Dr. Bernard Xavier Tchomeni Kouejou hails from Cameroon in Central Africa. He currently works as a lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT).

 On 9 June 2021 he was conferred a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering under the thesis: ‘Dynamic Analysis of Cracked Twin Roter System Interconnected by a Hooke’s Joint in Viscous Fluid’.

The thesis’s overall basis is on the maintenance of Cardan shafts. “Unfortunately, is often complex due to their size, function, and accessibility, which makes their alignment one of the most commonly overlooked, and misunderstood issues an operator can experience,” he says.

Dr. Tchomeni’s thesis was oriented on a dynamic and experimental analysis of mechanical failures of misaligned Cardan shaft joints commonly used in large machines such as pumps or turbines in power generation plants and large vehicles such as ships or airplanes. The particularity of his research which represents his contribution is the study of such a system in a different environment (air and fluid medium).

“Sharing the outcome of my research with scientists and researchers through publications is my concern now. I feel a feeling of relief after working day and night on my thesis. I am convinced that dreams do become reality and are glad that the perseverance and discipline have finally paid off.

For Dr. Tchomeni this achievement means a lot as it is a result of his sweat and blood: “it makes me feel empowered to aim for and focus on polishing my career as an engineer and a researcher. It also means that I am part of the fast-growing pool of qualified engineers who are ready to raise Africa’s standards in the science sphere,” he said.

With the knowledge he has accumulated throughout the years, he hopes to be able to give back to the South African community. “I am also inclined to supervise more students on various projects in the engineering field as well as continue with more publications,” he says.

Perseverance, discipline, courage, persistence, and respect for those who came before you, will get those aspiring to walk in his footsteps far, he says.

Dr. Tchomeni lives by the motto: Fear God and love your neighbour

CSIR DST-Interbursary Support Programme grant funded his studies.

Article by: Qhawekazi Memani and Thato Phalole