FYP Jan AY1415 Available List 20150123

NUS Mechanical Engineering
Available List of Final Year Projects - January AY2014/15
Updated 23 Jan 2015
Which specialisation
is this project
suitable for ? (Please
seek approval from
respective
specialisation
coordinator) -1st
None
is this project
seek approval from
respective
specialisation
coordinator) - 2nd
None
is this project
seek approval from
respective
specialisation
coordinator) - 3rd
None
is this project
seek approval from
respective
specialisation
coordinator) - 4th
None
Please state
student's name if
this is a continuation
Is this an industrial of an industrial
collaborative project attachment project.
? (State company
(A letter from IA
and provide letter
company is
from company)
required)
NA
NA
Please state
student's name if
Please state
this is a studentstudent's name if
proposed project.
this is a continuation (Student must obtain
of my UROP/RBVIP prior approval from
project.
FYP Coordinator.)
NA
NA
None
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
None
None
None
None
NA
NA
None
None
None
None
NA
None
None
None
None
Indicate which
category best
describes your
proposed project ?
Software
Development
Please specify the

minimum
requirement or
knowledge needed
to embark on this
project.
Programming;
Acoustics.
NA
Computing and
Analysis
Acoustics; Numerical
simulation.
NA
NA
Computing and
NA
Analysis;#Feasibility/C
ase Studies
NA
NA
NA
Computing and
NA
Analysis;#Design;#Fe
asibility/Case Studies
NA
NA
NA
NA
Computing and
NA
SN
1
Project
Code
AM01
Project Title
Sound level meter on mobile devices
Project Supervisor
A/Prof Lim Kian Meng
Co-Supervisor (indicate
dept or company if not
from ME)
NA
AM04
Numerical calculation of acoustic radiation force
A/Prof Lim Kian Meng
NA
AM33
Design of large amplitude two-dimensional MEMS

resonators
A/Prof. Zhou Guangya
NA
AM34
Design of miniature tunable lenses for video

endoscopes
NA
AM35
Flexure stage driven by piezo actuators
NA
AM36
Design of a grating-based hyperspectral imaging

system
NA
Hyperspectral imaging system records a vast portion of the electromagnetic spectrum at each pixel within their field None
of view. It is well-known that any given material should have unique spectral signatures in certain wavelength bands.
As a result, hyperspectral imagers are not only able to acquire images of an object but also enable identification of
the materials that make up the object. Therefore, they are widely used, especially with platforms including unmanned
aerial vehicles (UAVs), in many applications for example target identification and tracking, border patrol, surveillance
and reconnaissance. This project will focus on modelling and simulation of a diffraction grating based hyperspectral
imaging system using commercially-available ray-tracing software ZemaxTM. Its optical performance including
resolution, spatial, and spectral distortions will be investigated.
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Computing and
NA
AM37
Ultra-sensitive displacement sensing with

nanophotonics
NA
Displacement sensing is a very important topic in metrology area. Its applications can be found in
None
microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) based accelerometers, atomic force microscopes (AFMs), microcantilever-based biochemical sensors, and many others. This project focuses on an ultrasensitive displacement
sensing mechanism using movable nanophotonic waveguides. It is based on the fact that the direct coupling of light
from one waveguide to another in an end-to-end configuration is very sensitive to the alignment accuracy between
them. If there exists a small misalignment between two waveguides, large coupling losses can be induced, resulting
in an attenuated transmission that can be sensed by a photodetector. In this project, the student will investigate the
sensitivity and dynamic-range of such displacement sensors based on silicon nano-wire waveguides and study the
effects of various end-to-end waveguides coupling configurations.
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Computing and
NA
AM39
High-speed scanning MEMS mirrors with distributed

suspensions
A/Prof. Chau Fook Siong
NA
High-speed scanning MEMS mirrors are useful for a wide range of applications, for example laser printers, laser
projection displays, and light detection and ranging (LIDAR) systems. However, one of the major problems for this
type of scanners is that at high speed operation the MEMS mirror plates may lose their rigidity and deform
dynamically during scanning due to the excessive out-of-plane acceleration/deceleration forces, thus introducing
dynamic aberrations in the optical scanning systems. This project thus investigates a possible solution to reduce the
deformation using distributed spring suspension designs. Finite element (FE) simulations are expected. The student
will be trained to use FEM software such as Abaqus, if he/she is not familiar with the method.
None
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Computing and
NA
10
AM42
Design of an experimental test rig for non-contact

surface roughness measurement
A/Prof Tay CJ
NA
In the measurement of surface roughness of a test sample using a laser, in addition to the deployment of a laser,
various other optical components are required. To ensure accurate measurements are carried out, the optical
components are often mounted on rigid supports with good vibration isolation. However, during measurement the
optical arrangement is often varied depending on the experimental requirements and specifications. Currently such
variations are carried out manually and as a result measurement errors would be introduced.
In this project, an experimental test rig will be designed to conduct such a measurement. It is envisage that the
design will be able to accommodate the various optical components and their subsequent movements. The design
should include a guide rail system on which the optical components can be shifted in a particular direction with a
prescribed distance and at relative ease. The design should also incorporate a system where by the optical
components can be easily aligned after a change of experimental configuration. The project will also involve
fabrication and commission of the prototype and subsequent measurement of test samples.
None
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
11
AM43
3D Freeform Optics Measurement Using a High

Precision Stylus Profilometry
Project Description:
Dr. Wang Shihua (NMC)
A/Prof Tay CJ
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
12
AM51
Mechanical design for automatic multi-axis optical

alignment system
Li Hao
A/Prof Zhou Guangya
High-precision optical systems have been widely employed in space, science and engineering applications. Daily
None
consumer products such as digital cameras, multi-media projectors and vehicles car dashboard displays also employ
such systems. This project will focus on the development of a contact stylus method for the measurement of freeform
optical surfaces. The freeform surface topography obtained will be compared with that of design specifications. The
resulting deviations from the design values will provide a quantitative feedback for the evaluation of the quality of the
fabricated freeform optics.
For precision optical system such as lasers, high resolution optical microscope and optical tomography system,
Automotive
precisely optics alignment is very common and critical. Traditionally, it is manually done by expert or specialist
Engineering
regularly to maintain the system performance. The process is not only expensive but also time consumable, which is
greatly reduce the practical commercial value for these systems. This project is to develop a multi-axis automatic
optical alignment module for a super-resolution optical imaging system. It is implemented by using user-friendly
hardware programming language labview and high-precision motorized stage.
None
None
None
SIM Tech
NA
NA
NA
Laboratory
Investigation;#Product
Development
The student choosing

this project is required
to have a CAP of 4
and above and
interest on
experimental work.
GPA>3.8 is preferred.
13
AM53
Capacitance sensor sensing for piezoelectric

positioning at nanometer scale
Assoc Prof. Chau Fook Siong
Mr Ng Boon Ping
Nanometric measurement demands high precision positioning systems. Currently, only stages with position feedback None
system can achieve high precision positioning at the nanoscale. One of the most accurate sensors for nano-metric
measurement is the capacitance sensors. The objective of this project is to build a capacitive sensing unit to
measure displacement of a stage. The student will have the chance to use state- of-the-art nanotechnology
instruments during this attachment period. The project will also train the student to take up PhD study.
None
None
None
SIM Tech
NA
NA
NA
Laboratory Investigation
14
AM54
Fiber probe for nanoscale measurement
Assoc Prof. Chau Fook Siong
Mr Ng Boon Ping
We can see objects because light travels from the objects into our eyes. However, light from nano-szie objects are
None
hidden from our eyes because they do not travel in space. In this project, we will reveal these hidden light by probing
the object using a tapered optical fiber. The scope of the work includes the chance to use of state-of-the-arts
technologies for the fabrication of nano-probe, and the characterization of the fabricated probe. This project is part of
the SIMTech-Capasso Joint Lab. The project will also train the student to take up PhD study.
None
None
None
SIM Tech
NA
NA
NA
Laboratory Investigation
Project Description
In this project, the student will develop a mobile application to implement a sound level meter on mobile devices,
such as smartphones and tablets. The student should have an interest in acoustics and sound measurements.
Knowledge and skills in Android programming are also required.
The acoustic radiation force is a second-order effect acting on an object that is immerse in a sound field. This force
can be used to manipulate micro-particles in microfluidic channels. In this project, the student will use a numerical
software to calculate the acoustic radiation force. The student should have keen interests acoustics and numerical
simulation.
Two-dimensional microelectromechancial systems (MEMS) resonators that can vibrate and scan along two
orthogonal directions are useful for many practical applications. Such resonators can be found in MEMS gyroscopes,
miniature optical scanners, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) systems. This project focuses on the design of such
MEMS resonators with large vibration amplitudes. A good design should support two vibration modes each is
designated to scan a predetermined direction at the required frequency. All other structural vibration modes should
be located outside the operation frequency band. In this project, structural modal analysis using Finite Element
Method (FEM) is expected. The student will be trained to use FEM software such as Abaqus, if he/she is not familiar
with the method.
Endoscopes have become an increasingly important aid in the fields of engineering and medicine. They help doctors
to inspect duct-shaped hollows and/or cavities inside the human body while avoiding invasive and traumatizing
surgical procedures. In recent years, a great number of innovative imaging techniques have been combined with
endoscopes demonstrating powerful capabilities. However, most of the current endoscopes still use non-tunable
lenses at their distal ends thus with no autofocus and zooming capabilities, which demonstrates distinct drawbacks.
This project thus explores the feasibility of using MEMS tunable microlenses, more specifically MEMS Alvarez lenses
that consists of paired optical elements having complementary cubic surface profiles and can substantially vary its
optical power through very small lateral displacements, in a video endoscope to achieve the desirable autofocus and
zooming functionalities.
A flexure stage generates motions through flexural deformation. Such a stage has outstanding advantages including
good positioning accuracy and repeatability and is widely used in many high-precision micro and nano positioning
systems. A piezo actuator converts energy from electric domain to mechanical domain through the well-known
piezoelectric effect. Usually, the output displacement of a piezo actuator is limited to only a few tens of microns. This
project investigates designs of flexure stages driven by piezo actuators. To overcome the short stroke limitation of
the driving piezo actuators, compliant displacement amplification mechanisms connecting the actuator and the stage
are expected. The student is expected to conduct the structural design and perform finite element (FE) simulations to
determine the performance of the stage design.
Page 1 of 7

Updated 23 Jan 2015
15
AM55
A gate frame design for a high precision microscope
Dr Ong Eng Teo
Mr Ng Boon Ping
17
AM58
Laser scanning microscope image processing and

graphic user interface design
Assoc Prof. Zhou Guangya
Mr Li Hao
18
AM59
Focusing Tuneable Endoscope Micro-probe
Assoc Prof. Zhou Guangya
Mr Li Hao
19
AM57
Analysis of dynamics of Dual-drive H-Gantry stage

using Lagrangian mechanics
Dr Ong Eng Teo
Mr CHEN Silu
20
BN08
MANTIS-INSPIRED SURGICAL TOOL FOR

MINIMALLY INVASIVE ROBOTIC SURGERY
Assts Prof Yeow Chen Hua
NA
21
BN09
Computational fluid modelling of effect of fluid induced Assts Prof Leo Hwa Liang
shear stress on the liver specific functions
NA
22
BN10
Computational study of blood flow characteristics in

the left ventricle: a patient-specific study
None
None
None
None
SIM Tech
NA
Computing and
Analysis
NA
Automotive
Engineering
None
None
None
SIM Tech
NA
Design;#Product
Development
This project is to design a mechanical tuning structure for an endoscope micro-scanner, which is developed already None
for biological application. The mechanical structure is used to electronically control the focal depth of the endoscope,
protect the micro-scanner core and maintain the optic alignment.
The air-bearing dual-drive H-Gantry with a bridge linking by flexure joints gives high precision for synchronous
Automotive
motion. However, for fine rotation of the Horizontal bar, asynchronous motions of two axes are required. In this case, Engineering
the settling and precision is greatly affected by the extra disturbance from the flexure joints, inducing low resonant
modes. In this FYP, the student will be first guided to analyse the position dependent dynamics of H-Gantry using
Lagrangian mechanics. Later, a frequency response test based on accelerometer, vibrometer or position encoder will
be used to characterize the resonant modes by frequency response test. The emphasis of this project is to combine
model-based and data-based analysis of motion systems for the beyond rigid body control. Come and joint our
exciting research team to hear and see the melody and colourful vibrations on the flexure joints!
None
None
None
SIM Tech
NA
Design;#Product
Development
None
None
None
SIM Tech
NA
NA
NA
Hybrid i.e. mixtures of

experiment/software/o
r design
The praying mantis is known for its grasping raptorial forelegs that are capable of a wide range of movement and
None
precise manipulation within a narrow workspace. In this project, we seek to adapt the manipulative capability of the
mantis in the design of a bio-inspired robotic surgical tool for minimally invasive surgery. The student will study the
foreleg kinematics of the mantis and gain insights towards developing a prototype that can be controlled to target,
grip and cut delicate tissues within a constrained workspace during surgery.
Culturing hepatocytes at high seeding densities on a layer of collagen has been shown to elevate metabolic functions None
such as albumin production in vitro as compared to a culture with a lower seeding density. In addition, the close
packing of the cells under a high seeding density condition maintained a
cuboidal morphology and good cell to cell contact, similar to that of cells found in vivo. In order to achieve the above
conditions for the cell culture, a bioreactor was designed to support a perfusion for high density hepatocyte culture.
Experimental results have so far been very encouraging showing high liver-specific functions with high cell viability.
The current study will incorporate computational fluid dynamic modelling to investigate the impact of fluid induced
shear stress on the liver specific functions such as albumin and urea production
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Design
NA
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Computing and
analysis
NA
NGUYEN Vinh Tan, IHPC

ASTAR
Cardiac or heart failure is a significant problem that affects millions of people worldwide and can be broadly
None
understood as a condition where the heart can no longer pump enough blood to the rest of the body. Left ventricle
(LV) diastolic dysfunction, which commonly occurs in patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and/or the elderly,
carries a substantial risk for the subsequent development of heart failure. This project aims to establish a
computational platform for the study of ventricular flow patterns in patients afflicted with diastolic heart failure which
lends the possibility of developing novel diagnostic
and treatment solutions for them. Student will work with scientists from external research agency and interact with
clinicians from hospital.
Minimally invasive or non-invasive surgical procedures are emerging as main paradigm shifts from conventional
None
open surgeries. The working arms of current commercial surgical robots are mostly based on straight rigid-links
which make maneuverability in tight small cavity challenging. We aim to develop new soft continuum robotic
intervention system for undertaking delicate manipulations and one of the key problems is to model the system
dynamics in terms of curvilinear targeting and non-planar manipulation. The students can also test out their models
on the developed in-house robots. This study involves continuum mechanics, modeling, and algorithm development.
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Computing and
analysis
NA
23
BN15
Modeling soft continuum robots for Minimally Invasive Dr. REN Hongliang/
Surgery
Department of Biomedical
Engineering
LIM Chwee Ming/NUH,

Otolaryngology
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Hybrid i.e. mixture of

experiment and
theoretical, or
experimental and
numerical/software
NA
24
BN16
Disposable and printable surgical robot
Dr. REN Hongliang

Engineering
NA
Clinical studies indicate that the safe and delicate manipulations during minimally invasive surgery require innovative
robot design, robotic control to avoid critical regions, particularly for personal or patient-specific surgeries. Towards a
disposable and printable robot assisted surgery, the objective of this
project is to further improve the current novel robot with more functional items including robot structure, sensors,
therapy delivery probe, and control. A couple of prototypes are already available and the students can either improve
or design new robot. This project involves device development and close interaction with multiple-disciplinary
researchers including the surgeons from university hospital.
Flexible snake robot, with multi degree of freedom, can work inside human body and carry out diagnostics and
operations. Conventional rigid articulated robot system has the limits in confined and complicated area. In this study,
we will address the one of the key challenges for snake robotic intervention system motion planning for deformable continuum robot in confined deformable environments. This will involve computer
based surgical simulation and motion planning.
Visual servoing is an emerging approach to guide surgical robots automatically using visual information. Image
processing, computer vision and control theory are combined in order to control the motion of an active vision system
depending on the visual information. We will investigate methods of image based visual servoing and position based
visual servoing for surgical robots in in-vivo environments. The student can work on the preliminary hardware setup
and focus on system integration and visual servoing algorithms.
Total Joint Replacement (TJR) is a surgical treatment for severe arthritis of the human joint. After joint replacement,
the mechanical loading conditions of the bones are altered due to the implantation of the prosthesis and results in a
phenomenon known as stress-shielding" which could lead to implant loosening and eventual failure. The project will
involve the development of 3D printing biomaterials of titanium for joint implants where its mechanical properties are
to be matched with the bone to minimize the effect of stress-shielding. Computer simulation (FEA) and experimental
techniques will be used to design and test the new prosthesis implants. This project is in collaboration with Singapore
Institute of Manufacturing Technology, A*STAR.
None
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA

experiment and
theoretical, or
experimental and
numerical/software
NA
25
BN18
Computational motion planning for intracorporeal

snake robot in minimally invasive surgery
Dr. REN Hongliang/

Engineering
LIM Chwee Ming/NUH,

Otolaryngology
None
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
None
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
None
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA

experiment and
theoretical, or
experimental and
numerical/software
experiment and
theoretical, or
experimental and
numerical/software
experiment and
theoretical, or
experimental and
numerical/software
26
BN19
Active vision for Computer-Integrated Surgical

systems
Dr. REN Hongliang/

Engineering
LIM Chwee Ming/NUH,

Otolaryngology
27
BN27
Design and process development of hip/knee implant

with advanced 3D printing technology
Dr Chong Yok Rue, Desmond

(BME)
Dr Saeed Maleksaeed
(SIMTech / A*STAR)
30
CT06
Hybrid Method in Vehicle Routing Problem
Dr. Zhang, Nengsheng
Assts. Prof Velusamy

Subramaniam
The Vehicle Routing Problem(VRP) is a combination of the Bin Packing Problem(BPP) and Travelling Salesman
None
Problem(TSP). This project is an attempt to improve the optimality of the solutions of single objective variation of
VRP given by metaheuristics methods through an integration with well-known exact and heuristics algorithms whilst
reducing the possible increase in computation time. The final deliverables include an analysis of algorithms;
advantages, disadvantages, suitability of algorithms for different variations of VRP, etc.. An implementation of an
algorithm in MATLAB or C# is an added bonus.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Singapore, and accounts for 31.9% of all deaths in 2010. The None
artificial heart is typically used to bridge the time to heart transplantation, or to permanently replace the heart in case
heart transplantation is impossible. Classic artificial hearts (say, the AbioCor) are mainly based on hard actuators,
say, electric motors. In this project, the student will develop an artificial heart (a soft pump), using dielectric
elastomers, which are similar to natural muscles in the aspects of large deformation and high energy density. When
a membrane of a dielectric elastomer is subject to a voltage through its thickness, the membrane will decrease in
thickness and expand in area. In this manner, this material can convert electric energy directly into mechanical
energy. Subject to an AC voltage, this soft pump will vibrate and then achieve the flow of liquid.
None
None
None
SIM Tech
NA
NA
NA
Computing and
Analysis
NA
31
CT08
Development of an artificial heart using soft active

materials
Assts. Prof ZHU Jian
Yap Choon Hwai (Dept of

Biomedical Engineering)
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Laboratory
na
Investigation;#Design;
#Hybrid i.e. mixture of
experiment and
theoretical, or
experimental and
numerical/software
32
CT14
Automated layout planning of robot workcell
A/Prof Peter Chen
NA
An appropriate shop floor layout for a robotic workcell will enhance productivity and efficiency of a manufacturing
None
operation. For a particular task at hand, there are often many factors (e.g., reachability, collision, and cycle time, etc.)
to consider during the planning and optimization stages of the robotic workcell. The objective of this project is to
investigate the automation and optimization of the layout-planning process of robotic workcells.
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Computing and
Analysis
NA
33
CT15
Motion planning for mobile manipulators
A/Prof Peter Chen
NA
A mobile manipulation system refers to a robotic system that has one or more manipulators mounted on a mobile
None
base. Such a system is able to significantly extend the workspace of the individual manipulators by leveraging on the
maneuverability of the mobile base. The placement of the mobile base is crucial to the operation of the mobile
manipulation system. The objective of this project is to investigate the optimal placement of the mobile base when
the mobile manipulation system is performing polishing or welding tasks.
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Computing and
Analysis
NA
34
CT18
Comparison and compensation of work piece CAD

model for industrial robotic task execution
A/Prof Peter Chen
NA
It is a common issue in computer-integrated manufacturing that the scanned 3D model of a work piece differs from
None
its originally designed 3D model. This issue often leads to errors in processing the work piece by a robot. This model
error can be determined using existing model difference identification (MDI) algorithms. An error compensation
control algorithm is then designed to compensate for this model error. The objective of this project is to apply MDI
techniques and to design an error-compensation control that enables a robot to adaptively execute a task involving
the processing of the work piece.
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Computing and
Analysis
NA
Assts Prof Leo Hwa Liang
Thermal vibration is a very important consideration in high precision instrumentation. In this project, the student will
use his knowledge in thermal conductivity and vibration analysis to design a gate for a scanning stage for the
microscope. After the design, the student will have a chance to implement his design into a prototype. The vibration
of the prototype is then tested with vibration sensor. The performance is benchmarked by measuring the long term
drift over a range of 2 hours. GPA > 3.8 is required.
This project is to develop a database frame and graphic user interface for a laser scanning microscope. The
development will be on top of a principle prototype of laser scanning microscope image processing software.
NA
SIMTech requirement
on students CAP: 4.0
and above
Page 2 of 7

Updated 23 Jan 2015
35
CT19
Computer animation of cells and ECM deformation
A/Prof Peter Chen
NA
Cells migrate to perform numerous biological functions such as wound healing. Studies have shown that cells
None
remodel and deform the extracellular matrix (ECM). Microfluidic devices are experimental platforms which mimic the
actual interactions in our bodies. We acquire time-lapse images of cell and ECM interactions from these
experiments with a confocal microscope.
This project aims to apply and develop techniques to automatically visualize cell migration and ECM deformation
from experimental data. Visualization software can be written in MATLAB and interfaced with IMARIS
(http://www.bitplane.com/). This project is in collaboration with the BioSyM IRG under SMART.
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA

experiment and
theoretical, or
experimental and
numerical/software
NA
36
CT20
Manipulation of a magnetic micro-bead
A/Prof Peter Chen
NA
None
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Computing and
Analysis
NA
37
CT23
Development of a database for CAD model

management
A/Prof Peter Chen
NA
None
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Computing and
Analysis
NA
38
CT24
Work piece registration and shape-based retrieval of

CAD models
A/Prof Peter Chen
NA
None
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Computing and
Analysis
NA
39
CT25
Virtual Camera Calibration for Single-lens Stereo

Vision System with Distortion
A/Prof Lim Kah Bin
NA
None
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Laboratory
Mathematics and
Investigation;#Comput Programming
ing and Analysis
40
CT26
Distortion Analysis of the Biprism in Single-lens Stereo A/Prof Lim Kah Bin
Vision System
NA
The ability to manipulate beads individually and (effectively) simultaneously will enable more sophisticated
manipulation of cells, molecules, and other micro-structures. Such manipulation requires fine control of a customdesigned magnetic needle. The objective of this project is to evaluate, by computer simulation, the performance of a
controller for manipulating the displacement of a single magnetic bead in a viscous fluid using a magnetic needle.
The controller will adjust the current flowing through the magnetic needle based on the position of the bead
measured by a computer vision system.
In manufacturing processes, 3D scanning is an important step to obtain the CAD model of a work piece. The
scanned work-piece model then undergoes shape-based retrieval to find the nominal/original model of the work
piece from an existing CAD database. The objective of this project is to design and implement a database using SQL
for managing CAD models generated from CAD/CAM software (such as SolidWorks) and from scanned data of
actual parts. The tasks include the design and implementation of a GUI and an interfacing between the database and
an end-user application program.
In manufacturing processes, 3D scanning is an important step to obtain the CAD model of a work piece. The
scanned work-piece model then undergoes shape-based retrieval to find the nominal/original model of the work
piece from an existing CAD database. The objective of this project is to develop, test, and evaluate algorithms for
processing 3D scanning data and determining shape correspondence (similarity assessment) for shape-based
retrieval of CAD model.
Biprism-based single-lens stereovision system has the ability to capture stereo image pair by positioning a biprism in
front of the camera. The virtual cameras generated by this biprism play an essential role in this system, and the
calibration for the virtual cameras is the fundamental and significant procedure of the single-lens stereovision.
Comparing with the conventional two-camera stereovision system, our system involves a tough issue of atypical
image distortion induced by the biprism, especially when using big-angle biprism, which would lead to a poor
calibration results if applying the existing calibration methods. Our project will guide the student to understand the
atypical distortion caused by the biprism. Experiments will be taken to analysis and seek the specific distortion model
for the system. At last, the student will be able to apply these knowledge to calibrate the virtual cameras in our
system.
By employing a biprism in front of a camera, our stereo vision system could capture two images from two different
viewpoints at the same time. This carries some important benefits like low cost, simple setup, compactness and few
system parameters. However, the problems also rise up by using the biprism. One of them is the particular image
distortion caused by the biprism, which will impact the image quality. This distortion problem will be tough since the
final distorted image couples distortion affects both from biprism and lens, and they appears to be in different forms.
Our project will guide the student to understand the concept of image distortion. Several experiments will be taken to
analysis the distortion performance of the biprisms with different geometric parameters, which aims to isolating the
biprism distortion from the lens distortion.
None
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Laboratory
Mathematics and
Investigation;#Comput Computing
ing and Analysis
41
CT27
Parameter Analysis of Single-lens Bi-prism based

Stereovision System
A/Prof Lim Kah Bin
NA
The ability of 3D vision system in recovering 3-D structure of an object expands its usage into many important fields None
such as medical devices, military and entertainment (3D movies). Unlike the conventional stereovision system which
employs two cameras, we introduced a new approach which uses a single camera together with a bi-prism to
generate a pair of images of the same scene. This technique is to generate two virtual cameras to achieve the
stereovision effect and is equivalent to the conventional two camera system. Parameter analysis is an important
aspect in order to understand the system better. We have achieved some headway in establishing the theoretical
foundation in this area. This project will lead student to parameterize the baseline of the system.
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Laboratory
Mathematics and
ing and Analysis
42
CT28
Understanding the Geometry of the Prism of Singlelens stereovision system
A/Prof Lim Kah Bin
NA
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Laboratory
Mathematics and
ing and Analysis
43
CT34
Integrated portable digital video nasendoscope Inpodivina
Assts Prof Chui Chee Kong
David Lau (Gleneagles

Hospital)
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Product Development NA
44
CT35
Shared-control robotic system for surgical needle

insertion
Assts Prof Chui Chee Kong
NA
3D vision or stereovision refers to the ability of perceiving the 3-dimensional structure of an object from 2 or more
None
images. It has been widely used in many areas such as medical fields, industry and navigation system. The
conventional approach of stereovision system requires 2 or more cameras to capture images of the same scene
simultaneously. Our research group has developed several approaches to solve this problem. This project aims to
examine the effect of the geometry of the bi-prism on field of view and accuracy of the system; the student may
modify or develop hardware and software in this project. This project will guide student in understanding the basic
concept and explore the field of view of the system.
Videoendoscopes have been used extensively for ear, nose and throat (ENT) examination. However, the current
None
systems are bulky and difficult to transport, for example, from the clinic to the patient ward. Small scale ergonomic
portable device with good quality optics at low cost and replaceable components are desired to benefit patients,
particularly in the developing world. Instead of conventional monitor and embedded vision processing unit, tablet
computer can be used as detachable display unit. The student will continue this project from an existing prototype
and research.
Percutaneous surgical procedures, such as radiofrequency ablation of liver tumours, are increasingly popular due to None
benefits gained from reduced invasiveness. The effectiveness of the treatment is highly reliant on the accuracy of the
percutaneous insertion, and lack of precision could lead to unintended damage of the neighbouring organs. Robot
manipulators have been used to assist the surgeon in executing needle insertion. The student will continue this
project from an existing master and slave prototype robotic system.
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
45
CT45
Design of High Performance Rotary Damper for a

Force Control Actuator
A/Prof Chew Chee Meng
NA
None
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Design;#Product
Development
46
CT47
Formation Control using Mobile Robots
Assts Prof V Subramaniam
NA
In this project, the aim is to design an effective rotary damper that can be used in our series damper actuator (SDA)
to achieve torque control. The damper has to have smooth torque versus angular velocity function. Physical
experiment will then be carried out to obtain the actual dynamics of the damper. A well designed damper will enable
SDA to have good force control performance. Such force control actuator is key technology for social robots which
are required to interact with human
In the previous FYP, the student had designed and built several mobile robots. This year, the student is expected to
refine the design further and implement formation control with these robots.
None
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
47
CT49
Development of a presence and location detection

system for multiple object detection.
A/Prof Hong Geok Soon
NA
An increasingly common requirement of computer systems is to extract information regarding the people present in None
an environment. As the sensor network and ubiquitous computing communities increasingly focus on creating
environments that are seamlessly aware of and responsive to the humans that inhabit them, the need to sense
people will become ever more pressing. Human-sensing encompasses issues from the lowest level instantaneous
sensing challenges all the way to large-scale data mining. For example, we might ask of our sensors: Is there a
person in this room? How many people are in this room? What is each person doing? What does each person need?
Can we predict what they are going to do next? This project focuses on the extraction of five commonly needed
spatio-temporal properties: namely presence, count, location, track and identity. This project requires students with
sound knowledge background in computing and computer programming.
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Computing and
NA
Analysis;#Software
Development;#Design
;#Field Testing and
Instrumentation
Laboratory
NA
Investigation;#Comput
ing and Analysis
48
CT51
Development of a DAQ system for On-line Monitoring A/Prof Hong Geok Soon
of Drilling processes.
NA
High-aspect-ratio drilling involves machining of holes with much longer depth with respect to the holes diameter.
None
Such process encounters challenging problems such as deviation of the axis of the hole, high vibration with tool
wear, monitoring of drill cutting tool wear, etc. To address such problem, usually multiple sensors will be mounted on
the system to measure signals like, vibration, dynamic forces, acoustic emission, etc. These signal are processed to
extract key performance indicators for monitoring and diagnostic purposes. This project involves in the development
of the data acquisition and monitoring platform. This includes data logging, data storage and retrieval, HMI for online data monitoring and playback, various mathematical transformations etc. This project requires students with
sound knowledge background in computer programming in C++.
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Laboratory
NA
ing and Analysis
49
CT52
Rotary electric actuators for a 3-DOF translational

parallel mechanism
Professorial Fellow Poo Aun

Neow
NA
None
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Design; # Product
development
NA
50
CT53
Development of a 3-DOF linearly-driven translational

parallel mechanism

Neow
NA
This project is on the development of a rotary electric-motor-driven mechanism to drive which can be used to drive
one axis of a small mechanism. The student is expected to put together the position feedback control system, to
perform an analysis of the dynamic model, in the form of a block diagram and transfer functions, and to perform
experimental investigations to determine dynamic performance.
This project is on the development of a small 3-degrees-of-freedom translational parallel mechanism with linearlydriven actuator points. The mechanism is required to provide translational motions in the X-, Y- and Z-axes when its
three actuators moves linearly.
None
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Design; # Product
development
The student should

have working
knowledge on the use
of Solidworks.
NA
Page 3 of 7

Updated 23 Jan 2015
51
CT56
Linear actuators for a 3-DOF translational parallel

mechanism

Neow
NA
This project is on the development of a linear actuator to drive which can control the position of an actuation point
through a small distance. The actuator will be driven by an electric servo-motor with a ballscrew-nut arrangement to
convert the rotary motion to linear motion.
None
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Design; # Product
development
The student is
expected to design,
construct and test the
system for its dynamic
response.
Students are expected
to have good
programming skills for
this project.
NA
52
CT59
Development of a facial recognition software system
A/Prof Ong Chong Jin
NA
This is a continuation project and involving the development of a classification system that identifies a person from
None
among many images. One important aspect of the project is to identify important features of a face and the
development of a software system using these features and machine learning algorithms for classification purposes.
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
53
CT61
Real-time computer-controlled multi-axis position

feedback system.

Neow
NA
In this project, the student will set up a Linus-based PC with a real-time operating system to implement multi-axis
digital position feedback control systems.
None
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
54
CT62
Design of a Robotic Face to emulate human

expressions
A/Prof Marcelo H Ang Jr
Tiffany Dai (I2R)
Human-robot interaction is an important capability with very impactful applications in the future. The capability for a
robot to express human emotions is important in human-robot interaction. A robot has been designed and realized
for human-robot interaction, specifically with a child. This project aims at improving the design of the robotic head
that incorporates actuators and appropriate control algorithms to allow the robot to express different emotions. The
robotic face has eyes that blink and move, and mouth that opens and closes according to emotions. Other actuators
to achieve additional facial expressions would be explored.
None
None
None
None
Institute for Infocomm NA

Research
NA
NA
Computing and
analysis; #Software
development; #
Design
Laboratory
Investigation;
#Computing and
analysis; # Software
development
Software
basic programming,
Development;#Design solid works
55
CT63
Motion planning for intracorporeal snake robot in

minimally invasive surgery
Ren Hongliang (Dept of

Biomedical Engineering)
Flexible snake robot, with multiple degree-of freedom, can work inside human body and carry out diagnostics and
None
we will address the one of the key challenges for snake-like flexible robotic intervention system - motion planning for
deformable continuum robot in confined deformable and intracorporeal environments. The planning can be either
fully automatic or semi-automatic and is critical for clinical outputs. This will involve computer based surgical
simulation, motion planning, algorithm development, validation using existing flexible robots in phantom or clinical
experiments. Depending on the research progress, the participants may work with surgeons from NUH if feasible.
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Computing and
Analysis;#Software
Development
programming
56
CT64
Autonomous navigation for intracorporeal flexible robot A/Prof Marcelo H Ang Jr

based on multi-sensor fusion in minimally invasive
surgery
Autonomous navigation for

intracorporeal flexible robot
based on multi-sensor
fusion in minimally invasive
surgery
Flexible snake robot, with multiple degree-of freedom, can work inside human body and carry out diagnostics and
None
we will address the one of the key challenges for snake-like flexible robotic intervention system - intervention
navigation for deformable continuum robot in confined deformable and intracorporeal environments. The navigation
module will be built on the information fusion of multiple sensor data including visual feedback, range sensor data,
among others. The navigation module can be either unsupervised or supervised and is critical for clinical outputs.
This will involve sensor integration, signal processing and estimation, algorithm development, validation using
existing flexible robots in phantom or clinical experiments. Depending on the research progress, the participants may
work with surgeons from NUH if feasible.
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Design
programming
57
CT65
Development of sense making algorithms to extract

insights on Singapore's light intensity with Koh Niak
Wu
Koh Niak Wu (Cosmiqo)
Objective: To carry out spatial-temporal analytics based on street lamp intensities through a web frontend
None
None
None
None
Cosmiqo
NA
NA
NA
Software
Development
programming in
python
Description: Cosmiqo has built and designed RESTful apis and we are moving towards the sharing of our datasets in
the open community. Before we launch the system publicly, we are interested in developing a web frontend that
leverages on our datasets to extract insights on the current brightness levels of Singapore. This project will deal
strongly with developing algorithms for sense-making and visualisations thereafter to present the findings thus far.
58
CT67
Vision based Object Detection, Identification, and

Tracking using GPU for an autonomous car
James Fu (SMART)
This final year project (FYP) is part of a bigger project supported by the SMART FM IRG (Singapore MIT Alliance for None
Research and Technology Future Mobility Interdisciplinary Research Group on Future Urban Mobility) that aims to
achieve a personal transport vehicle that is autonomously navigating in the NUS campus, to provide mobility on
demand. It aims to supplement the internal bus shuttle system and provides a door-to-door transportation for 1-2
passengers. An autonomous car with sensors is available as the experimental testbed. This FYP project aims at
studying, improving, developing and applying computer vision based algorithms for object detection and
identification. The application is for autonomous driving, where the objects to be detected are those typically found
along the round (cars, pedestrians, lampposts, etc). The identified objects will be very useful for the localization and
navigation of the autonomous vehicle
None
None
None
SMART
NA
NA
NA
Software
Development;#Field
Testing and
Instrumentation
programming
59
CT68
Vision Based Road Detection for an Autonomous Car
James Fu (SMART)
None
None
None
SMART
NA
NA
NA
Software
Development;#Field
Testing and
Instrumentation
programming
60
CT70
Vision based odometry for localization of an

autonomous vehicle
James Fu (SMART)
demand. It aims to supplement the internal bus shuttle system and provides a door-to-door transportation . An
autonomous car with sensors is available as the experimental testbed. This FYP aims at using a vision system with
1 or more cameras to detect and locate road segments. The road segments are mainly the traversable areas by a
vehicle in an urban environment.
demand. It aims to supplement the internal bus shuttle system and provides a door-to-door transportation. This FYP
aims at using a vision system to detect traffic light signals at intersections. An autonomous car with sensors is
available as the experimental testbed.
None
None
None
SMART
NA
NA
NA
Software
Development;#Field
Testing and
Instrumentation
programming
61
CT71
Electricity Monitoring System for Home Use
NA
This project involves the design and development of an intelligent monitoring system for electricity consumption. The None
device attaches to the conventional electricity metering system. It allows authorized access to electricity usage data
via a standard web browser. Such system is very useful for consumers to encourage them in their energy
conservation efforts. It will also improve the efficiency of the current billing system for electric utility bills.
None
None
None
NA
NA
Software
Development;#Field
Testing and
Instrumentation
programming
64
EBTS14 Microfluidic solar indoor lighting
Assts Prof Park Sung-Yong
NA
Design of microfluidic solar indoor lighting devices
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Design
65
EBTS15 Droplet-based optofluidic devices
NA
Design of microfluidic devices for droplet combinations
Energy and
Sustainability
Energy and
Sustainability
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Design
66
EBTS16 Portable multiple energy harvesting
NA
Design of lightweight and multiple energy harvesting devices
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Design
67
EBTS38 Design of the condenser of a vapour compression

cooling system
A/Prof Ho J C
NA
Energy and
Sustainability
The objective of this project is to study and develop the equations to generalize the performance of the condenser of Energy and
vapour compression cooling system. The simulation study is to be conducted using MATLAB.
Sustainability
This is a continuation of a completed final year project in which the basic equations have been developed and the
design carried out. The student is expected to improve upon the design study and to develop a generalized design.
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Computing and
Analysis
Microfluidic sunlight
manipulation
Understanding of
microfluidic
phenomena
Waste energy
harvesting
NA
68
FM17
The effect of concentration on segregation
Assist. Prof Danielle Tan
NA
Numerical investigation of the influence of relative concentration on segregation of a mixture.
None
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
69
FM18
The effect of size on segregation
NA
Numerical investigation of the influence of size ratio on segregation of a mixture.
None
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
70
FM21
Visualising viscous flows - turbulent boundary layer
NA
Development of a computer program to aid in visualising characteristics of a turbulent boundary layer.
None
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA

experiment and
theoretical, or
experimental and
numerical/software
experiment and
theoretical, or
experimental and
numerical/software
Laboratory
Investigation
basic programming
basic programming
basic programming
and good
understanding of
viscous flows
Page 4 of 7

Updated 23 Jan 2015
72
FM25
Assessment of Taylor bubble dynamics using LBM

and Navier-Stokes Solvers
Assts. Prof Rajeev Kumar

Jaiman
74
FM29
Numerical investigation of Taylor vortices over a riblet Assts. Prof R.K. Jaiman
mounted surface
Prof. TT Lim
75
FM34
Numerical simulation of incompressible viscous flows Professor Shu Chang

around moving objects
NA
76
FM36
Numerical Simulation of Natural Convection by

Immersed Boundary Method
Professor Shu Chang
79
FM74
Numerical prediction of antidote response for

organophosphate poisoning
Assts Prof Teo Chiang Juay
80
FM77
Numerical Simulation of Natural Convective Flow in a A/Prof Low Hong Tong

Reservoir or Lake
NA
82
MN05
Experimental sudy on cell-dependent scaffold

fabricated using an E-jet bio-fabrication system
Prof Jerry Y.H. Fuh
NA
83
MN08
Design and fabrication of biomedical scaffolds via Ejetting process
Prof Jerry Y.H. Fuh
NA
84
MN20
Interactive Demo-ware for Free-form Surface

Modelling Methods
A/Prof Zhang Yunfeng
NA
85
MN23
Interactive Demo-ware for Space Curve Modelling

Methods
A/Prof Zhang Yunfeng
NA
86
MN38
Geometrical Modelling of Ribcage from ClinicallyRoutine X-Ray Images
A/Prof Francis Tay Eng Hock
NA
87
MN45
Dynamic Simulation of Virtual Serial Robot in

Augmented Reality
A/Prof S. K. Ong
Prof Andrew Y. C. Nee
88
MN46
FEA of 2D truss structure in mobile AR environment
A/Prof S. K. Ong
89
MN48
Robot Path Planning from CAD Models in Augmented A/Prof S. K. Ong

Reality
90
MN50
Visualization of FEA results in markerless augmented Prof. Andrew Y.C. Nee

reality
A/Prof. S.K. Ong
91
MN51
Robotic Welding Simulation in The Robot Operating

System (ROS)
A/Prof. S.K. Ong
92
MN62
A study on the effect of electrode configuration for high Prof M. Rahman

speed and high accuracy deep holes drilling using
simultaneous micro-EDM and micro-ECM
Prof Wong Y S
93
MN65
Simulation of EDM Machining Condition by Matlab or

other software
Andrew Yeo (Makino Milling An attempt will be made in this study

Machine Co.)
1. To understand how WEDM machining condition list is being constructed.
2. To use Matlab or other software to simulate EDM machining condition.
94
MN69
Decision Support for Product Recovery in Sustainable A/Prof Lu Wen Feng

Manufacturing
95
MN75
Design and development of a powder metallurgy

technology for EEG electrode
Prof. Andrew Y.C. Nee
Prof M. Rahman
Prof Li Xiaoping
NA
A gas bubble moving through liquids in a round tube can exhibit various behaviours of both theoretical and practical
interest. The motion of the deformable bubble relative to the tube wall can either be driven by buoyancy force, as in
a vertical tube in an earthbound environment, or be pushed by a liquid flow due to an externally applied pressure
gradient, or both. When the buoyancy force is time-independent, the consequent bubble motion is expected to be
steady. Accuracy of phase-field LBM and the Navier-Stokes solutions will be systemically assessed with the aid of
experimental data.
In near-wall regions, vortices aligned with flow are shown to impose additional turbulent drag. Recent research on
the drag reduction has demonstrated that surfaces with directional grooves (i.e., riblets) exhibit lower viscous drag
compared to a smooth wall. In literature, the mechanism of riblets is attributed to control of near-wall streamwise
vortices. However, there is an alternative finding showing that the behaviour of these vortices is not as important as
perceived earlier. This project aims to investigate surface geometrical effects on the vortex dynamics through a
numerical study of Taylor-Couette flow containing sustainable vortices arising from flow instability. Simulations will
focus on the flow physics when several surface geometries are introduced for varying vortex arrangements on riblet.
Aeronautical
Engineering
Offshore Oil & Gas

Technology
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Computing and
Analysis;#Software
Development
NA
Aeronautical
Engineering
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Computing and
Analysis;#Software
Development
NA
Currently, numerical simulation of flows around moving objects in a complex domain is one of the most challenging
problems in the computational fluid dynamics (CFD). In this project, the student will use our newly-developed
boundary condition-enforced immersed boundary method (IBM) to simulate incompressible viscous flows around
moving bodies. It is advised that the student has some basic knowledge in fluid mechanics and numerical
computation to do this project.
NA
Natural convective heat transfer from a body to a finite space enclosing it has a lot of industrial applications, which
include nuclear reactor design, cooling of electric equipment, aircraft cabin insulation and thermal storage systems.
In this work, the student will simulate the natural convection in a confined region by using our newly-developed
immersed boundary method (IBM). It is advised that the student has some basic knowledge in fluid mechanics and
numerical computation to do this project.
Dr. Seng Kok Yong
To overcome the threat of organophosphate nerve agents, medical countermeasures are being developed.
(DMERI, DSO National Lab) Computer models are useful for predicting the internal exposure of nerve agent exposure and antidote therapy. The
objective of this project is to develop a computer model to predict treatment effects in nerve agent challenge, with an
emphasis on characterising and propagating parametric uncertainty to output variability using the Monte Carlo
approach. Due to the nature of this project, the student should be a Singaporean.
Aeronautical
Engineering
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Computing and
Analysis
NA
Aeronautical
Engineering
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Computing and
Analysis
NA
None
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Computing and
analysis
NA
The natural convection, by solar heating and cooling, of pollutant and oxygen in a lake or reservoir determines its
None
water quality. Numerical simulations will be made using a commercial software to simulate the natural convective
flow and mass transfer.
A novel 3D Bioprinter platform is used to design and fabricate specific scaffolds with the consideration of exchange None
of nutrients and waste metabolites, in addition to cell spatial control. To achieve this aim, the cell-dependent scaffold
should consider
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Computing and
Analysis
N.A.
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Laboratory
Investigation
interest on biomedical
and/or materials
preferred not must
In recent decades, the electrohydrodynamic technology, such as electrospinning and electrospraying, based on
principle of the dynamics of electrically charged fluids, have attracted a lot of interests and rapidly developed. In this
project, you will work on a precision XYZR Table from AeroTech to fabricate biomedical scaffolds by using a novel
technology named E-jetting to create bio-mimic scaffolds for tissue repair, which is based on the anatomy of native
tissue and exiting scaffold design in lab.
In geometric modelling, several parametric modelling methods are available for representing free-form surfaces,
each having its characteristics. For the students who study this subject, it is much desirable to have an interactive
graphical aid that helps visualise these methods with a user-friendly interface. In this project, an interactive demo
software is to be developed to demonstrate the characteristics of various surface models, and composite surface
construction methods.
In geometric modelling, several parametric modelling methods are available for representing space curves, each
having its characteristics. For the students who study this subject, it is much desirable to have an interactive
graphical aid that helps visualise these methods with a user-friendly interface. In this project, an interactive demo
software is to be developed to demonstrate the characteristics of various curve models, and composite curve
construction methods.
The human ribcage has been widely geometrically modelled using 3 dimensional CT scans so far. The geometrical
model helps clinicians to better diagnose and measure ribcage deformities. In addition, in surgical correction
modelling, the model provides surg
The goal of this project is to develop software for visualizing the trajectory of a virtual 6-DOF serial robot in
augmented reality given a path that the robot is supposed to take. The simulation must take into account the
dynamics of the robot. The purpose of this is to be able to identify deviations easily from the path and adjust the
dynamic parameters so as to minimize the deviations before programming a real robot.
The student is expected to build an AR application on mobile device which enables finite element analysis of 2D truss
structure. This application can be used for education purpose. The user can define a truss structure simply by
drawing nodes and beams on a paper, then the structure information will be captured by a camera and displayed on
the screen, automatically. Once the user draws a new point/segment on the paper, the screen will generate a new
node/beam as well.
Industrial robots are used for tasks like welding and painting which require careful and precise path planning. Path
planning in augmented reality can speed up and enhance the process through intuitive user interfaces that are
registered to the users physical space. The goal of this project is to develop an augmented reality interface that
makes use of CAD models of workpieces and other objects in the robots workspace as guides for defining paths.
One example is to be able to define points on the edge of a pipe end as points on a path
None
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Laboratory
materials or bio
Investigation;#Feasibil engineering preferred
ity/Case Studies
not must
None
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Computing and
Analysis;#Software
Development
NA
None
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Software
Development
NA
None
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Computing and
Analysis
NA
None
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Software
Development
This project will

require C++
programming.
None
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Software
Development
Programming
knowledge is
advisable.
None
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Software
Development
NA
Marker-based tracking has been commonly employed in AR applications for the ease of implementation. However, it None
is inconvenient to apply fiducial markers in some situations, especially in an outdoor environment. Markerless
methods are preferred, which rely on tracking natural features such as geometrical primitives, object contours and
regions of interest. The project is aimed to integrate a FEA system with PTAM platform, which is a markerless
tracking system for AR. The student is expected to achieve the integration, and developed a few cases with this
integrated system.
Robotic welding usually requires computer-based simulation using virtual robot prior to transferring the welding paths None
into actual robot motions. The Robot Operating System (ROS) presents a flexible framework for robot software
development. The objective of this project is to develop a virtual environment for robotic welding simulation. By
defining the welding paths on the virtual workpiece, the virtual robot should be able to simulate the robot motions by
following the paths accurately and smoothly. Furthermore, a graphical-user interface will be necessary such that the
welding parameters can be tuned and reflected during simulation
In simultaneous micro-EDM and micro-ECM (SEDCM), dielectric medium and electrode configuration are expected None
to play important roles among the main factors affecting the dimensional accuracy, the surface finish and machining
speed. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of these parameters on the machining performance.
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Software
Development
Programming
knowledge is
advisable.
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Software
Development
This project requires

C++ programming.
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
None
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Dr Song Bin (SIMTech)
Due to growing concern for the environment, manufacturers have begun to embrace sustainable manufacturing
None
strategies to managing the entire lifecycle of a product. In addition to reducing the environmental burden, sustainable
manufacturing reduces current costs through material and energy savings. The project aims to develop the decision
making approach for product recovery options, including reuse, remanufacture, and recycle as part of this
sustainable manufacturing framework. There are multiple factors affect the product recovery options, such as
product lifespan, product usage pattern, and usage environment. In this project, the student will develop a method to
link the complicated relationship between these factors and product recovery options. The outcome of this project will
provide valuable information in the decision making process for used product recovery in sustainable manufacturing.
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Hybrid i.e. mixture of NA

experiment and
theoretical, or
experimental and
numerical/software
Hybrid i.e. mixture of NA
experiment and
theoretical, or
experimental and
numerical/software
Computing and
NA
analysis; # Feasibility /
case studies
NA
Bio-potential measurements, such as electroencephalography (EEG), electrocardiography (ECG), electromyography None

(EMG) and electrooculography (EOG), are often used during health screening and clinical diagnosis. These
measurements acquire and record bio-electrical signals by placing electrodes on the skin or scalp. Among various
types of electrodes, silver/ silver chloride (Ag / AgCl) electrodes have been identified to produce good quality and
fidelity signals. This project aims to design and develop a powder metallurgy technology for fabrication of Ag / AgCl
electrode of bio-potential measurement. The student will design the process, prototype the tool and fabricate
samples for conducting parametric study of factors influencing the performance of electrodes for successful real-life
application. The student will be working together with a PhD scholar in the Neuroengineering Lab.
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Laboratory
Design
#Product
Development
Page 5 of 7

Updated 23 Jan 2015
96
MN76
Design and Development of a headband for dry sensor Prof Li Xiaoping

scalp EEG
NA
Dry electroencephalography (EEG) sensors are gaining grounds for research and clinical applications by overcoming None
the limitations of conventional conductive gel/paste electrodes. As the use of dry EEG sensors has by pass the need
of conductive medium for interfacing, the mounting of dry sensors on scalp becomes a challenge. This project aims
to design and develop a headband for dry EEG sensors, which holds dry EEG sensors for full contact on the scalp,
accommodating differences between human head shapes. The student will be working together with a PhD scholar
in the Neuroengineering Lab.
Bio-potential measurements, such as electroencephalography (EEG), electrocardiography (ECG), electromyography None
(EMG) and electrooculography (EOG), are often used during health screening and clinical diagnosis. These
measurements acquire and record bio-electrical signals by placing electrodes on the skin or scalp. As the skin or
scalp has dead skin layer at the surface, which is non-conductive therefore impedes the signal acquisition at the
electrode-skin interface. Ionic conduction at electrode-skin interface provides the best solution to the problem. This
project aims to design and develop a porous material that provides the largest effect of possible capillary action to an
electrolyte such that the electrolyte stays in the material for a prolong period for stable ionic conduction. The student
will be working together with a PhD scholar in the Neuroengineering Lab.
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Laboratory
Design
#Product
Development
97
MN77
Design and development of a porous material for ionic Prof Li Xiaoping

conduction
NA
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Laboratory
Design
#Product
Development
98
MN79
Design and development of a rat stereotaxic

instrument for EM sensing
Prof Li Xiaoping
NA
In developing an EM wave approach to brain activity imaging, the resonant frequency of a brain functional site has to None
be measured, for which a test has to be carrieed out on rat and a special designed stereotaxic is needed. This project
aims to design and develop a rat stereotaxic instrument that holds two electrodes for neural stimualtion and sensing
as well as holds a fixture to keep the rat head stable wihtout interfaring with the EM wave measurement. The student
will be working together with a PhD scholar in the Neuroengineering Lab.
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Laboratory
Design
#Product
Development
99
MN80
Design and developement of a computer neumarical

controlled locating and display system for neural
insertion
Prof Li Xiaoping
NA
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Laboratory
Design
#Product
Development
A/Prof Shirish Patil
NA
For neuromodulation, such as the deep brain stimulation for Parkinsons disease treatment, needle electrodes are to None
be inserted into the brain. This project aims to design and develop a computer neumarical controlled locating and
display system for the needle electrode insertion, based on an assurance that the needle electrode is never bent. Part
of the CNC machine tool technology will be implemented. The student will be working together with a PhD scholar in
the Neuroengineering Lab.
Develop MATLAB/SIMULINK model to simulate side crash
Automotive
Engineering
100
MN86
Numerical modeling of Automobile Side Crash
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Computing and
Analysis;#Software
Development
102
MN101
To Develop a Parametric Design Platform for patterns- Assoc Prof Lee Kim Seng
drafting in garment manufacturing.
Ms Wan Siew Ping
In the garment industry, patterns-drafting is a skilful job but it is very much parametric in nature. In order to relief the
labour shortage issue and to capture knowledge of the expert into a useful platform, we attempt to apply the latest
CAD software for this purpose.
This project covers the design and development of a pattern drafting system through any 3D CAD together with
some level of knowledge capturing features.
None
None
None
None
SIM Tech
NA
103
MS05
THERMAL PREDICTION OF CARBON NANOTUBE

FIBERS
Assts. Prof Duong Hai Minh
NA
None
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Laboratory
N.A.
ing and
Analysis;#Software
Development
Thermal Properties of Multiphase Composite System

Containing Carbon Nanotubes
NA
None
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Laboratory
NA
ing and
Analysis;#Software
Development
MS20
PREDICTION OF THERMAL BOUNDARY

RESISTANCE OF GRAPHENE NANOCOMPOSITE
NA
None
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Laboratory
N.A.
ing and
Analysis;#Software
Development
106
MS26
Computer design of polymers for organic solar cells
Assts Prof Sergei Manzhos
NA
Carbon nanotubes spun to form long yarnlike fibers could outperform even the strongest bullet-proof materials on the
market but turning nanotubes into such materials has proved to be a challenge.. The fibers show great promise for
ultrastrong, resilient materials, with possible applications from body armor to oil drilling. The better-performing
carbon-nanotube fibers broke at around six gigapascals, beating the strengths that manufacturers report for
materials used in bullet-proof vests, such as Kevlar. These nanotube fibers matched the highest reported strengths
for a couple of the strongest commercially available fibers, Zylon and Dyneema, also used in bullet-proof vests.
However, there are a few experimental studies on thermal conductivities of the carbon nanotube fibers. So this
project will investigate the morphology effects of the carbon nanotube fibers using the Monte Carlos simulation
method.
Thermal properties of carbon nanotubes multiphase systems are prerequisite for their large scale applications such
as releasing heat from computer chips. While experiments have been carried out to investigate the thermal
properties of carbon nanotubes multiphase systems, few efforts are targeted to the quantitative understanding the
thermal properties of such systems. Moreover, previous studies have found that effective thermal conductivity of
carbon nanotubes multiphase systems is much lower than the value predicted by the law of mixture, which is
proposed to be due to the thermal boundary resistance at the interfaces of different phases. In order to quantitatively
investigate the thermal properties of carbon nanotubes multiphase systems, this project using the codes developed
successfully in our lab is proposed.
Owing to their prominent properties, graphenes are widely applied as nano-inclusions in nanocomposites and
nanofluids to enhance the electrical and mechanical properties of nanocomposites. Due to the high specific surface
area of graphene sheets, thermal boundary resistance at graphene-matrix interface plays a significant role in heat
transfer in the nanocomposites containing graphenes and the effective thermal conductivity of graphene-based
nanocomposites is controlled by this resistance. This project will use the Monte Carlos computer program developed
and avaialble in our lab to study thermal conductivities and determine thermal boundary resistance of graphene
sheets and composites.
Use atomistic simulations to study effects of polymer structural units on solar absorption properties and identify
structures allowing for optimal optical properties
104
MS11
105
Energy and
Sustainability
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Computing and
Analysis
ability to learn new

software and methods
107
MS27
Computer design of dye molecules for mesoscopic

solar cells
NA
Energy and
Sustainability
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Computing and
Analysis

108
MS28
Modeling of amorphous materials for electrochemical

storage
NA
Energy and
Sustainability
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Computing and
Analysis
109
MS29
Neural networks modelling of force fields
NA
Solar cells with organic chromophores hold the promise of economic and sustainable energy conversion. You will
use atomistic simulations to study effects of various functional groups in organic dyes on solar absorption properties
and identify structures allowing for optimal optical properties
Amorphous materials have recently attracted attention for use as electrodes in electrochemical batteries, and
simulations of their performance are needed. You will simulate an amorphous material and compute its interaction
with Li and Na.
Force fields are critical for molecular and quantum dynamics simulations of materials and reactions. You will use
neural networks to build highly accurate interatomic potentials of a reactive system.
None
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Computing and
Analysis
110
MS32
Analysis of nanoindentation experiments
A/Prof. Zeng Kaiyang
NA
Nanoindentation is a powerful technique developed in the last two decade to study the local mechanical properties of None
materials at nano- to micro-scales. There are several analysis models to analysing the nanoindentation loaddisplacement data. This project aims to comparing the existing analysis models and to provide a guideline for
nanoindentation experiments and analysis for different materials, such as metals, ceramics, polymers and thin films.
(The students are required to know how to use the numerical software such as MATLAB or Origin Pro).
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA

software and
simulation methods
software and
methods, will use
Matlab
NA
111
MS33
Design a Stress Stage for Scanning Probe Microscopy A/Prof. Zeng Kaiyang
Measurements
NA
None
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
112
MS37
Computational modeling of materials for organic

battery electrodes
Energy and
Sustainability
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Computing and
Analysis

113
MS47
Modelling and simulation of a VCM actuator

mechanism for hard disk drives
A/Prof Fellow Lai Man On
None
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Laboratory
Investigation
NA
114
MS53
Electrospinning Synthesis of Carbon-Based Hybrid

Materials for LiO2 Batteries
Prof Seeram Ramakrishna
Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) is a powerful technique for nano- to micro-scale multi-functional characterization.
This technique is special suitable for characterizing the coupling between electric/chemical/mechanical properties.
This project aims to design and fabricate (at least a prototype) stress stage to be used in the constraint space and
requirement of SPM equipment. This stage can be used to apply stress to the specimens and at the same time can
perform SPM measurement.
NA
Organic electrodes have the potential to realize economic and sustainable electrochemical storage but still remain
understudied. You will compute Li and Na storage properties of promising organic materials using atomistic
simulation techniques.
Dr He Zhimin (Data Storage In a hard disk drive, a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator is employed to carry and place magnetic recording elements
Institute)
at specified locations of magnetic disks for data reading/writing. The access time to the disk location and positioning
accuracy of the recording elements are affected by the external disturbances and structural vibration and resonances
etc. The proposed project is to design and develop a novel actuator mechanism which generate a pure torque to the
VCM actuator with minimized disturbances, and therefore to improve the actuator performance. The student will be
involved in mechanical design, structural vibration modelling, and electromagnetic simulation for force and motor
efficiency analysis. The project will train the student in design, modeling and simulation of mechanical components
and mechatronic devices.
Note: As per Research Institute requirement, only students with second upper class honours and above will be
considered.
NA
The low cost of electrospun carbon materials are promising alternatives to noble metals in Li-O2 battery. Combined
with other materials inclusing nitrides and oxides, the hybrid composites could improve the battery performance. In
this project, we will fabricate carbon-based hybrid composites by electrospinning combined with hydro/solvothermal.
The compositions of the composites can be controlled by adjusting the reaction conditions, including temperatures,
time, and reactant amounts. Furthermore, their catalytic properties will be primarily investigated in Li-O2 battery.
Laboratory
Investigation;#Hybrid
i.e. mixture of
experiment and
theoretical, or
experimental and
numerical/software
Laboratory
NA
#Product
Development
Energy and
Sustainability
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Laboratory
Investigation;
#Product
Development
NA
115
MS55
Computational study of interactions between cellpenetrating peptide and lipid membrane
NA
None
None
None
None
NA
NA
NA
NA
Computing and
analysis
NA
Harnessing the ability of cell penetrating peptides (CPP) to transport matter through the cell membrane and inside a
cell would be of great help to bioengineering and nanomedicine. You will study, by using molecular dynamics,
conformations, inter-peptide interactions, and CPP-lipid membrane interactions of a selected CPP.
1. ME 4265/4264
background will be
helpful 2. SIMULINK
background is helpful
Page 6 of 7

Updated 23 Jan 2015
116
MS56
Development of Mg-Al-Rare earth Alloys and Nanocomposites
A/Prof Gupta Manoj
117
MS57
Development of New Mg-Ca-Ce alloys and their

nanocomposites
A/Prof Gupta Manoj
119
MS59
Fabrication, characterization and release study of wolf Prof. Seeram Ramakrishna

berry encapsulated electrosprayed nanoparticles & its
application in nerve tissue engineering
120
MS60
General Synthesis of Multi-Shelled Hollow Spheres for Prof. Seeram Ramakrishna

Energy Applications
121
MS61
Electrospun carbide and nitrides electrocatalysts for

oxygen reduction reaction
122
MS62
Multi-directional leg pedalling drive system for kayaks A/Prof Fellow Lai Man On
Nguyen Quy Bau
Prof. Seeram Ramakrishna
Mr GERCKE Siem Anton
Mg-Al-Rare earth alloys and nano-composite will be developed through integration of aluminium, different amount of
rare-earth element and nano-alumina, using a special stirring casting technique (Disintegrated Melt Deposition
(DMD)) followed by hot extrusion. Microstructure, physical and mechanical properties will be then studied. The
developed materials are expected to be promising in many engineering applications including aerospace and high
performance automobiles.
In this project, new Mg alloys with calcium and cerium as alloying elements will be developed using disintegrated
melt deposition (DMD) method. The developed alloys will be studied for their microstructural and mechanical
properties. Based on property evaluation, one best alloy composition will be selected and reinforced with Y2O3
nanoparticles using DMD method to produce Mg-Ca-Ce alloy based nanocomposites.
Nanoparticle is a good drug carrier, which could be further applied in curing neurodegenerative disease by injection.
Electrospraying is a straightforward and cost-effective technique to produce nanoparticles. In this project, the
feasibility of encapsulating wolf berry extracts inside the nanoparticles using electrospraying technique will be
explored, and the morphology and drug release property will be characterized accordingly.
Complex hollow structures of transition metal oxides, especially mixed metal oxides, could be promising for different
applications such as lithium ion batteries. However, it remains a great challenge to fabricate well-defined hollow
structures with multiple shells for mixed transition metal oxides. In this project, we will develop a new
penetrationsolidificationannealing strategy which can realize the synthesis of various mixed metal oxide multishelled hollow structures. Furthermore, the complex hollow structures will be applied in batteries.
Automotive
Engineering
None
None
None
NA
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
NA
None
None
None
None
The development of non-noble metal catalysts is of great interest due to their signicant potential application in both None
fuel cell systems and metalair batteries, particularly when considering long term commercial deployment. In
this regard, novel carbide and nitride non-noble metal catalysts supported on carbon, are synthesized a
electrospinning method followed by heat-treatment at elevated temperatures. Due to their unique compositions
and structures, the obtained carbides and nitrides catalyst will show high electroactivity for the ORR with a high
stability in alkaline media
None
None
None
This is a leg pedalling system for kayaks that uses fins rather than a propeller to propel a kayak forward. There is a
None
fin propulsion system in the market (check out YouTube Hobie Mirage Drive vs Paddle) but this drive system only
goes forward. Our system is able to go any direction, even sideways with just a turn of a lever thereby dispensing the
need of a rudder.
None
None
None
SIM Tech
NA
NA
Laboratory
Investigation and
Feasibility/case
studies
NA
Laboratory
Investigation and
Feasibility/case
studies
Design
NA
NA
Laboratory
Investigation
NA
NA
Laboratory
Investigation
NA
NA
NA
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NUS Mechanical Engineering

Available List of Final Year Projects - January AY2014/15

Updated 23 Jan 2015

Please specify the

Numerical calculation of acoustic radiation force

A/Prof Lim Kian Meng

Design of large amplitude two-dimensional MEMS

A/Prof. Zhou Guangya

Design of miniature tunable lenses for video

A/Prof. Zhou Guangya

Flexure stage driven by piezo actuators

A/Prof. Zhou Guangya

Design of a grating-based hyperspectral imaging

A/Prof. Zhou Guangya

Ultra-sensitive displacement sensing with

A/Prof. Zhou Guangya

High-speed scanning MEMS mirrors with distributed

A/Prof. Chau Fook Siong

Design of an experimental test rig for non-contact

3D Freeform Optics Measurement Using a High

Dr. Wang Shihua (NMC)

Mechanical design for automatic multi-axis optical

A/Prof Zhou Guangya

The student choosing

Capacitance sensor sensing for piezoelectric

Assoc Prof. Chau Fook Siong

Fiber probe for nanoscale measurement

Assoc Prof. Chau Fook Siong

NUS Mechanical Engineering

Updated 23 Jan 2015

A gate frame design for a high precision microscope

Dr Ong Eng Teo

Laser scanning microscope image processing and

Assoc Prof. Zhou Guangya

Focusing Tuneable Endoscope Micro-probe

Assoc Prof. Zhou Guangya

Analysis of dynamics of Dual-drive H-Gantry stage

Dr Ong Eng Teo

MANTIS-INSPIRED SURGICAL TOOL FOR

Assts Prof Yeow Chen Hua

Computational study of blood flow characteristics in

Hybrid i.e. mixtures of

NGUYEN Vinh Tan, IHPC

LIM Chwee Ming/NUH,

Hybrid i.e. mixture of

Disposable and printable surgical robot

Dr. REN Hongliang

Hybrid i.e. mixture of

Computational motion planning for intracorporeal

Dr. REN Hongliang/

LIM Chwee Ming/NUH,

Hybrid i.e. mixture of

Active vision for Computer-Integrated Surgical

Dr. REN Hongliang/

LIM Chwee Ming/NUH,

Design and process development of hip/knee implant

Dr Chong Yok Rue, Desmond

Hybrid Method in Vehicle Routing Problem

Dr. Zhang, Nengsheng

Assts. Prof Velusamy

Development of an artificial heart using soft active

Assts. Prof ZHU Jian

Yap Choon Hwai (Dept of

Automated layout planning of robot workcell