The Control and Mechanics Laboratory is a space designed for students to conduct experiments, comprehend mechanical engineering principles, and develop skills related to control systems. It is also intended for researchers to conduct experiments and develop competencies related to the application of mechanical principles to real-world problems.

The facility plays a crucial role in facilitating hands-on learning and experimentation, providing opportunities to work on real-world problems and projects where researchers and engineers are involved in the design, analysis, and optimization of control systems.

Equipped with audiovisual tools including a smart board, the Control and Mechanics Laboratory enhances interactive learning experiences for students and researchers studying mechanical engineering principles and control systems.

Apparatus and Equipment available in Control and Mechanics Laboratory

• Bell Crank Lever

A bell crank lever is a mechanical device that consists of a lever attached to a pivot point, with a second lever attached to the first lever at a right angle. Bell crank levers are often used in mechanical systems to change the direction of force, increase, or decrease the force, or to amplify the motion of a component.

• Simple and Compound Pendulum

A simple pendulum consists of a mass suspended from a fixed point by a string of length L. The pendulum is free to swing back and forth under the influence of gravity.

A compound pendulum is similar to a simple pendulum, but instead of a single mass at the end of a string, it consists of a rigid body with a pivot point at one end and a mass at the other end.

• Screw Jack Apparatus

A screw jack is a mechanical device that uses a screw thread to lift or lower a load. It consists of a screw thread, a load plate, and a handle or crank. The load plate is attached to the top of the screw thread and is used to hold the load. The handle or crank is used to rotate the screw thread, which causes the load plate to lift or lower.

• Belt Friction

A belt friction apparatus is a device used to study the friction between two surfaces in contact, a belt, and a pulley. The belt is placed around the pulley and a load is applied to the belt, by attaching a weight to the belt. This apparatus is used in a variety of applications, including the study of friction in mechanical systems, the development of new materials, and the testing of friction-reducing coatings.

• Gear Unit

A gear unit apparatus is a mechanical device that is used to transmit power and motion between two or more rotating shafts. It consists of a set of different types of gear units, including spur gears, helical gears, bevel gears, worm gears, and planetary gears, meshed together, that are used to transmit torque and rotate the shafts at different speeds. Each type of gear unit has its own unique characteristics and is used in different applications depending on the required transmission ratio, torque capacity, and other factors.

• Rack and Pinion Gear

A rack and pinion is a type of mechanical system commonly used for converting rotational motion into linear motion. It consists of two main components: a linear gear called the "rack" and a circular gear called the "pinion." The rack is a straight bar with teeth along its length, while the pinion is a small gear with matching teeth that mesh with the rack.

• Friction and Inclined Plane Apparatus

The Friction and Inclined Plane Apparatus is a device used to measure the coefficient of friction between two surfaces, as well as the angle of an inclined plane. It consists of a smooth, horizontal surface, a smooth inclined plane, and a cart that can be placed on either surface.

• Hook’s Coupling Apparatus

Hook’s Coupling Apparatus is a device used to investigate the displacement and speed variation of a single Hook’s joint and a double Hook’s joint at various angles.

• Universal Governor Apparatus

The Universal Governor Apparatus is a laboratory device used to study the principles of governor action and the dynamics of governor systems. It consists of a simulated motor, a flywheel, a governor, and a means of measuring the speed of the flywheel.

• Balancing of Rotating Masses Apparatus

The Balancing of Rotating Masses Apparatus is a device used to study the principles of balancing rotating masses. It consists of a rotating shaft, a number of weights that can be mounted on the shaft, and a means of measuring the unbalanced force and moment caused by the weights. The purpose of the apparatus is to demonstrate the effects of unbalanced masses on the rotation of the shaft and to show how these effects can be minimized by properly balancing the weights.

• Universal Vibration Apparatus

The Universal Vibration Apparatus is a laboratory device used to study the principles of vibration and the dynamics of vibrating systems. The purpose of the apparatus is to allow students to study the behavior of vibrating systems under different conditions, such as different forcing frequencies, damping ratios, and mass distributions.

• Cam, Crank and Toggle Kit

The Cam, Crank, and Toggle Kit is a laboratory device used to study the kinematics of mechanisms such as cams, cranks, and toggles. It consists of a number of interchangeable parts, including cams, cranks, toggle links, and followers, that can be assembled in various configurations to create different mechanisms. The Cam, Crank, and Toggle Kit is commonly used to teach students about the principles of mechanism design and to help them develop the skills needed to analyze and design mechanisms for a variety of applications.

• Bar Linkage Kit

The Bar Linkage Kit is a device used to study the kinematics of mechanisms such as four-bar linkages, six-bar linkages, and eight-bar linkages. It consists of a number of interchangeable parts, including links, pivots, and joints, that can be assembled in various configurations to create different mechanisms

• Potential and Kinetic Energy Kit

The Potential and Kinetic Energy Kit is a laboratory device used to study the principles of energy and the conservation of energy. It consists of a number of different components, such as pulleys, masses, and springs, that can be used to create simple energy-transfer systems.

Resource Persons

The Manufacturing Laboratory is equipped with a wide range of machinery and tools for prototyping and testing. The primary objective of this laboratory is to support academic and research work related to Manufacturing Engineering. It serves as a hands-on learning environment, offering students the opportunity to apply theories and principles to real-world applications.

The lab includes various types of machinery, such as CNC milling and laser cutting machine, making it a key resource for students studying Engineering, Industrial Design, and other related fields.

The Manufacturing Laboratory features a smart board alongside its wide range of machinery, providing students with an interactive environment to apply theoretical knowledge in Manufacturing Engineering.

Resource Persons

The Material Testing Laboratory is equipped with modern testing equipment designed for students to conduct experiments and develop competencies related to testing and evaluating various materials for a wide range of applications. The laboratory's equipment allows for characterizing material properties and evaluating their behavior under different loads and conditions, including fatigue, to develop models for predicting and controlling performance.

This laboratory serves as a vital resource for students and researchers interested in exploring and advancing the field of material science. It provides a dedicated space for hands-on learning, experimentation, and the opportunity to tackle real-world problems.

With a focus on modern testing equipment, the Material Testing Laboratory incorporates a smart board to facilitate comprehensive data analysis and visualization during experiments on various materials.

Apparatus and Equipment available in the Material Testing Laboratory

• Charpy System Impact Test Machine

The purpose of the Charpy Impact Testing Machine lies in the measurement of toughness of metallic material. The Charpy system consists of a pendulum that is swung from a height and struck against a test specimen. The amount of energy absorbed by the specimen during the impact is measured, which is used to calculate the impact strength of the material.

• Torsion Machine

Torsion Machine is used to perform a series of torsion tests on different material and determine the shear modulus, maximum shear stress at elastic limit and at failure, and to demonstrate the Bauschinger effect.

• Combined Bending and Torsion Test Apparatus

In this Apparatus, the specimen is subjected to a combination of bending and torsion, where the principal stresses are of opposite sign and their numerical values depend upon the ratio of the bending moment to the torque. The specimen is loaded by dead weight and the dial indicator is used to measure the deflection.

• Torsion of Shaft Apparatus

This apparatus is used to investigate the relationship between torque and angle of twist for shafts of various metal subjected to a torque and to find shear modulus or modulus of rigidity.

• Thick-Walled Cylinder

Thick Cylinder shows students the strain in the walls of the thick-walled cylinder when it is under stress from an internal pressure. This arrangement is similar to many real-world applications, including pressure vessels, medium caliber guns, and cannon barrels.

• Universal Testing Machine – 20 KN

The tensile strength of materials is tested using a universal testing machine (UTM). Tensile test examines the strength of the given material while applying longitudinal axial load at a specific extension rate till it fails. Compression test, 3-point bending test and fatigue test can be performed on the machine.

• Laboratory Furnace (Muffle Furnace)

Laboratory furnace is ideal for many applications in materials research and heat treatment. (Maximum Temperature: 1100 °C)

Resource Persons

The Mechatronics Laboratory is a state-of-the-art facility that provides students with the necessary hardware and software for conducting experiments and research in the field of mechatronics. It is equipped with a diverse range hardware and software resources essential for conducting experiments and investigations. Among its offerings are innovative tools such as a ball balancer and joint system with dual degrees of freedom, an inverted pendulum, gyroscopes, DC motor control trainers, analog plant simulators, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), microcontrollers, sensors, motors, and various other electromechanical components. Moreover, the laboratory provides essential software tools like ROS (Robot Operating System), MATLAB, and RoboDK, enabling students to simulate robotic systems, perform advanced simulations, develop algorithms, generate robot programs, and engage in offline programming for robotic manipulators. This integration of hardware and software resources empowers students to explore complex concepts, conduct virtual experiments, and develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges within the realm of mechatronics.

The Mechatronics Laboratory serves as a collaborative space, encouraging teamwork on projects involving the design and development of robotic systems, automated systems, and other electromechanical systems. The Mechatronics Laboratory, a state-of-the-art facility, is further enhanced by the inclusion of a smart board, fostering collaborative and interactive learning experiences for students and researchers working on mechatronic systems. It stands as a valuable resource for students and researchers interested in exploring the exciting and rapidly evolving field of mechatronics.

Partnerships

Mechanical Engineering Department of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University has collaborated with RoboDK, an offline programming and simulation software for industrial robots. The simulation software can be used for many manufacturing projects including milling, welding, pick and place, packaging and labelling, palletizing, painting, robot calibration, etc.

Apparatus and Equipment available in the Mechatronics Laboratory

• PLC & HMI Trainer Kits

Several PLC & HMI Trainer Kits are available at the Mechatronics laboratory. Each Trainer kit consists of Siemens S7-1200 Programmable Logic Controllers and Simatic Human Machine Interfaces.

• Servo Break and Drive System

The Servo Break and Drive System consists of a 3-phase Induction Motor controlled by a VFD, and AC & DC Servo Motor systems.

• Electro Pneumatic Trainer

Electro-Pneumatic Trainer consists of components such as Single and Double Acting Cylinders, 3/2 & 5/2 Directional Control Valves, Compressor, Service Unit, Limit Switches, and Proximity Sensors.

• Analog Electronics Station

Analog Electronic Station consists of Oscilloscopes, Function Generators, and Dual Channel DC Power Supply Units.

• Digital Electronics Station

Digital Electronics Station consists of a Digital Circuit Lab apparatus and AC & DC power Supply units.

• Process Control and PID Trainer

A Process Control and PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) Trainer is used to study the principles of process control and the use of PID controllers in industrial process control systems. The purpose of the trainer is to allow students to learn how to design and tune PID controllers for a variety of process control applications, and to understand the effects of process dynamics and control action on process performance.

• NI MyDAQ Kits

NI myDAQ is a portable data acquisition (DAQ) device that is designed to be used for science, engineering, and math education. It is a compact device that includes a variety of sensors and connectors, and it is designed to be used with the NI LabVIEW software platform. NI myDAQ is designed to be easy to use and to provide a wide range of functionality. It includes a variety of sensors, including an oscilloscope, a multimeter, a function generator, and a waveform generator, as well as connectors for external sensors and devices. It can be used to measure and analyze electrical signals, perform experiments, and collect data.

Arduino Starter Kits, Raspberry Pi Desktop Kits, NI MyDAQ Kits, Industrial Camera Kits, Electronic Consumables, Soldering Stations, Power Tools, etc. are available for the students to be used for their research and project work.

• Quanser 2 DOF Ball Balancer

The 2 DOF Ball Balancer is likely a mechatronic system designed to balance a ball on a surface using two degrees of freedom. This type of system is commonly used in control systems education and research. It provides a practical platform for experimenting with control algorithms to stabilize and control the position of the ball.

• Quanser 2 DOF Joint with Inverted Pendulum

This system is likely composed of a joint with an attached inverted pendulum. The inverted pendulum is a classic control systems problem, and this platform allows for hands-on experiments in controlling the stability of the inverted pendulum. Users can implement various control strategies to keep the pendulum in an upright position.

• Quanser DC Motor Control Trainer

The DC Motor Control Trainer is designed for studying and experimenting with the control of DC motors. It typically includes a DC motor coupled with sensors and controllers. Users can explore concepts such as speed control, position control, and torque control. This type of system is common in courses related to control systems and mechatronics.

• Quanser Analog Plant Simulator

The Analog Plant Simulator is likely a versatile tool designed for simulating various types of analog plants. It provides a flexible platform for studying and experimenting with control system concepts without the need for physical hardware. This can be especially useful for educational purposes, allowing users to explore different scenarios and control strategies in a controlled environment.

• LabVIEW

LabVIEW (Laboratory Virtual Instrument Engineering Workbench) is a graphical programming language and development environment for creating custom applications in a variety of fields, including engineering, physics, biology, and chemistry. LabVIEW is a visual programming language, which uses icons and diagrams to represent code. This makes it easier to understand and work with, especially for those who are not experienced programmers. LabVIEW includes a variety of built-in functions and libraries that can be used to perform a wide range of tasks, including data acquisition, instrument control, and data analysis. It is a powerful tool that is well-suited for many applications that require the integration of hardware and software.

• RoboDK

RoboDK is a software platform for simulation, offline programming, and robot machine communication. RoboDK allows users to simulate robots and program them offline using a graphical user interface. It supports a wide range of robots and machine tools, and it can be used to generate robot programs for a variety of tasks, including welding, painting, milling, and more. In addition to offline programming, RoboDK also includes tools for machine communication, which allows users to control and monitor real robots from a computer.

Resource Persons

The Metrology and NDT Laboratory is a dedicated space designed for students to conduct experiments and develop skills related to the measurement and characterization of physical quantities such as length, mass, time, temperature, and pressure. This laboratory comprises a variety of equipment and tools used to measure and analyze the properties of materials, devices, and systems. In the Metrology and NDT Laboratory, students study the performance and accuracy of measurement instruments, developing methods to enhance their precision and resolution. 

Additionally, the laboratory facilitates the study and application of NDT techniques, including ultrasonic testing, magnetic particle inspection, eddy current testing, dye penetrant testing, and visual inspection. It offers students hands-on experience in detecting defects, assessing material integrity, and ensuring quality control. The Metrology and NDT Laboratory serves as a central hub for research, learning, and innovation in measurement science, quality assurance, and non-destructive testing.

Apparatus and Equipment available in the Metrology and NDT Laboratory

• Micrometer (0 - 25 mm)
• Micrometer (25 - 50 mm)
• Micrometer (50 - 75 mm)
• Micrometer (75 - 100 mm)
• Micrometer (100 - 125 mm)
• Micrometer (125 - 150 mm)
• Micrometer (150 - 175 mm)
• Micrometer (175 - 200 mm)
• Micrometer (200 - 225 mm)
• Micrometer (225 - 250 mm)
• Micrometer (250 - 275 mm)
• Micrometer (275 - 300 mm)
• Digital Micrometer (0 - 25 mm)
• Digital Micrometer (25 - 50 mm)
• Vernier Caliper (0 - 150 mm)
• Vernier Caliper (0 - 300 mm)
• Digital Caliper (0 - 120 mm)
• Digital Vernier Caliper (0 - 150 mm)
• Sine Bar
• Timing Torch
• Digital Photo Tachometer
• Bore Gauge (50 - 150 mm)
• Bore Gauge (160 - 250 mm)
• ½ Dr Star Female Heavy Duty Socket (14)
• ½ Dr Star Hexagon Female Heavy Duty Socket (14)
• Micro Depth Gauge (0 - 25 mm)
• Height Gauge (0 - 8 Inch)
• Dial Gauge (0 - 10 mm)
• Pitch Gauge (Metric and With - Worth)
• Radius Gauge
• Thickness Gauge
• Circlip Piler Set
• Depth Gauge (8”)
• Dial Caliper (0- 120mm)
• Dial Indicator with Magnetic Base (0-5mm)
• Digital Angle Gauge
• Precision Sprit Level
• Slip Gauge
• Engine Components
• Safety Gloves
• UV Light Safety Glasses
• Torque Wrench (60-340 Nm)
• Bench Vise
• NDT Practical aids
  • Magnetic particle York with UV lamp
  • Dye penetrant test kit
• Strain Gauge Transducer Trainer

A strain gauge is a sensor that measures the strain or deformation of an object under mechanical stress. It converts mechanical strain into an electrical signal by detecting changes in its electrical resistance. Typically made of a thin wire or metal foil, the strain gauge is attached to the object's surface. As the object deforms, the gauge stretches or compresses, altering its resistance. This resistance change is directly proportional to the applied strain.

• Surface Roughness Tester

The surface roughness tester is a shop-floor type surface-roughness measuring instrument which traces the surface of various machine parts calculate their surface roughness based on roughness standards and display the results. The stylus is perpendicular to the surface while drawing along the surface. Roughness parameters are then determined using the registered profile produced by this procedure.

Resource Persons

NDT Lab Facilitators

• LCdr (E) PH Amarasinghe
  • Qualifications: NRE 2271
    • MT Level 3 (As per ISO 9712)
    • ET Level 2 (As per ISO 9712)
    • RT Level 2 (As per ISO 9712)
    • UT Level 1 (As per ISO 9712)
• ERA II US Wickramasinghe
  • Qualifications: AE 82422
    •  UT Level 2 (As per ISO 9712)
    •  MT Level 1 (as per ISO 9712)

The Thermodynamics Laboratory is a dedicated facility where students can conduct experiments and research in the field of thermodynamics, a branch of physics dealing with the study of heat, work, and energy. This laboratory provides state-of-the-art resources and expertise to meet the mandatory laboratory components of modules such as Fundamentals of Thermodynamics, Applied Thermodynamics, Heat and Mass Transfer, and Energy Technology and Environment. 

Additionally, the laboratory features heat transfer equipment like refrigeration units, cooling towers, convection and radiation apparatus, thermal conductivity apparatus, etc., enabling students and researchers to explore the transfer of heat between different systems. A wind tunnel with a wind power generator allows students to experimentally study wind energy conversion technologies. The Thermodynamics Laboratory's primary goal is to provide opportunities for hands-on experience with tools and techniques used in the field of thermodynamics.

Featuring state-of-the-art resources, the Thermodynamics Laboratory includes a smart board to complement experimental work, aiding students and researchers in visualizing and analyzing heat transfer and energy conversion technologies.

Apparatus and Equipment available in the Thermodynamics Laboratory

• Compact Steam Turbine Power Plant

This Compact Steam Turbine Power Plant is designed to simulate a modern steam power plant. The main components consist of a feed water system, small industrial boiler, steam turbine, super heater, generator and lamp load, condenser with a condensate tank and pump, and a cooling tower. In this system instruments are provided for measurement of pressures, temperatures, fuel flow, feed water follow, output voltage and currents. Using this steam power plant experiments can be carried out to measure feed water and fuel flow rates, efficiencies of components and specific steam consumption of the plant.

• Redwood Viscometer

This apparatus is used to determine the kinematic and absolute viscosity of liquids, expressed in Redwood seconds at the test temperatures.

• Boy’s Gas Calorimeter

Boy’s Gas Calorimeter is used to determine the Gross and Net Calorific value of any gaseous fuel provided that the correct burner nozzle is fitted. 

• Marcet Boiler

This apparatus enables the students to determine the pressure and temperature values of saturated wet steam at all pressure levels between atmospheric pressure and 17 bar. The experiment is carried out to determine the Pressure temperature relationship for saturated water steam.

• Heat Conduction of Solids apparatus

Thermal conductivity is the property of a material to conduct heat. This apparatus is used to experimentally determine the thermal conductivity for a number of common metals.

• Refrigeration Cycle Trainer

This simple refrigeration cycle assists students to learn the stages of refrigeration at an entry-level. Students learn about the pressure enthalpy chart and use the chart for R-134a to determine the Coefficient of performance of the refrigeration cycle, superheat and subcooling from the enthalpy changes. 

• Air Compressor Set

This is a multi-stage compressor where the air is compressed in multiple stages. The intake of air in the first stage gets compressed and then it is passed through an intercooler to achieve a temperature very close to ambient air. Experiments are conducted to identify the effect of intercooling and multistage air compression for optimizing air compression.

• Combined Convection and Radiation Apparatus

This module enables students to analyze the combined effects of convection and radiation at different values of surface temperature and air velocity on the surface.

• Bench Top Cooling Tower

The cooling tower is a specialized heat exchanger in which air and water are brought into direct contact with each other in order to reduce the water temperature. Experiments are conducted to study the mass and energy balance and to determine the cooling capacity under different water and air flow rates.

• Wind Power Trainer with Wind Tunnel

This trainer is used for the theoretical and practical study of a wind turbine and the generation of electricity from wind kinetic energy. With this trainer, it is possible to change the flow of the air that reaches the wind turbine and to study its operation under no-load and load conditions.

Resource Persons