the period
October 2011. Levels of radiation were determined at different distances from the
infrared lamp for both the patient and the therapist. Additionally, the current
distance of the therapy room used for IR therapy relative to other therapy rooms,
the waiting room and the staff room as well as the dimensions of the therapy room
itself were determined.
Another data collection method used was a questionnaire, which was employed to
identify the types of long and short-term diseases experienced by the
physiotherapists. After critically evaluating the data obtained, it was seen that the
non-ionizing radiation emitted from the infrared lamp is not sufficient to be
harmful to the physiotherapist. Thus the disorders experienced by
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Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 36
the physiotherapists may be as a result of radiation exposure from other forms
of electrotherapy, in the vicinity of the Infrared Therapy Room. Based on the
above findings with respect to Trinidad, preventative measures should focus on
the health risks associated with other types of physiotherapy. Thus, it is
recommended that both the proximity of the Infrared Therapy Room to other
forms of electrotherapy should be increased as well as the protective environment
of the rooms themselves with respect to shielding, so that any existing danger may
be decreased.
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Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 37
ABSTRACT No.: 612
TITLE: An Investigation of the Health and Safety Issues
Associated with the Use of Therapeutic Diathermy
AUTHORS: Kerwyn Bahadur (808010064)
Raiisa Naipaul (808013264)
SUPERVISOR: Dr. Sybele Williams
In the Physiotherapy Department at the Eric Williams Medical and Sciences Complex (EWMSC), therapeutic diathermy treatment is often used as a treatment option. However, number of physiotherapists who have worked with this equipment at the EWMSC over the years may have developed disorders associated with the use of such equipment. This project will focus on determining the level of risk to physiotherapists from the Physiotherapy Department so that procedures and recommendations can be developed to decrease any existing and future danger. This investigation will focus on the use of shortwave diathermy.
Shortwave therapy generates high frequency electric and magnetic fields in the form of non-ionising radiation. Radio frequency energy usually 27 MHz is applied to the body part to be treated so that part of the energy is absorbed in the tissue to treat acute and chronic conditions of joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons.
This investigation was performed in two distinct sections, qualitatively and quantitatively, and included semi-structured observational visits to the Physiotherapy Department and the administration of questionnaires to the relevant test groups. Measurements of both the cubicle and testing areas were made in addition to the existing electric and magnetic fields arising during use of the equipment.
The strength of the electric and magnetic fields is strongest at the electrodes and decreases with distance. Fields were observed 0.6096m outside of the cubicle
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Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 38
only in the vicinity of the curtain enclosure while no fields were present on the outside of the dry wall. These measurements were taken at these points because once the machine is in use the physiotherapist should be 2m away. Readings of approximately 26V/m were observed 0.3048m away from the curtain while readings of approximately 7V/m were observed 0.6069m away from the curtain. Beyond this point the readings were below 0V/m. Even though the physiotherapist take precaution by leaving the cubicle while the machine is in use; it is evident from the measurements that the patient was only 1m away from the curtain thus readings were obtained at distances outside of the cubicle. An extensive amount of research was done into this topic but there is no evidence to link health related problems to over exposure to the shortwave diathermy but precautions must be taken. The safe use of therapeutic diathermy requires practices and procedures that ensure compliance with professional guidelines and clinical evidence. Short-wave diathermy devices should be thoroughly examined at least yearly.
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Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 39
ABSTRACT No.: 613
TITLE: Occupational Exposure to Physical Therapists: TENS
AUTHORS: Matthew Dabrell (808012182)
Sursatee Maraj (808013768)
SUPERVISOR: Dr. Sybele Williams
In this present study we investigated occupational exposures to physical therapists at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, Champs Fleurs, who use the transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS). Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation uses an electric current produced by a device to stimulate the nerves for therapeutic purposes. The unit basically consists of one or more electrical-signal generators, a battery, and a set of electrodes. There have been numerous complaints in the past from physical therapists who work in the Physiotherapy department and thus this project seeks to assess whether the TENS unit is responsible for any of the illnesses these physical therapists are experiencing. A survey was conducted where all the physical therapists using TENS were interviewed and a questionnaire was constructed and submitted to these therapists. The TENS unit as well as the area in the hospital where the unit is being used was assessed. The physical therapists were also observed when operating the unit during therapy sessions. The findings of this study include the types of illness the therapists are experiencing in addition to all the equipment they use in the course of a typical workday. Some equipment used in the treatment of patients may cause certain types of illnesses. Therefore research was done in order to determine what illnesses are connected with which type of equipment. The protocols presently used and the degree to which they are followed were investigated. Additionally, international recommendations and protocols were identified which might further assist the physiotherapists.
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Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 40
ABSTRACT No.: 614
TITLE: Investigating Occupational Exposures to Physical
Therapists I: Ultrasound
AUTHORS: Fawwaaz Abdool (809000694) Melissa Heeralal (807004511)
SUPERVISOR: Dr. Sybele Williams
Ultrasound therapy is the use of high-frequency sound waves with the ability to
travel deep into tissue with the intention of treating selected medical conditions.
Human hearing falls within the range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The sound waves used
in ultrasound therapy fall as low as 0.7 MHz, thus well out of the range of
hearing. While there are no cases of fatalities or lifelong negative effects of
diagnostic ultrasound waves, there are some short-term negative effects due to
over-exposure to high frequencies. This project therefore, investigates the usage
of the ultrasound machine by the physiotherapist. Proper and safe maintenance
and use of the equipment requires that procedures are followed in compliance to
standards and guidelines set by various health care governing bodies. Improper
operation of the machine may result in the exposure of ultrasound waves to the
physiotherapist and unnecessary exposure to the patient. The particular equipment
under study is the Sonicator 740. This machine can operate within the frequency
range of 1 MHz to 3 MHz. The method for data collection involved a survey
using a self-compiled questionnaire and short interview questioning done either
personally or via electronic mail. Since the area of study did not have a large
sampling group. From the data collected it was observed that the Sonicator 740
poses no direct risk to the therapist and general operation of the machine is in
compliance to the guidelines set by health authorities. It was observed, however,
Book of Abstracts (2011‐2012)
Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 41
that the area of operation did not meet manufacturer specifications which may
result in unnecessary risk to the physiotherapist, the patient and other nearby
persons.
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Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 42
ABSTRACT No.: 615
TITLE: An Assessment of Traumatic Shoulder Instability
AUTHOR: Samantha Sangster (807003079)
SUPERVISOR: Dr. Sybele Williams
Mrs. Jacqueline Rouse RPT
Shoulder dislocation seems to be one of the most common recreational, sport
and/or work related injuries in orthopaedics. There is much literature and
documentation on the causes, effects and correction of shoulder dislocations,
however, not much research has been done in Trinidad and Tobago. This project
will focus on a case of recurrent traumatic shoulder instability arising from tissue
damaged from an initial dislocation and will address changes in movement
patterns and joint biomechanics.
Patients may develop shoulder instability due to the following reasons:
1) recurrent traumatic instabilty - a history of a traumatic shoulder injury or
dislocation which results in recurrent dislocation or instability
2) atraumatic or multidirectional instability – in individuals who are prone to be
ligamentously lax or "loose jointed". This is not specific to the shoulder, but for
all joints of the body
3) congenital instability – individuals with local anomalies e.g. mis-shaped glenoid
in the shoulder joint.
This project will focus on a case of recurrent traumatic shoulder instability
arising from tissue damaged from an initial dislocation. After initial investigations
no comprehensive source addressing shoulder problems locally could be found.
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Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 43
Using a case study an attempt was made to understand the pertinent anatomy and
biomechanics of the normal glenohumeral/shoulder joint, the progression of this
disorder, and the changes in joint biomechanics arising from shoulder instability
during the process of treatment.
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Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 44
ABSTRACT NO.: 616
TITLE: Modeling the Behavior of the Polymer Electrolyte Membrane within a Fuel Cell Using COMSOL
AUTHORS: Stefan Beharry (808011024) Ruqayyah Hosein (05788896)
Anthony Lee Fai (808013456)
SUPERVISOR: Dr. Davinder Pal Sharma
In recent years, scientists have taken great interest in the development of
renewable and alternative energy sources. One viable alternative to non-
renewable fossil fuels is the fuel cell, which produces electricity via a simple
chemical reaction using hydrogen and oxygen gases with little or no pollution as
the only by-products formed are heat and water.A special class of fuel cell i.e.
Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) has been investigated during the
present study. Membrane is a very important part of a PEMFC as most ohmic
losses occurs here and limits the maximum operating temperature, causes fuel
cross over effect and increase electrochemical kinetics losses resulting in reduced
fuel efficiency and cathode catalyst poisoning. Therefore there is a need of an
accurate modeling of the membranes to study the overall physical and electrical
behavior of real Fuel Cells. In this project Poly (1-vinylimidazole) or PVIm
polymer membrane has been modeled and its performance has been investigated
by studying its conductivity, heat flow and weight loss at various temperatures
and compositions. Modeling has been done using simulation software, COMSOL
Multiphysics 4.0a., which allows the application of various physics interfaces to
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Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 45
the model and facilitates all the necessary steps needed to ensure that the model is
as realistic as possible.
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Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 46
ABSTRACT NO.: 617
TITLE: Development of a Low Cost Function Generator
for the CAPE Students of the Caribbean Countries
AUTHOR: Narrin Jonas (808012942) SUPERVISOR: Dr. Davinder Pal Sharma
Mr. Noel Charles
This project encompasses the design and construction of a low cost
function generator which CAPE students of the Caribbean countries can
use in their school laboratories to complement their experiments in
electronics. In conducting workshops with CAPE teachers on Electronics it
was observed that most of the schools don’t have electronics lab and even
basic test equipments. This is due to financial constraint, thus there is a
need to develop low cost test equipment such as a function generator. A
function generator is a piece of electronic test equipment used to generate
electrical waveforms of different shapes, amplitudes and frequencies. In
this project various circuits of analog function generator based on different
IC’s have been simulated using the MultiSim software. Circuits have been
compared based on the criteria of cost, frequency range, amplitude range
and distortion. The optimum circuit has been chosen and tested on a
breadboard. After the trouble shooting process a printed circuit board
(PCB) has been developed using UltiBoard software. Finally the function
generator has been designed on the PCB and its performance has been
checked.
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Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 47
ABSTRACT NO.: 618
TITLE: Design of Data Scramblers for 4G Communication Systems
AUTHOR: Kirlon Peters (808012247)
SUPERVISOR: Dr. Davinder Sharma
In digital communication system, it is a common practice to encounter long
strings of 1’s and 0’s (e.g. during typing some texts), within the transmitted data,
which results in constant output levels. Timing information for synchronization
cannot be retrieved from such transmitted data because there will be no state-
transition during constant output levels, which may result in transmission errors at
the receiver. A scrambler is a device that can eliminate such transmission errors in
communication systems by randomizing the transmitted data. It detects
undesirable sequences of bits and inserts state transitions in a pseudo random
manner e.g. if there is a long sequence of 1’s in the input data stream 0’s will be
pseudo randomly inserted in to the stream. This device basically encodes the data
generated by transmitter before it goes to a transmission channel and then
descrambler decodes the data back to its original form at the receiver end. The
main objective of this research project is to study the scramblers for various kind
of communication systems and to simulate a scrambler for future 4G
communication systems using Matlab. The generating polynomial for 4G
communication system have been researched and simulated. Finally
implementation of the 4G scrambler has been done on a Field Programmable Gate
Array (FPGA) in an attempt to aid the synchronization between data terminals.
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Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 48
ABSTRACT No.: 619
TITLE: Design of Matlab Based Models for Control Theory and its Applications
AUTHORS: Jimmy Elvis (808012946)
Kevin Devenish (05728156)
SUPERVISOR: Dr. Davinder Pal Sharma
Matlab is software developed for integrating computation, visualization,
simulation and programming in an easy to use environment. Simulation is a very
powerful environment using which every problem/system can be explained easily
and analyzed well before actual implementation. The main aim of this project is to
design models and programs for the course Electronics and Control Theory
(PHYS3382) with the aid of Matlab so that it can be made more interactive and
interesting for the students. The modeling of Control Systems and their analysis
have been done using Simulink, Control Systems Toolbox, Robust Control
toolbox and Data Acquisition toolbox available in Matlab. Several system
analysis tools such as Bode Plot, Nyquist Plot and Root Locus Plot, which are
difficult to explain in class can be easily reproduced by using models/programs
developed during this project. Various control systems like electrical systems,
mechanical systems and thermal systems have been modeled and analyzed using
Matlab.
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Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 49
ABSTRACT No.: 620
TITLE: Nanocomposite Acid-Base Polymer Electrolyte
Membranes for Fuel Cell Applications
AUTHOR: Mekelea Ashe (808000117)
SUPERVISOR: Dr. Harinder Pal Singh Missan
A fuel cell is a device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy using a
fuel such as hydrogen producing energy along with heat and water as by-products,
hence reducing pollutants and dependence on fossil fuels. Polymer electrolyte fuel
cells (PEMFC) are fuel cells which incorporate the use of a polymer proton
exchange membrane which allows proton conductivity from the anode to cathode.
The proton exchange membrane for a PEMFC was prepared with acid-base blend
polymer membranes to which an inorganic oxide was added. The synthesis of
acid-base blend proton-conducting polymer membrane prepared with poly
(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropene) (PVDF-HFP), Oxalic acid and N,N
dimethylacetamide (DMA) incorporating either silicon dioxide (Si or titanium
(IV) oxide (Ti . The polymer electrolyte membranes synthesized were
characterized according to their morphology, thermal characteristics and proton
conductivity. Proton conductivity of the order of 10-4 was obtained for the
electrolytes prepared.
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ABSTRACT No.: 621
TITLE: Investigating and calculating methanol cross-over for
various membranes in a direct methanol fuel cell
AUTHOR: Neil Dattadeen (808000229)
SUPERVISOR: Dr. Harinder Pal Singh Missan
Methanol cross-over is a phenomenon that occurs when methanol is used as a fuel
in a fuel cell. Methanol cross-over occurs by two processes, diffusion, and
electro-osmotic drag. Diffusion occurs by the concentration gradient of the
methanol and electro-osmotic drag is caused when the protons are dragged across
the membrane by water molecules. Direct methanol fuel cells are attractive power
sources, however, methanol cross-over reduces their efficiency. One key aspect of
the fuel cell is the membrane which has been shown to reduce methanol cross-
over due to its structure. In this experiment various types of membranes are tested
for their effects on methanol cross-over. Membranes were placed in a simulated
fuel cell and tested for a period of 12-15 hours. To calculate the methanol cross-
over the carbon dioxide from both the anode and cathode was collected via
barium hydroxide and the barium carbonate precipitate was weighed.
Mathematical calculations were performed and the methanol cross-over was
determined for each of the membranes. Membranes that had low methanol cross-
over would be ideal for use in direct methanol fuel cells.
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Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 51
ABSTRACT No.: 622
TITLE: Development of Acid-base Ionic liquids as Proton
Conductors for Fuel Cell Applications.
AUTHOR: Steffi U. Hanuman (808011015)
SUPERVISOR: Dr. Harinder Pal Singh Missan
In this research a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell was used. In a
fuel cell, the chemicals constantly flow into the cell so it never goes dead, as long
as there is a flow of chemicals into the cells, resulting in electricity flowing out.
One problem of the PEM fuel cell is the decomposition of the membranes. This
problem can be solved using an ionic liquid acid-base membrane. Ionic liquids are
salts that are liquid at low temperature. A series of acid- base ionic liquids were
derived by combining of the protonic acid with an organic base. Appropriate
amounts of solid acid (triflic acid/ methacrylic acid/ acrylic acid/ phosphoric acid/
urocanic acid) and solid imidazole (Im) were mixed at various mole ratios to have
compositions varying from an equimolar salt to acid-or –base rich conditions.
Similarly, for the solid acid (sulfoacetic acid) and solid 2methylimidazole were
mixed at various molar ratios. Cyclic voltammograms were obtained for the
various mole ratio of acid: base, ionic liquids and were analyzed to obtain their
properties.
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ABSTRACT No.: 623
TITLE: Development of a novel dye-polymer electrolyte for a
dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC)
AUTHOR: Tushara Maharaj (808012169)
SUPERVISOR: Dr. Harinder Pal Singh Missan
In recent times, the need for renewable sources of energy has become more and
more essential as the world’s crude supply runs low and the environment
deteriorates. Solar energy is one of these renewable energies that exhibit great
potential. The dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is the device that utilizes this
renewable energy converting it into electrical energy via various electrochemical
processes. A major area of interest in DSSCs is that of its electrolyte which is
responsible for the cell’s conductivity and highly influences its overall
performance. As such, a novel dye-polymer electrolyte being a convenient
alternative to the usual liquid electrolytes used in DSSCs was developed. The use
of polymer electrolytes promises to improve cell integrity and performance
stability. A PS/dye/TiO2 electrolyte film showing conductivity of the order of 10-4
was studied morphologically using SEM and then utilized to complete a DSSC.
This DSSC was fabricated utilizing a Ruthenium dye-sensitized TiO2 photo-active
electrode and a carbon counter electrode with a 1cm2 active area. The cell was
then characterized in terms of fill factor (FF) and cell efficiency (η) under both
simulated and direct sunlight irradiation
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Department of Physics, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine 53
ABSTRACT NO.: 624
TITLE: Development of a sodium ion solid state electrolyte for Supercapacitors
AUTHOR: Nikolai Assam-Paul (809002263)
SUPERVISOR: Dr. Harinder Pal Singh Missan
Supercapacitors are devices that are gaining much attention as storage
devices as their development technology advances. New methods of fabrication
and materials have allowed for supercapacitors to obtain a higher power density
than that of rechargeable batteries and higher energy density than traditional
capacitors. This allows supercapacitors to be implemented in many applications
like electric vehicles. The three main types of supercapacitors are redox
supercapacitors, electric double layer capacitors (EDLCs) and a mixture of the
two. These types of supercapacitors could then be further categorized by the type
of electrolyte used as well as the electrodes. The electrolyte used is a solid state
polymer electrolyte thin film which is composed of sodium hydrogen sulfate
(NaHSO4) and polystyrene (PS). The conductivity of the electrolyte is found to be
of the order of 10-4 to 10-5 S/cm. This kind of conductivity is suitable for an
electrolyte in supercapacitors. The working voltage of the electrolyte is found
using steel electrodes and tested by cyclic voltammetry at a scan rate of 10 mV/s.