Associate Professor Keith Vivian Alexander

Phone: +64 3 364 2987 ext. 7385
Office: Mechanical Engineering E523

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Fields of Research

• Product innovation and development
• Mechanical engineering design
• Fluids
• Microhydro
• Wave Power
• Kite aerodynamics
• Waterjet propulsion technology
• Safe Trampolines
• Biomechanical - Patient Handling
• Unconventional Craft

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Researcher Summary

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Subject Area: Disciplines

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Research Projects

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Research Groups

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Key Methodologies

• Concept design
• Predictive modelling
• Prototyping
• Measurement
• Customer/Manufacturing feedback

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Affiliations

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Prizes and Awards

• USA Child's Product of the Year (2010)
• Canadian Child's Product of the Year (2010)
• Designers Institute of New Zealand Best Design Award (Bronze) for Consumer Product Design (2009)
• IPENZ Supreme Technical Award: John Cranko Award: Mechanical and Manufacturing (2008)
• IPENZ Ray Meyer Award for excellence in student design (Supervisor) (2008)

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Research Service

• Product Innovation Centre director (2006-present)

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Publications

• Matthew F. Wypych. (2013) A Study of Radiated Surface Waves in the Context of the Capture of Ocean Wave Energy. PhD, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand. (Thesis - Doctor of Philosophy)

• Alexander, K.V. (2013) A Trampoline; Rod Bend Parameters II. Patent No. 2591090, Canada. (Intellectual Property)

• Eager, D.B., Scarrott, C., Nixon, J. and Alexander, K. (2013) Injury survey of a non-traditional 'soft-edged' trampoline designed to lower equipment hazards. International Journal of Injury Control and Safety Promotion (early access online) http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17457300.2012.674041. (Journal Article)

• Alexander, K.V. (2013) Trampoline and base Frame Structure; Frame without Rod Sockets (Australia 2008325304, 2013; USA 8303469, 2012). Patent No. 2008325304, Australia. (Intellectual Property)

• Alexander, K.V. (2012) A Trampoline and Enclosure System: (Soft Edge Trampoline with rods) (Canada 2536850, 2012; Australia 2004244931, 2011; USA 7708667, 2010). Patent No. 2536580, Canada. (Intellectual Property)

• Alexander, K.V. (2012) A Trampoline and Enclosure System; (for a trampoline with conventional springs)(Canada 2553767, 2012). Patent No. 2553767, Canada. (Intellectual Property)

• Alexander, K.V. (2012) A Trampoline; Gate Cleat. Patent No. 2008202739, Australia. (Intellectual Property)

• Alexander, K.V. (2012) A Trampoline; Rod Bend Parameters I (Canada 2527745, 2012). Patent No. 2527745, Canada. (Intellectual Property)

• Alexander, K.V. (2012) A Trampoline; Short Rods. Patent No. 2591007, Canada. (Intellectual Property)

• Alexander, K.V. (2012) A Trampoline; Short Rods. Patent No. 2011250686, Australia. (Intellectual Property)

• Fernandez, R. and Alexander K.V. (2012) An Experimental Study on the Effect of Submergence on a Vertically Oscillating Hydrofoil at Zero Translational Velocity. Shanghai, China: 2nd International Conference on Vibration, Structural Engineering and Measurement, Oct 19-20 2012. In Applied Mechanics and Materials 226-228 p459ff. (Conference Contribution - Paper in published proceedings)

• Alexander, K.V. (2012) Edged Fittings for Soft-Edged Trampolines: USA 8105211, 2012; Canada 2471272, 2011.. Patent No. 8105211, USA. (Intellectual Property)

• Alexander K.V. (2012) Improved Rod Construction for Soft Edged Trampolines; Rod sheathing. (Canada 2546014, 2012; Australia 2011201758, 2012). Patent No. 2546014, Canada. (Intellectual Property)

• Adam Michael Fuller. (2012) INCREASING THE SPECIFIC SPEED OF SIMPLE MICROHYDRO PROPELLER TURBINES. PhD, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand. (Thesis - Doctor of Philosophy)

• Wypych M., Le-Ngoc., L., Alexander., K.V., Gardner. and A. (2012) On the application of circular–cylindrical waves to ocean wave power absorption. Ocean Engineering (Vol 40): 69-75. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.oceaneng.2011.12.001. (Journal Article)

• Fuller A.M., Alexander K.V. (2012) Simplified Generic Axial Flow Turbines. In Ali Sayigh (Ed.), Comprehensive Renewable Energy: 435 – 466. Amsterdam: Elsevier. (Chapter in Book)

• Eager, D., Scarrott, C., Nixon, J. and Alexander, K. (2012) Survey of injury sources for a trampoline with equipment hazards designed out. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health 48(7): 577-581. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1754.2012.02426.x. (Journal Article)

• Alexander, K.V. (2012) Trampoline with Rod Locking Edge Fittings. Patent No. 2527749, Canada. (Intellectual Property)

• Alexander, K. (2011) A Trampoline (Rod Bend Parameters II). Patent No. EP1824571, Europe, UK, France, Spain, Germany, Czech Republic, China, Australia. (Intellectual Property)

• Alexander, K. (2011) A Trampoline (Short Rods). Patent No. EP1814635, Europe. (Intellectual Property)

• Fernandez, R. and Alexander K.V. (2011) An Experimental Investigation Assessing the Validity of Quasi-Static Calculations for an Oscillating Hydrofoil. Rotterdam, the Netherlands: ASME 30th International Conference on Ocean, Offshore and Arctic Engineering (OMAE2011), 19-24 Jun 2011. (Conference Contribution - Paper in published proceedings)

• Eager, D., Alexander, K., Scarrott, C. and Sushinshy, G. (2011) Effectiveness of pads and enclosures as safety interventions on consumer trampolines. Cardiff, UK: 18th International Play Association World Conference (IPA), 4-7 Jul 2011. (Conference Contribution - Oral presentation)

• Eager, D., Alexander, K., Scarrott, C. and Sushinsky, G. (2011) Effectiveness of Pads and Encolsures as Safety Interventions on Consumer Trampolines. Brisbane, Australia: 10th National Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion, 2-4 Nov 2011. (Conference Contribution - Oral presentation)

• Eager, D., Alexander, K., Scarrott, C.J. and Sushinsky, G. (2011) Effectiveness of Pads and Encolsures as Safety Interventions on Consumer Trampolines. Fremantle, Australia: PLA National Conference and IFPRA Asia-Pacific Congress 2011, 18-21 Sep 2011. (Conference Contribution - Oral presentation)

• Fuller, A.M. and Alexander, K.V. (2011) Exit-flow velocity survey of two single-tangential-inlet vaneless turbine volutes. Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science 35(1): 48-59. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.expthermflusci.2010.08.005. (Journal Article)

• Alexander, K.V. (2011) Powered Unicycle. Patent No. 7963352, USA. (Intellectual Property)

• Alexander, K.V. (2011) SpringFree Trampoline - and Some Lessons Learned. Christchurch, New Zealand: Conference on Invention, Innovation and Commercialisation, 13-14 Jun 2011. (Conference Contribution - Paper in published proceedings)

• Bowen, W. and Alexander K.V. (2011) Surface Piercing Drag in CFD. Rotterdam, the Netherlands: 30th International Conference on Ocean, Offshore and Arctic Engineering (OMAE2011), 19-24 Jun 2011. (Conference Contribution - Paper in published proceedings)

• Alexander, K. (2011) Trampoline with Rod Locking Edge Fittings (Clip Cleat). Patent No. EP1628715, Europe, Australia (2004243128, granted 2010). (Intellectual Property)

• Alexander, K. (2010) A Trampoline and Enclosure System. Patent No. 2004298391, Australia, USA (7,854,687 and 7,708,667, granted 2010). (Intellectual Property)

• Fuller, A. and Alexander, K.V. (2010) Adapting simplified propeller turbines to higher specific speeds: CFD studies. Lausanne, Switzerland: Hidroenergia 2010: International Congress on Small Hydropower, 16-19 Jun 2010. (Conference Contribution - Paper in published proceedings)

• Bowen, W. and Alexander K.V. (2010) CDF Study of Solid Body Water Impact. Auckland, New Zealand: 17th Australasian Fluid Mechanics Conference, 5-9 Dec 2010. Paper 31. (Conference Contribution - Paper in published proceedings)

• Alexander, K. (2010) Edged Fittings for Soft-Edged Trampolines. Patent No. EP1455904, Europe; Australia (2002351531, granted 2008), China (ZL02825390.6, granted 2006). (Intellectual Property)

• Alexander, K., Eager, D., Scarrott, C. and Sushinsky, G. (2010) Effectiveness of pads and enclosures as safety interventions on consumer trampolines. Injury Prevention 16(3): 185-189. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/ip.2009.025494. (Journal Article)

• Alexander, K., Donohue, B., Feese, T., Vanderlinden, G. and Kral, M. (2010) Failure Analysis of an MVR (mechanical vapor recompressor) Impeller. Engineering Failure Analysis 17(6): 1346-1358. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.engfailanal.2010.03.009. (Journal Article)

• Alexander, K.V., Giddens, E.P. and Fuller, A.M. (2009) Axial-flow turbines for low head microhydro systems. Renewable Energy 34(1): 35-47. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2008.03.017. (Journal Article)

• Alexander, K. (2009) Improved Rod Construction for Soft Edged Trampolines. Patent No. EP1684875, Europe, UK, France, Spain, Germany, Czech Republic. (Intellectual Property)

• Alexander, K.V., Fuller, A. and Giddens, E.P. (2009) Radial and Mixed Flow Turbines for Low-head Microhydro Systems. Renewable Energy 34(7): 1895-1894. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2008.12.013. (Journal Article)

• Alexander, K. (2008) Numedic Effluent Pump Design Review. Numedic Ltd. Product Innovation Centre. 24pp. (Technical Report)

• Alexander, K. (2008) Path to Market of New Product that is not affiliated with an Existing Company. Chart illustrating a roadmap of product to market. (Design Output)

• Alexander, K.V. and Giddens, E.P. (2007) Microhydro: Cost-Effective, Modular Systems for Low Heads. Renewable Energy 33(6): 1379-1391. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2007.06.026. (Journal Article)

• Alexander, K.V. and Giddens, E.P. (2007) Optimum Penstocks for Low Head Microhydro Schemes. Renewable Energy 33(3): 507-519. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2007.01.009. (Journal Article)

• Stevenson, J.C. and Alexander, K.V. (2006) Circular flight kite tests: Converting to standard results. The Aeronautical Journal 110(1111): 605-614. (Journal Article)

• Alexander, K. (2006) IP Pathways Chart for UoC and UCi3. (Design Output)

• Alexander, K.V. (2006) Strategies for safer backyard trampolines. Sydney, Australia: 4th Kidsafe National Playground Conference, 21-23 Aug 2006. (Conference Contribution - Oral presentation)

• Alexander, K.V. (2006) Strategies for safer trampolines. University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia: 8th National Injury Prevention and Control Conference, 27-29 Sep 2006. (Conference Contribution - Oral presentation)

• Alexander, K. (2006) Why We Are Here. University values chart. (Design Output)

• Stevenson, J., Alexander, K.V. and Lynn, P. (2005) Kite Performance Testing by Flying in a Circle. The Aeronautical Journal 109(1096): 269-276. (Journal Article)

• Alexander, K.V. (2005) Towards Trampolines Without Injury. Springfree Trampoline. 16 pp. http://www.springfreetrampoline.com/whitepapers/ttwi_whitepaper_rev102.pdf. (Report for External Body)

• Alexander, K.V. (2004) A Powered Unicycle. Patent No. PCT/NZ2004/000188, New Zealand. (Intellectual Property)

• Alexander, K.V. (2004) A Trampoline (short rods). Patent No. 537111, New Zealand. (Intellectual Property)

• Alexander, K.V. (2004) A Trampoline: Rod Bend Parameters. Patent No. PCT/NZ2004/000111, New Zealand. (Intellectual Property)

• Alexander, K.V. (2004) A Trampoline: Rod Bend Parameters Extension. Patent No. 537112, New Zealand. (Intellectual Property)

• Alexander, K. and Jenkins, N. (2004) A Versatile Amphibian for the Littoral Environment. Herndon, Washington, USA: Advanced Naval Propulsion Symposium 2004, 16-17 Nov 2004. (Conference Contribution - Other)

• Alexander, K.V. (2004) Base Frame Member with Internal Rod Sockets. Patent No. PCT/NZ04/00005, New Zealand. (Intellectual Property)

• Alexander, K.V. (2004) Enclosure for Conventional (springs) Trampoline. Patent No. PCT/NZ2004/00318, New Zealand. (Intellectual Property)

• Alexander, K.V. (2004) Soft Edged Trampoline Enclosure. Patent No. NZ Application numbers 526353, 528909, and 530270, New Zealand. (Intellectual Property)

• Alexander, K.V. (2004) Trampoline Frame Leg Bracing (legs include inverted V member to support joints in base frame). Patent No. PCT/NZ04/00006, New Zealand. (Intellectual Property)

• Alexander, K.V. (2004) Trampoline Rod Sheathing. Patent No. PCT/NZ2004/00276, New Zealand. (Intellectual Property)

• Alexander, K. (2004) Trampoline with Rod-Locking Edge Fittings. Patent No. PCT 505000, New Zealand. (Intellectual Property)

• Alexander, K.V. (2004) Visual Edge for Trampoline. Patent No. 528908, USA. (Intellectual Property)

• Alexander, K.V. (2004) Webbing Edge on Trampoline Mat. Patent No. PCT/NZ2004/00277, New Zealand. (Intellectual Property)

• Stevenson, J.C. (2003) Traction Kite Testing and Aerodynamics. PhD, University of Canterbury, New Zealand. (Thesis - Doctor of Philosophy)

• Alexander, K. (2002) (2002, April). "Patient Lifting device". Licenses by Canterprise to Framecraft LTD Christchurch.. (Other)

• Alexander, K. (2001) (2001). "Edge Fittings for Soft-Edged Trampolines". New Zealand. 513331.. Patent No. 513331. (Intellectual Property)

• Alexander, K.V. and Stevenson, J. (2001) A test rig for kite performance measurement. Procs. Instn. Mech. Engrs 215 Part B: 595--8. (Journal Article)

• Alexander, K. (2001) Development of safer recreational trampolines. Procs. Instn. Mech. Engrs 215 Part B: 589--93. (Journal Article)

• Alexander, K. and Stevenson, J. (2001) Kite Equilibrium & Bridle Length. The Aeronautical Journal 105(1051): 535-541. (Journal Article)

• Alexander, K. (2000) (2000). "Design review report to Airform International on the Aisle Activation Bubbling Tower Units. Dept Mech Report 4609".. 17. (Report for External Body)

• Alexander, K. (2000) Soft-Edged Recreational Trampoline. Patent No. USA 6319174, USA. (Intellectual Property)

• Alexander, K. (1999) (1999). "Device to transfer a patient from a wheelchair (lapsed)". New Zealand. 337302.. Patent No. 337302. (Intellectual Property)

• Alexander, K. (1999) (1999). "Soft-Edged Recreational Trampoline". New Zealand. 500734.. Patent No. 500734. (Intellectual Property)

• Alexander, K. (1999) Features of the wakes of partly immersed wheels. Marine Technology 36(2): 112--25. (Journal Article)

• Alexander, K. (1998) (1998). "Retrieval apparatus for deployed bungy". International. PCT/ NZ99/001119.. Patent No. PCT/nz99/00119. (Intellectual Property)

• Alexander, K. (1998) (1998). "Retrieval apparatus for deployed bungy". New Zealand. 331200.. Patent No. 331200. (Intellectual Property)

• Raine, J.K. and Alexander, K. (1998) Student design projects and the product development process. Gladstone, Australia: Proceedings of 5th National Conference on Teaching Engineering Designers, AAEE Conference 'Waves of Change', Sept 26-Oct 2 1998. 265-9.. (Conference Contribution - Other)

• Alexander, K.V. and Furniss, V. (1998) Systematic measurements of a windsurfer sail performance.. Melbourne, Australia: 13th Aust Fluid Mechanics Conf, 'Dec 1998'. 499--502.. (Conference Contribution - Other)

• Alexander, K. (1997) Corrosion resistance of aluminium and stainless steel in waterjets. Singapore: 13th International Fast Ferry Conf, 'Feb 1997'. (Conference Contribution - Other)

• Alexander, K.J. and Holtslag, T. (1997) Large tower structures using air pressure for support. Wellington: Procs. of the Annual IPENZ Conf, 'Feb 1997'. 241--6.. (Conference Contribution - Other)