Prizewinners
Winning formula
Tim Macey BEng (Hons) GradIED Vibrocorer
I graduated with a BEng (hons) in mechanical engineering design from New Bucks University in High Wycombe. As a professional mechanical design engineer, balancing a demanding career, home-life and a degree was tough. With lots of highs and a fair share of lows; ultimately, it changed me as a person and as an engineer, the way I think and design. I owe much of that to my fellow students, my lecturers and my wife, whom I married last year. Doing a part time degree was only possible with their whole-hearted support and patience. I feel hugely proud and honoured to win this award; it goes some way to vindicate a great many sleepless nights and late evenings.
My project originated as a search for a conceptual solution to the millions of pounds a year spent in the remediation of radioactive seabed contamination near the coast of the nuclear power station in Dounreay. I initially, explored the use of amphibious ROVs, negating the need to rent, crew and power expensive deployment vessels offshore and it soon became clear that the very basics for the retrieval of radioactive contamination required overhaul. I started my project to investigate whether induced vortices over the surface of the seabed would be a way to safely and reliably gather
8
large samples, retrieve a quantity of seabed using a rotational vibrocorer system, separating the particles from the sediment and returning the excess to the seabed. I hoped that this was a solution that would surpass the existing method in operation off the Scottish coast.
I used Ansys CFD simulation, complemented by mathematical models, to provide insight into whether this technology could be viable. From existing research into studies ranging from first-principle laws of fluid dynamics to complex examinations of sediment transportation, from the effects of turbulent eddies on flow viscosity to empirically proven phenomena such as jet trenching, I found that it was theoretically possible. This is not the end though – these results all have to be proven by experiment. This is why, as part of my project, I also designed a half tonne electromechanical test rig, to scheme level, suitable for use in the 60 bar testing tank at the National Oceanographic Centre in Southampton. Its aim is to prove that this technology really can work.
I hope that funding can eventually be secured to realise my design, and that industry and the public can get used to the idea that investment in new technology and solutions is not folly, but necessary to enforcing our place in the global marketplace. However, I understand that this is easier said than done.
2011 student prizewinners Each year the IED presents its most outstanding Student members with a prize for their fi nal university projects. Some of this year’s talented winners, along with their projects, are featured here. The award includes a trophy, certifi cate and a year’s free Graduate membership.
Tim with Dr Tim Coole BEng MPhil PhD CEng MIED FRSM and below with Blair Hutton and Dr Coole
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36