The Department has up-to date facilities for conducting experiments in order to complement the theory taught in lectures at under-graduate level. These facilities are also used by the post-graduate students and staff to do research in their respective specializations. The laboratories are well equipped with modern equipment and are taken care of by well-trained and qualified Technical Staff.
The department has a total of 10 facilities.
This laboratory is equipped with 48 latest computer stations with a variety of up-to-date engineering software to support learning and research. Examples are the Campus-Wide License for MatLab, Simulink, and associated tool boxes, Educational and Student license for Solidworks, Autodesk Suite, Proplanner Academic Suite, ANSYS Academic Multiphysics Campus Solution license, Design of Machinery, Minitab etc.
This laboratory has the following main equipment and software:
The software used in the laboratory computers is SMARTCAM and MasterCAM, which are equipped with interchangeable controllers which allows the user to be trained to use the different CNC controls on almost any CNC machine.
This laboratory has the following main equipment:
The laboratory is in regular use for teaching and as a base for instrument services for the department and for industrial companies operating in Botswana. For studies in automatic control, it houses a range of apparatus that allows students to apply classical and modern control theories in realistic process or machine environments. These include:
In respect of instrumentation, the laboratory is equipped with instruments for measurement and data acquisition of most common mechanical variables, such as load, weight, motion parameters, temperature, flow, level and pressure.
The laboratory is also equipped for teaching Applied Mechanics and Dynamics. Typical studies include experimental investigations on noise and vibration, rotor balancing, motion of mechanisms including gearboxes, gyroscopic forces and pressures in bearings. The vibration analyser is battery-powered and will download spectra to a desktop computer, so it is available for on-site vibration studies. The laboratory is also equipped with the Engineering Science Experimental Kits which are mostly suitable for use on courses at foundation level for hands-on technology familiarisation between theory and real systems and practical applications.
This laboratory has the following main equipment:
The laboratory is also equipped for teaching Process Engineering and includes equipment such as Fixed and Fluidised Bed, Tray Drier, Fluid Mixing Apparatus, Gas Absorption Column, etc.
The laboratory has the following equipment:
This covers most aspects of energy studies. The following are some of the larger equipment and the related experiments
Mini Steam Power Plant capable of performing the following experiments: Determination of the quality of steam (dryness fraction); Boiler Thermal Efficiency; Plant Thermal Efficiency; Energy balance of the whole plant.
Variable Compression Engine Test Rig that can use different types of fuels (including biofuels) and is ideal for research. Among experiments that can be performed are: Performance characteristics; Effect of compression ratio on engine performance; Specific fuel consumption.
Two-Shaft Gas Turbine that is used to demonstrate the principles of operation of gas turbine engines, and can also be used for research. The following experiments can be performed: Performance characteristics; Thermal efficiency; Isentropic efficiency.
This laboratory is equipped with 10 high-speed computer stations with a variety of up-to-date engineering software to support researchers. Examples of software installed are the Campus-Wide License for MatLab, Simulink, and associated tool boxes, Solidworks, Autodesk Suite, MathType, ANSYS Academic Multiphysics Campus Solution, etc. The laboratory is exclusively designated for use by students at post-graduate level and department staff.
This laboratory also houses some of the equipment used in biodiesel research that includes the Bomb Calorimeter, the Cloud and Pour Point Tester, the Flash Point Tester, the Viscometer, etc.
This workshop is generally used by all students and staff in the department for undertaking the fabrication of the projects. It houses the wide-ranging and common workshop equipment and tools including but not limited to the following: Conventional Turning Machines, Conventional Milling Machines, Drilling Machines, Grinding Machines, Polishing Machine, Power Saws, Guillotine, Rolling Machine, Welding Machines, and the various basic workshop tools.