Two Durham University students have recently completed an engineering placement at Rotary Power, working on continuous improvement projects at their Simonside site.

Currently entering their penultimate year of an integrated masters in mechanical engineering and aeronautical engineering at Durham University, the students supported the design engineering team during the busy summer months.

Together the student engineers rebuilt an existing results processor, developed a tool to create motor specifications, carried out cam profile optimisation research and studied methods of storing motor assemblies and drawings in Solidworks.

As part of his placement, Dominic carried out cam profile research to optimise the performance of future motors. He also investigated methods for storing motor assemblies and drawings in Solidworks to reduce the amount of work required to produce proposal drawings. This research has improved the sales process to ensure the team have the correct drawings and 3D CAD files when producing proposals and quotations.

During his placement, Ethan improved a development laboratory results process previously taking the business five hours to complete, now taking ten minutes. The time saved means the team can complete further quality control checks. Ethan said: “I didn’t have much experience working with hydraulic motors. We mainly work with diesel engines and electrical motors at university. I’ve enjoyed learning something totally new to me.”

Ethan also developed an ‘XJ motor code tool’ for the sales team. This program creates a specification document based on the motor’s commercial code and can be submitted with a sales request to ensure the correct models are created.

Dominic and Ethan previously carried out work experience at British Engines Group companies, Stephenson Gobin and Rotary Power. Together, the young engineers have brought a wealth of knowledge to the business. We wish them all the success in their studies.

Find out more about the opportunities available across the British Engines Group.