Author: Joel Sempala-Ntege
Over the past week, I have had the pleasure of undertaking work experience with the Faculty of Engineering and Design at the University of Bath. During this time, I took part in a variety of tasks and visited all the different types of labs within the engineering buildings.
The week started off with a bridge building task, with the challenge to build a bridge from the set materials, strong enough to resist a specific large amount of force.
We then transitioned into the machinery lab, which was very interesting. Here, I learnt how to use the different types of machinery, such as the milling and lathe machines, to construct small objects.
After this, we moved on to explore the design side of engineering, working on 2D and 3D modelling. Here, I was able to put what we had learnt so far in to practice, using the laser cutting and 3D printing machines to produce coasters and small cubes.
As we neared the end of the week, I got to view the Team Bath Racing's “factory” and talk with the students currently working on this year's car. I asked them lots of questions about the car's construction and their experiences working on it, which was very insightful.
We were then shown another lab where we had the opportunity to create our own carbon fibre steering wheel.
We finished off the week looking at objects through different microscopic lens. Using the same programs used alongside CT scanners to help researchers look inside objects in a non-destructive way. We then looked at some destructive ways researchers use to test materials too, which was very entertaining.
My favourite moment of the week was being in the Team Bath Racing's lab and seeing the team members working on the car. In particular, learning about why certain parts have been made the shape they are and why some parts of the car are made with different compositions of materials.
Overall, it was a great experience, and amazing to see the different types of machinery and technology that is available to the students and staff at the University.
Respond
