Mechanical Engineering Portfolio Frederick Price

BEng (hons) Mechanical Engineering

Grade: 2.1

Graduation Date: 07-2016

University of Derby

Frederick Price

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Overview This document displays an abridged summary of the work conducted over my 3-year mechanical engineering degree at the University of Derby as well as any other relevant achievements. During this time, I have gathered in depth knowledge of 3D modelling, simulations and business. These studies also securing prior knowledge of engineering, mathematics and material studies. (Document last updated December 2016)

Contact Details Email: fpriceengineer@gmail.com

Tel: [Removed for Public Upload]

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/frederick-price-284634111

Contents Overview ............................................................................................................................... 1

Contact Details .................................................................................................................. 1

Personal Project: Safety considerations and Material study .................................................. 2

Computer Modelling .............................................................................................................. 4

Aerodynamic Simulations ...................................................................................................... 6

Studies of Power Generation Solutions ................................................................................. 7

Miscellaneous ....................................................................................................................... 8

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Personal Project: Safety considerations and Material study

For my personal 3rd year project I undertook an engineering investigation on an American

football helmet. This project required vast research into a variety of topics. Medical

information had to be studied and compared with studies of force and materials. Hard data

and anecdotal reports had to be critically assessed to understated prevalence of

concussions in the sport. Physical testing was done using an accelerometer. The

accelerometer was wired to a utility board and set up to an output a graph using a modified

java script.

Alongside this a simplified helmet and bluff head was made in Solidworks 2015 and

simulation performed using Ansys Workbench 16.2 (Explicit dynamics simulation).

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To gather a wider understanding of the system as a whole, materials were studies and

selection criteria were used on CES EduPack to suggest material improvements. From this,

design improvements were suggested based on gathered research and results. Along with

suggestions of improvements to future studies and to players of the sport.

Using Cambridge Engineering Selector (CES) in tandem with research to find the most

desirable materials based on properties (shown below).

To the left a bar chart is

shown from an Eco-audit.

This is used to demonstrate

the environmental effect of

materials. This was done

between the four final

choices of materials found

during the study.

Material study was a recurring topic during my studies. And where appropriate included

detailed thermal and electrical calculations in addition to physical and mechanical equations.

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Computer Modelling

Over the 3 years my knowledge and ability of CAD software has improved quickly. Early cad

work generally involved recreating hand drawn diagrams into parts using both AutoCAD and

Solidworks. Following later a design for a small excavator was made. This had some design

restrictions on size but was otherwise designed entirely. The design was only a show model

and did not demonstrate internal components. Finally, a more detailed vehicle was modelled

being a single-seat off road vehicle.

Introductions to CAD involved making 2d computer drawings from hand drawn sketches as well as working backwards from 3d parts. The assessment for this was a time based assessment to simulate a work environment which involved producing a 3d model in solidworks and 2d drawing in AutoCAD.

2D drawings and 3D applications came together to design a tray for a computer hard drive using sheet metal. This allows for flattened patters to be seen for cutting (Autodesk Inventor, pictured)

FEA simulations have been performed repeatedly to legitimise hand calculation. This has been done for a range of parts from simple beams to engine parts and a helmet.

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After focusing primarily on single parts in first year, second year was used as an introduction

to the other areas of what CAD can provide. Including constrained assemblies, animations,

visualisations, exploded views, part tables/configurations and bills of materials.

During the final year an off-road buggy design was made. The design choices were

unrestricted excluding the overall purpose. The internal components of the engine and

differential were modelled with additional care. The tires were designed from existing

components to fit specifications from the engine which was calculated mathematically.

(grade:2.1)

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Aerodynamic Simulations

In a time constrained assignment (24 hours) it was required for a model of a F1 car to be

assessed using computational fluid dynamics software. The brief for this assessment defied

the desired temperature and speed of the car. It was required that the simulation was run

with two different meshing solutions (Trimmed and Polyhedral) and two different solvers (K-

epsilon and K-Omega) we performed. These differing simulations were critically assessed in

the follow up report.

It was required in the report to assess the design on the body based upon the gathered

simulation data. Reports and charts were made to show lift and drag coefficients. From this

it was found that K-Omega with polyhedral meshing was the best choice for this study.

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Studies of Power Generation Solutions

For a mathematics based module a context based assignment was given to design and

mathematically validate a design for a power plant. It was defied that the power plant was for

a small community and must output 3.5kW of electricity for the section of river provided.

Although many single micro hydro generators would have been adequate, it was required

that the design would be a dual turbine system. Therefore, two turbines that produced

around 2kW we used in the design.

For this study existing generators were researched and costed, to find the best and most

cost effective components for the task.

As a follow on from the simplified hydro power solutions. More detailed study was done into

large scale power generation. This covering the Otto/Diesel cycle as a method of generating

electricity. Study was performed on both generalised set up of a power station as well as the

more detailed working of power generation by a liquid fuel engine.

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Miscellaneous

Business Over two modules aspects of business management and corporate responsibilities have

been covered. The business based study revolved around the selection of workers,

assessment of skills and what makes an efficient team.

These modules also covered aspects of self-assessment and teamwork/team assessment.

Corporate responsibilities study followed many aspects of corporate management including

responsibilities to customer and employers. These studies also included a teamwork aspect,

with group presentations.

Excluding the study into safety I the project in section 1. Other studies into health and safety

have been undertaken. This includes evaluation of risk and the creation of risk assessments.

Alongside these studies management solutions such as role assignment and time

management were performed in detail

Workshop Various physical work has Been done including use of machining, material testing and

renovation. Simple tools were fabricated using a mixture of turning, milling and hand

working. A plum bob, clamp, die holder and toolbox were made

During the 3 years’ material testing was demonstrated and undertaken a few times. Including

tensile testing and hardness.

Other demonstrations were done on testing including wind tunnel, jet engine tests (power

output/fuel consumption) and engine tests.

The right shows partial renovations on a child's motorised buggy. Engine was cleaned and

reattached and rewired. New chassis was made using welded steel rods.

End of Document