Mechanical Engineering (MEng)

In my first year I studied:

• Introduction to Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics  - 82%

  • This included the study of: Hydrostatics (Fluid Pressure & Buoyancy), Fluids in Motion (Bernoulli's Equation, Momentum of Jets, Reynolds Number) backed by a practical lab session,  Projectile Motion, Heat Transfer, Mass and Volume Flow Rate,  The First Law of thermodynamics, Steady-Flow Energy Equation,  Energy Efficiency, Ideal Gasses and their processes, and Steam Tables.

  • This module was assessed by a Fluid Dynamics Lab Report and a timed written assessment.

• Mathematical Principles - 91%

  • This included the study of: Algebra and Functions, Polynomial Equations, Systems of Equations (Partial Fractions), Logarithms and Exponentials, Geometry and Trigonometry, Complex Numbers, Matrices & Determinants, Vectors, Differentiation, Integration, Sequences & Series, ODEs and Partial Differentiation.

  • This module was assessed by weekly tests as well as two timed written assessments.

• Introduction to Solid Mechanics and Dynamics - 85%

  • This included the study of:  Force Vectors, Force System Resultants, Equilibrium of a Rigid Body, Centroids & Moment of Inertia,  Stress & Strain, Mechanical Properties of Materials, Axial Deformation due to Axial Loads, Torsion, Bending, Constant Acceleration, Equations of Motion, Circular Motion, Projectile Motion, Impulse, Momentum, Vectors, Plane Dynamics (Kinematics & Kinetics). These topics were supported by three lab sessions where Poisson's Ratio was calculated, an accelerometer was used and the deflection of beams was observed and analysed.

  • This module was assessed by two timed written assessments

• Introduction to Materials and Manufacture - 80%

  • This included the study of: Atomic Structure and Bonding, Mechanical Properties Testing of Materials, Polymer Materials, Metallic Alloys, Composite Materials, Plastic Manufacturing Processes, Additive Manufacturing and Rapid Prototyping, Joining Processes: Brazing and Soldering & Adhesive Bonding, Metal Forming Processes. These topics were supported by 4 lab sessions: Computer Aided Materials and Manufacturing Techniques Evaluation and Selection (CES), Mechanical Properties Testing and Analysis of Materials, Vacuum Thermoforming and Basic Machining.

  • This module was assessed by two timed written assessments

• Electrical and Electronic Principles - 74%

  • This included the study of: Ohm's & Kirchhoff's Laws, Resistor Colour Codes, Power, Amp-hours, Resistors in Series, Parallel Circuits & Thevenin Theorem, Capacitors & Inductors,  AC Theory, Transistors,  Op Amps, Magnetism, Transformers, DC Motors & Generators, AC and Other Machines, Boolean Logic and Digital Gate Circuits.

  • This module was assessed by two timed written assessments

• Introduction to Design - 67%

  • This included the study of BS888 in order to produce accurate Technical Drawings capable of being used for manufacture. The Features studied were: Dimensioning, Sectioning and Cutting Planes, Geometrical & Surface Tolerances and Fits,  Components and Fastenings and linetypes & lineweights. Both Detailed Drawings and Assembly Drawings were used. 

  • This module was assessed by a hand-drawn timed assessment of a given shape and a design-task to create a toy for a child with a mechanical function. This task was done in pairs and we designed and produced a clock with an iris-style shutter made from a mixture of MDF and 3D printed parts.

In my second year I studied:

• Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics - 84%

  • This involved the study of: The second law of thermodynamics, Vapour Compression Cycles, Carnot Cycles, Working Fluids, Steam Tables, Rankine Cycle, Refrigeration Cycles, Gas Cycles, Dimensional Analysis, Lift and Drag, Pipe Flow, Combustion, Moody Diagram and Heat Transfer. These topics were supported by 3 lab sessions: Heat Pump, Laminar and Turbulent Flow and Aerofoil.

  • This module was assessed by a Lab Report and a timed written assessment.

• Robotics and Automation - 80%

  • This involved the study of: Motion Planning, Collision Checking, Automation, MATLAB, Systems Modelling, PID and Arduino Coding.

  • This module was assessed by an RRT Motion Planning MATLAB task & Automation Report,  a n Arduino Coding Timed Assessment and a group presentation, which I led, on automation of the carbon fibre out of autoclave curing process.

• Engineering Mathematics and Numerical Analysis - 80%

  • This involved the study of: First-Order ODEs, Higher-Order Linear ODEs, Series Solutions of ODEs, Systems of ODEs, Laplace Transformation, Fourier Analysis, MATLAB (Matrices & Arrays, Input/Output & User-Defined Functions, Plotting, Selection & Repetition Structures, Symbolic Calculus, Block Technique.

  • This module was assessed by a Question Based Mathematics and MATLAB Course Work

• Computer Aided Engineering and Product Manufacture - 78%

  • This involved the study of CREO's CAD and CAM Package as well as the FEA Simulation Feature and Drawing Feature.

  • This module was assessed by a Timed CAD Assessment and a Coursework task focussing on the manufacturing process of an injection moulded part involving part design, mould analysis and design optimisation, Mould Design and Machining, Injection Moulding optimisation and A Technical Drawing of the Mould.

• Engineering Design - 76%

  • This involved the study of: Product Design Specifications, Evaluation Techniques, Design Documentation, Technical Report Writing, Prototype Development, Gears, Belts, Pulleys, Shafts, Bearings & Keys, DFA & DFM, Technical Drawings.#

  • This module was assessed by a group report involving the design process of a device capable of lifting and moving 6 concrete bags without the need of humans lifting it and a second report involving the design of a gearbox.

• Solid Mechanics and Dynamics - 81%

  • This involved the study of: Two-dimensional stress states, Two-dimensional strain state and elastic stress-strain relations, Bending and deflection of beams,  Strain energy and energy methods to solve beams, Thin-walled recipients, Shear stress due to bending, Torsion and combined loads, Theories of failure for ductile and brittle materials, Thick-walled recipients and buckling. Coriolis acceleration, Epicyclic gear trains, Gyroscopes,  Rigid Foundation, Base Motion and Viscoelastic SDOFs. These topics were supported by a series of lab sessions.

  • This module was assessed by a lab report and a timed written assessment

In my third year I will be studying:

• Advanced Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics

• Design for Quality

• Sustainability - 75%

  • This involved a presentation on how Obsolescence Management can affect different aspects of the defence sector

  • It also involved producing an FMEA and Life Cycle Analysis of a Carbon-Ceramic Brake Disc

• Finite Element Analysis - 86%

  • Design of a Payload Adaptor System (PAS) validated using Ansys FEA

  • 5 weekly tests

  • Exam

I will also be completing a dissertation. The title is currently undecided.

Prior to University I studied Mathematics (A), Physics (B) and Biology (B) at A-level as well as an extended project qualification (B) which was on which fuel type would be most common in the future, at Rickmansworth Secondary School.

I also have 9 GCSEs ranging 8-4 including English Language (6), Mathematics (7) and Physics (8)