Department of Physics

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https://bdears.busitema.ac.ug/handle/123456789/23

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Browsing Department of Physics by Title

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    Analysis of the impact of geomagnetic storm onset time on GNSS signal reliability
    (2025) Tumuhairwe Bruce
    This study investigates the effects of geomagnetic storm onset time on the performance of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). Unlike previous studies focusing primarily on storm intensity, this work establishes storm onset time as a key predictive parame- ter for ionospheric scintillation occurrence. The analysis uses geomagnetic storm data and Global Positioning System (GPS) scintillation data from two low-latitude stations, Makerere and Mbarara, spanning 2011 to 2016. A total of 1,082 geomagnetic storms were identified and classified by their intensity into weak (−50 nT ≤ Dst < −25 nT), moderate (−100 < Dst ≤ −50 nT), and severe (Dst ≤ −100 nT) categories. Only a minority of storms triggered ionospheric scintillation, indicating that storm intensity alone is insufficient to predict scintillation events. Scintillation was identified using the amplitude index (S4), with thresholds set between 0.2 and 1.2. Using the epoch of minimum IMF Bz (bow shock time) as the precise storm onset marker, results show that scintillation predominantly occurred during night hours. Strong scintillation was observed consistently when the bow shock time fell between 15:00 UT and 00:00 UT (evening to nighttime in East Africa’s low-latitude region), with weaker events between 12:00 UT and 15:00 UT. No scintillation was detected when storm onset occurred from 00:00 UT to 12:00 UT, even during severe storms. These findings highlight the critical role of storm commencement timing in ionospheric irregularity development and subsequent GNSS signal degradation, which is crucial for mitigating risks in aviation, communication, and navigation systems in low-latitude regions
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    Assessing The Impact Of Severe Space Weather On Satellite Positioning And Navigation
    (Busitema University, 2024) Adriko, Norbert Bakole
    The accuracy and dependability of the Global Positioning System (GPS) can be severely impacted by severe space weather occurrences. This work explores the measurement of GPS variability during such situations using the Dilution of Precision (DOP) metric. The diurnal fluctuation of DOP under quiet space weather conditions was determined by analyzing GPS data collected during a selected severe space weather event. According to findings, there was no noticeable increase in DOP values during the severe space weather event, which suggests that the sources where I obtained the data did not register the geomagnetic storm event. Throughout the event, the pattern of diurnal fluctuation is also disturbed. The results show that DOP is a useful tool for evaluating GPS variability and emphasize the significance of taking space weather effects into account when evaluating GPS performance. The findings of this study have consequences for GPS users and operators, especially in situations when high accuracy and reliability such as navigation, precision agriculture, and emergency response.
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    Construction And Design Of A Paper Cutter
    (Busitema University, 2024) Nandala, Samson
    The primary aim of this project was to construct a paper cutter using a DC motor and double edged blade. This research report presents design, construct, and testing of a paper cutter powerd by a DC motor and featuring a double edged blade. The device aims to provide an efficient , safe and user friendly solution for cutting paperin various settings including offices, schools and print shops. The paper cutter’ s design involved a thorough analysis of existing paper cutting technologies, identification of design requirements and selection of appropriate materials and components. The device design consists of a DC motor , double edged blade and control system. The DC motor provides the necessary torque and speed for cutting paper
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    Effects Of Availability And Utilization Of Physics Laboratory Equipment On Students’ Academic Achievement In Secondary Schools Of Kapchorwa District.
    (Busitema University, 2023) Cherop, Daisy Mwanga
    The study conducted in Kapchorwa district, Eastern Uganda, assessed the availability and utilization of Physics Laboratory Equipment (PLE) in secondary schools. The research involved 70 students and 30 Physics teachers from 10 out of 16 schools, selected randomly and purposively respectively. Data was gathered through a questionnaire, an equipment checklist, and a Physics Achievement Test (PAT). The results indicated that the effective use of PLE significantly improves Physics teaching. Private schools, which had a good amount of PLE and utilization, scored well in achievement tests. However, public schools with the least equipment and utilization had the lowest scores. The study concluded that a well-equipped science laboratory is essential for high-quality Physics education in Kapchorwa secondary schools.
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    Fabrication And Characterisation Of Briquettes Made From Corn Stovers And Ground Nut Husks
    (Busitema University, 2024) Nabutsale Esther
    This study involved the fabrication and characterization of briquettes from corn stovers and ground nut husks. It involved production of uncarbonized briquettes from agricultural biomass materials such as corn stovers and ground nut husks as alternative fuel for cooking. The study was based in Nagongera town council due to availability of the desired raw materials especially during the peak seasons of harvesting. This does not only substitute the conventional wood fuels for cooking but also provides a sustainable waste management practice that reduces the adverse effects that arise from these biomass wastes. Briquettes were produced using cassava starch binder and molded manually using a hand then placed under the sun to dry. Results indicated that briquettes from corn stovers had least drop strength and bulk density than those of ground nut husks. Generally, cassava starch binder imparted higher drop strength due to its good binding properties and bonding. Results for boiling times show that ground nut husks had the highest boiling time of about 12.3 minutes. Boiling time indicates the time taken for briquettes to boil a known amount of water. The briquettes with low boiling times are desirable for domestic cooking purposes.
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    Fabrication And Characterization Of Pavers Made From Varying Molecular Weight Plastic Waste
    (Busitema University, 2024) Napooli Micheal
    Plastic waste poses a significant environmental challenge. This study aimed to convert this waste into value-added products by fabricating pavers from varying molecular weight plastic waste at Nagongera town council. Specific objectives included determining and comparing the compressive strength of pavers made from low and high molecular weight plastic and sand, as well as determining the water absorption rate of the prepared paver samples. The results indicated that the pavers made from HMW plastics were lighter with 950g compared to those made from LMW plastics with 1293g. the adopted sand-cement mixes were cured from 7 days in water at normal temperature and tested for water absorption and compressive strength. Furthermore, the water absorption rate of the pavers was found to be that LMW plastic waste gives a high-water absorption rate than HNW plastic waste. These findings suggest that pavers fabricated from plastic waste have the potential to be a viable alternative to conventional pavers, contributing to waste management and sustainable development. To improve the production process and investigate additional paver features, more research is advised.
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    Invesitigation Of Sound Propagation Through Various Materials.
    (Busitema University, 2024) Mugombesha Ibra
    The propagation of sound waves through various materials is a fundamental aspect of acoustics, impacting numerous fields from architectural design to material engineering. This study explores the mechanisms by which sound waves travel through different media. The research focuses on how material properties such as density and porosity influence sound absorption, reflection and transmission. Experimental methods are employed to measure and simulate sound propagation, providing insights into the acoustic behavior of materials. The findings reveal that material density and structure significantly affect sound wave behavior, with denser materials generally slowing down propagation. The results contribute to the development of advanced materials with tailored acoustic properties for specific applications, offering potential improvements in noise reduction and sound quality in various environments. This abstract encapsulates the essence of the research highlighting its significance and potential application of its findings.
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    Investigating The Impact Of Geomagnetic Storms On Zenith Total Delay
    (Busitema University, 2024) Mulabbi Erukamu
    Geomagnetic storms pose a significant threat to modern communication systems and navigation technologies. They cause disturbances in the earth’s magnetic fields, ionosphere, and troposphere, leading to variation in zenith total delay (ZTD), which can result into position and navigation errors. The ZTD is a critical parameter affecting Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and radio communication networks. This study investigated the impact of geomagnetic storms on zenith total delay ZTD); the research was structured around three primary objectives, That’s; identifying geomagnetic storms, determining the diurnal variation of ZTD, and analyzing ZTD variations during geomagnetic storm events. To identify geomagnetic storms, the study utilized data for the Distance storm time (Dst) index, which measures geomagnetic activity. In this study, three intense storms that occurred on March 18th, 2015, June 23rd, 2015, and December 20, 2015 were identified with Dst index values of −234nT, −198nT, and −166nT, respectively. The results of this study show a distinct diurnal pattern, with ZTD values peaking in the afternoon and reaching their lowest levels during the early morning hours, with peak values of around 2.5 metres in the magnetic crest regions and with peak values of 1.8 metres in the magnetic equator regions. To assess the impact of geomagnetic storms on ZTD, the ZTD measurements during the identified storm dates were compared with the diurnal variation. The analysis of this research show that during the storms, ZTD varied up to 2.9 metres in the magnetic crest regions and up to 1.9 metres in the magnetic equator regions, with maximum deviations from quiet-day values of 0.1meter, that’s ZTD increased by approximately 10% during storm periods, implying a disruption in the regular diurnal cycle. These deviations are attributed to ionospheric perturbations caused by enhanced geomagnetic activity, which increases the electron content in the ionosphere and consequently affects the delay of GPS signals. These findings reveal that the intensity and duration of the storms increase the magnitude and duration of ZTD variations. These findings have important implications for improving the accuracy and reliability of satellite-based applications during space weather events. Understanding these impacts is crucial for improving the reliability of communication and navigation systems during space weather events. Further research is recommended to develop predictive models that can mitigate the adverse effects of geomagnetic storms on ZTD and communication systems. Key words: geomagnetic storms, zenith total delay, GNSS, communication systems, ionosphere, troposphere, space weather.
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    Reasons For Low Girl Child Enrollment In Advanced Physics In Secondary Schools Of Pallisa Town Council In Pallisa District
    (Busitema University, 2024) Mpyangu Benard
    This study investigated the reasons girls enroll in Advanced Physics at lower rates than boys in secondary schools of Pallisa Town Council. The research was conducted using responses of 300 science advanced level students, including 176 females and 124 males students. Results were analyzed using independent samples tests and the iterative process. The data suggests five key differences between girls and boys. Girls perceive physics as less interesting, have lower physics self-efficacy, perceive physics as hard, less fun, and less applicable. One key recommendation derived from the survey is that parents, teachers, and counselors need to do a better job showing girls the importance of physics. Keywords: Females students and advanced physics and low enrollment.
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    Trends Of Surface Air Temperature And Precipitation Over Tororo-Uganda
    (Busitema University, 2024) Chebet Difas
    Surface air temperature (SAT) and precipitation are important variables, the coupling of which is crucial in understanding the variation in the Earth’s climate under the effects of global warming. It is known that these two variables vary differently overtime in different regions of the world. This research is aimed at determining the diurnal and seasonal trend of surface air temperature and precipitation, and also the correlation that exists between the two climatic variables. Climate data from the meteorological station in Tororo were collected and the data set consisted of average values of surface air temperature and precipitation for two years, 2017 and 2018. The results show that the surface air temperature has a clear diurnal trend with a maximum at 29.3 C and a minimum at 17.1 C. similarly the precipitation over Tororo has a diurnal pattern characterized by a maximum at 3.6mm and a minimum at 0.02mm. The seasonal pattern reveals that Tororo has two seasons, the dry season which stretches from around November to March while the wet season extends from April to around October. With focus on 2018, the correlation between surface air temperature and precipitation was calculated using the spearman’s rank correlation method with the help of the JASP software. A strong negative correlation between the two variables was obtained.