The Faculty of Engineering is located at the University's main campus and offers tuition and supervision to about 477 students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels while conducting research in all fields covered by its departments. https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/519 2026-05-21T07:46:06Z 2026-05-21T07:46:06Z Nandy Pal, Mahua Bose, Avijit Tran, Tien Anh https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146251 2026-05-08T08:28:38Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: RealEstateBlock : a real estate application using blockchain Authors: Nandy Pal, Mahua; Bose, Avijit; Tran, Tien Anh Abstract: The rapid asset transactions in the real estate sector are a time-consuming process that may take months to complete. The transactions are also costly and involve fraudulent activities. So, despite the importance of real estate in our country, many problems arise in this sector, like property searching, property sale and purchase, money dealings, lease agreements, involvement of third parties, etc. Blockchain is an emerging technology that can solve different problems the real estate sector is facing. It provides secure and more manageable land or property transactions. This paper proposes a Blockchain-based real estate app that leverages Blockchain technology to revolutionize the traditional real estate industry. It utilizes Blockchain’s transparency, security, and immutability to create a decentralized platform for buying, selling, renting, and managing properties. With this app, buyers and sellers can interact directly with each other without the help of a real estate agent. It will be a valuable tool for both buyers and sellers, allowing buyers to find properties that meet their needs and allowing sellers to reach a wider audience. In this paper, we formulate a Blockchain contract that successfully deals with selling, buying, and renting properties, resulting in developing a Decentralized Application Program. We tested the contract in Ethereum Remix, and it was successful.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Zakaria, Zunaida Rochman, Arif Refalo, Paul https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146238 2026-05-07T13:45:47Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Investigation of 3D printing parameters on cooling rate, crystallinity, and tensile properties of recycled polyethylene terephthalate cooling rate, crystallinity, and tensile properties of recycled polyethylene terephthalate Authors: Zakaria, Zunaida; Rochman, Arif; Refalo, Paul Abstract: The successful implementation of fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printing using recycled plastics requires a deep understanding of the thermal behavior of the plastics throughout the printing process. This study investigated the influence of wall thickness of the printed sample, nozzle temperature, and cooling fan speed during 3D printing on the cooling rate, crystallinity, and tensile properties of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET). The experimental process commenced with the collection of discarded rPET bottles, followed by thorough cleaning and washing to remove any adhesives and contaminants. Afterward, the bottles were cut and ground into flakes and then converted into filaments using a single-screw filament extrusion process. In-situ thermal analysis was conducted by integrating an infrared (IR) thermal camera into the 3D printing setup to monitor real-time temperature changes during the printing process. Results revealed that cooling rates increased markedly with reduced wall thickness, rising from 17.53 °C/min for the 3.6 mm wall thickness to 62.92 °C/min for the 1.2 mm wall thickness. Nozzle temperature exhibited a non-linear influence, with the highest cooling rate of 65.47 °C/min recorded at 240 °C, while enhanced cooling fan speed (100%) further accelerated cooling to 45.00 °C/min. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Raman spectroscopy confirmed that a slower cooling rate generally promoted crystallinity, which was observed in thick-walled and low-cooling speed prints. Tensile testing demonstrated a strong correlation between crystallinity and tensile performance, with ultimate tensile strength (UTS) reaching 55 MPa at 240 °C and 54.8 MPa at 25% cooling fan speed, outperforming previously reported rPET values. The use of rPET in FFF and the findings of this study contribute to the further exploration of rPET's potential in sustainable additive manufacturing practices.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145952 2026-04-27T12:55:32Z 2025-10-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Annual report - 2024-2025 Abstract: This report isthe 17th issue of teh Activity Report of the Department of Systems and Control Engineering covering academic year 2024/25. This report formally records and communicates various activities and capabilities of the Department staff members to students, the University, International academic partners, industrial collaborators and the geberal public.

2025-10-01T00:00:00Z Fenech, Andrew Saliba, Anthony Theodore Farrugia, Mario https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145777 2026-04-21T08:49:28Z 2026-03-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Dual fuel knock mitigation technique through liquid state injection Authors: Fenech, Andrew; Saliba, Anthony Theodore; Farrugia, Mario Abstract: Dual-fuel engines allow the use of alternative fuels such as Liquified Natural Gas (LNG). Using LNG as the main energy source and a smaller quantity of diesel (to initiate combustion) offers the benefit of decreased emissions. The reduction of emissions is mostly due to the gaseous fuel’s better ability to burn more effectively. The gaseous fuels (e.g. methane CH4) has a lower carbon to hydrogen ratio than diesel and therefore less CO2 is produced. Particulate matter typically generated with diesel combustion is also greatly reduced. The use of dual fuel is however impacted by an operational phenomenon referred to as engine knock which limits the operational window of the engine. This knocking problem is accentuated during transients. The objective of this paper is to explore liquid state injection of LNG/propane. A small quantity of pressurized LNG/propane is injected into the airstream to lower the temperature of the charge air through the latent heat of evaporation of the LNG/propane. This liquid state injection is intended to lower the knock propensity especially during load increase transients where fuel is increased before the mass air flow has picked up (due to turbo lag).

2026-03-01T00:00:00Z