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Past Event Reports

The events below have all passed, but this page gives an overview of the broad range of subjects we cover.

Members and non-members are welcome to events,so feel free to bring your friends if they are interested in the topic.

For information on upcoming events please visit the Events page or contact the committee.

Click on Event Titles below for detailed reports and Photos

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Accelerating Towards Sustainable Travel: Automobile Division Chairman's Address 2023

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
University of Bradford - Richmond Building, Bradford
Thursday 19 October 2023

Accelerating Towards Sustainable Travel:
Automobile Division Chairman's Address

Andrew Fraser CEng FIMechE delivered a very thought provoking lecture to a keen audience on the much discussed topic of sustainable travel. He presented his personal views to the question "should we travel or transport less?" (to be sustainable), backed by his data driven analysis of useful work and environmental impact of various modes of travel. He focused on not (just) what is used, but also the way that it is used. The well structured presentation stepped through histories various challenges solved by professional engineers that greatly enhanced the economy and solved environmental issues, reminding the listeners of the pivotal roles professional engineers have in the society; leading to the current challenge in hand to be sustainable.

Andrew has extensive experience in the automobile industry and is currently a Technical Consultant at Zemo Partnership and also Chairman of the IMechE Automobile Division. He has kindly shared his presentation slides for future reference of the audience.

Accelerating towards sustainable travel - presentation slides
Classic Vehicle Social Event and David Brown Tractor Club Museum Tour 2022

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
David Brown Tractor Club & Museum, Meltham
Sunday 11th Sept 2022

Classic Vehicle Social Event and David Brown Tractor Club Museum Tour

The IMeche Automobile Division and David Brown Tractor Club of Meltham came together after 2 years to organize a repeat social event along the lines of the 2019 event which was a huge success. Guests were encouraged to bring their classic and exotic vehicles for display while enjoying the exhibits at the museum. This booked out event was hosted at the new club premises in the old David Brown Tractor Factory – now Meltham Mills.

As with previous year there was an amazing selection of vehicles on display which was the focal point of all the guests. As the afternoon progressed a buffet was laid for the guests which was followed by a guided tour of the museum and its exhibits including the vey last David Brown tractor ever built.
The committee desires to continue organising annual social events and welcome feedback and suggestion for venues from all members.
Arrival – The Next Transport Revolution: The story so far

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
Online Webinar
Tuesday 16^th February 2021

Arrival - The Next Transport Revolution: The Story So Far

Speaker: Nick Clay - Head of Product Compliance, ARRIVAL

Arrival is on a missions to revolutionise the transport sector, and Nick provided a sneak peak into their game changing products and processes. The talk covered the story of how it all started, and the non traditional approach to engineering and manufacturing that makes them unique in a crowded and competitive market. Modular design, technology driven, vertically integrated and micro-factories were just some of the many factors that gave Arrival a tech unicorn status.

Watch the full talk webinar recording here:
Arrival Story So Far - Webinar Recording Youtube Link
Communication in Engineering Competition (Viscount Weir) 2020

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
Online event hosted on "Teams" Meeting space
Tuesday 17^th November 2020

Communication in Engineering (Viscount Weir Competition)

Competitors :

Konstantin Long - Student at University of Hull

Nizaam Shamsuddin & Aidan Tunnacliffe - Students at the University of Bradford

This competition was the postponed Communication in Engineering / Viscount Weir Competition intended to have been run on 31 March, but which was postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak. There had originally been entrants from Leeds, Hull, and a team from Bradford, and would have taken place at the University of Leeds.

Competing in the re-arranged online Communication in Engineering / Viscount Weir Competition were:-

1. Konstantin Long, a student at the University of Hull, with his paper “Drivetrain Optimisation for Formula Student Application”.

&

2. Nizaam Shamsuddin & Aidan Tunnacliffe, students at the University of Bradford, for their paper “Design and Analysis of a Suspension System for a FSAE [Formula Student] Vehicle”.

A draw was taken previously, and the presentations took place in the order given above. The presentations were each accompanied by Powerpoint slides, and twenty minutes was allowed for each presentation which the contestants achieved quite accurately. The presentations were followed by approx. 10 minutes of questions and answers. On-line for the event, hosted/chaired by the Chairman, Dr David Bryant, included Ashley Crossland, Brian Shilton, Craig Hasler, Frankie Jackson, Dr Haiyan Miao, Matthew Knapton, Prof Martin Priest, Dr Kris Kubiak, Nathan McArdle, and Tom Pawinski.

The judges met away from the on-line competition, and after due consideration decided that first prize of £200 should be awarded to Mr Konstantin Long, and second prize of £100 to Messers Nizaam Shamsuddin & Aidan Tunnacliffe.

In congratulating the entrants, the chairman summed up the remarks made by the judges, and stated that the papers were both excellent and fully deserved the awards.

Ashley Crossland

Hon Secretary

19 Nov 2020
Our Regions's Formula Student Teams Showcase - Year 6
Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
Sheffield Hallam University
Wednesday 04^th March 2020

Our Region's Formula Student Teams Showcase - Year 6

Speakers: Representatives from Regional Formula Student teams

The sixth annual IMechE ADYC Formula Student showcase took place at Sheffield Hallam University with representatives from seven local universities in attendance. The teams presented their designs for the forthcoming competition at Silverstone in July, discussing their design ideas and giving opinions on each other’s work in an open forum.

A wide variety of topics were presented, including Sheffield’s de-coupled suspension design, Leeds’s engine development, Manchester Met’s upgraded aerodynamics and Sheffield Hallam’s chassis weight saving program.

As well as their 2020 cars, many of the teams discussed their ongoing studies in producing electric vehicles, with several teams having a team member dedicated to future projects.

Five of the universities displayed their cars at the event, which generated plenty of interest.

Teams in attendance (in order of presentation):
- Manchester Metropolitan University MCR Met Racing
- University of Hull HUFS
- University of Leeds Gryphon Racing
- University of Bradford TBR
- University of Sheffield Sheffield Formula Racing
- University of Sunderland SUN Racing
- Sheffield Hallam University SHU Racing
Tom Pawinski
100 Years of Bentley Motors - 2019 Automobile Division Chairman's Address

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
University of Bradford - C7 Lecture Theatre Richmond Building
Tuesday 26^th November 2019

100 Years of Bentley Motors - 2019 Automobile Division Chairman's Address

Speaker: Paul Jones (2019 Automobile Division Chairman)

Paul Jones, IMechE Automobile Division Chairman, visited the University of Bradford to deliver his Chairman’s Address on ‘100 years of Bentley Motors’. As former Director of Product Management at Bentley Motors, Paul was expertly placed to give an engaging historical and technical lecture charting the trials and tribulations of Bentley motors from the first EXP1 vehicle produced in 1919 to the current third generation of the Continental GT. Paul documented the various cars and technical achievements from self-levelling suspension, power hydraulic brakes and zinc-dipped bodies to the curiosity of the current V8 engine in the Mulsanne which can trace its heritage back to 1959. Bentley’s racing pedigree was covered, including their early successes at the Le Mans 24-hour race in the 1920s & 30s to their more recent victory in 2003 under VW ownership. The talk was rounded off with a detailed overview of the current Continental GT.

Special thanks to the University of Bradford for hosting the lecture.
Autonomous vehicles – feasibility and fantasy

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
Sheffield Hallam University
Tuesday 19^th November 2019

Autonomous vehicles - feasibility and fantasy

Speaker: Prof. Tim Gordon

Tim Gordon, Professor of Vehicle Control Engineering at the University of Lincoln, gave an insightful and thought-provoking lecture on the future of autonomous and automated vehicles based upon his many years working in the field of vehicle dynamics and control. Tim began the lecture by presenting a summary list of the main requirements to be met in order to control a vehicle within a real-world environment and how these tasks must be performed in a safe and repeatable manner. He outlined how many of these driving tasks can be achieved by modern computers, but that the challenges of asking a computer to operate a vehicle within a human world remain. The complexities of being able to predict the motion, trajectory and intent of other road users (vehicles, pedestrians) were highlighted and the opportunities of ‘shared’ control for safety vs full autonomous mode were presented. The lecture ended with an overview of recent and current projects that Tim has been working on including semi-autonomous guided busses/trams.

Special thanks to Sheffield Hallam University for hosting the lecture.
Automotive Investigations: Analysis of incidents and failures

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
University of Bradford - C7 Lecture Theatre Richmond Building
Tuesday 15^th October 2019

Automotive Investigations: Analysis of incidents and failures

Speaker: Michael Ward - Consultant Motor Engineer and Expert Witness

Michael Ward presented an overview of some of his more interesting and unusual cases from over 30 years working as an independent expert witness to the motor industry. Cases ranged from disputes between individuals and OEMs, road traffic accidents, investigation of engine failure and disputes over vehicle restorations. The topics were covered in an engaging manner and encompassed such a broad spectrum of cases at different technical levels that there was something of interest to all members in attendance. Michael was able to walk the audience through each investigation as the evidence presented itself to him, and how the evidence often led to some surprising conclusions. This was a very engaging event for all and only scratched the surface of Michael’s extensive work as an independent expert.

Special thanks to the University of Bradford for hosting the lecture.
Tractors and Sportscars - Classic Vehicle Social at David Brown Tractor Club & Museum

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
David Brown Tractor Club & Museum, Meltham
Sunday 08^th Sept 2019

Tractors and Sports Cars - Classic Vehicle Social

Speaker: Stuart Gibbard

The IMeche Automobile Division tied up with David Brown Tractor Club of Meltham to organize a social after many years. This would hopefully be one of many more to come in following years. Members were encouraged to bring along their Classic Cars for display at the venue.

The event began with guests socialising around the classic cars and of course the wide range of classic David Brown and Ferguson Brown tractors in the museum. Vehicles on display included a Vintage Vauxhall, Austin Mini Clubman Estate, Singer SMX Roadster, Morgan 4/4, Austin Cambridge, Land Rover Defenders, Bedford S Type lorry and the VW Beetle.

The guests then took their seats to witness a talk on “Tractors and Sportscars – the link between David Brown and Aston Martin”. The talk was delivered by Stuart Gibbard who is a successful author and journalist specialising in tractors and machinery. Stuart talked along the lines of companies that made both “Tractors and Sports Cars” - Aston Martin, Singer, Porsche, Ford and Standard-Triumph, and FIAT. He highlighted the importance of the connection between David Brown Tractors and Aston Martin, with a lot of the initial development work and parts manufacture of the day taking place in and around Huddersfield. An Aston Martin engine assembly plant was located at Farsley in Leeds. The David Brown organisation had significant facilities and resources around the tractor and gear-cutting plant in Huddersfield that was used to support Aston Martin. David Brown were one of only a few companies that could truly claim to manufacture both cars and tractors with Lamborghini perhaps being another. The talk covered the history of David Brown tractors extensively till its end in the late 1980s when it was taken over by Case Tractors – now Case IH (International Holland) group.

Following the lecture, there was a buffet laid out for guests after which they took a short tour of the tractor test track nearby.

There were 70 attendees in total from IMeche and the Tractor Club. The Automobile Division Yorkshire Committee look forward to hosting this social at David Brown Tractor Club every year and hope to see more members attend and bring along their Classic vehicles.

Matthew Ebenezer
Aero development of the new Discovery

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
University of Sheffield - The Diamond
Tuesday 4^th December 2018

Aero Development of the new Discovery

Speaker: Adrian Gaylard - Technical Specialist in Computational Aerodynamics at JLR

Adrian Gaylard, Technical Specialist for Computational Aerodynamics at Jaguar Land Rover, delivered a technical lecture at The University of Sheffield on the aerodynamic development of the new Land Rover Discovery. The lecture focussed on the motivation to improve the aerodynamic performance over that of the outgoing model, and also to improve JLR’s knowledge on the validity of their virtual and experimental tools.

The lecture discussed the development of the initial vehicle concepts purely using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), which included general body sculpting, new features such as adjustable ride height, and additional opportunities such as ‘eco’ wheels.

During the delivery phase, full scale wind tunnel models and corresponding CFD tools were used. Adrian explained in excellent technical detail the aerodynamic development and analysis of the ‘air curtain’, underfloor flow, slotted spoiler and eco wheels.

Adrian gave details of the measurements which took place in the FKFS Moving Ground Aeroacoustic Wind Tunnel and how the results were used to validate the new CFD models. The end result being an impressive reduction in the coefficient of drag for the new vehicle and an increased confidence in JLR’s use of their virtual tools.

Special thanks to The University of Sheffield for hosting the lecture.
Restoration of the 1927 Grand Prix 8-cylinder FWD Alvis

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
University of Bradford - The Barn lecture theatre
Tuesday 22^nd May 2018

Restoration of the 1927 Grand Prix 8-cylinder FWD Alvis

Speaker: Dr Tony Cox MBE FIMechE

The speaker opened the lecture with a slide of Captain G T Smith-Clarke, Chief Engineer of Alvis, standing alongside the 1927 front-wheel -drive racing car, noting that Capt. Smith-Clarke was the first elected Chairman of the Automobile Division of the IMechE after the amalgamation with the Institution of Automobile Engineers in 1947.

He then went on to discuss the evolution of the FWD cars from 1925 to 1930, describing in detail features of the Grand Prix car such as the independent front suspension, with four quarter-elliptic springs per side, the non-driven rear axle suspension with leading torque arms and the straight eight twin overhead camshaft engine with an aluminium crankcase and monobloc cast-iron cylinder block and head. Of particular interest was the arrangement of the engine/transmission unit, with the drive passing under the differential to the gearbox and then back to the differential. The front brakes were mounted inboard, relieving the front suspension of brake torque reaction duties. A subsequent development of an FWD sports-car inverted the gearbox, with the drive passing over the differential, to provide the increased ground clearance necessary for road-going cars. The lecture was illustrated throughout by period photographs and surviving engineering drawings of components and layouts.

Only fourteen straight-eight cars were produced between 1926 and 1930, including four Grand Prix models, of which only one had survived, in pieces and with some major components missing. Tony Cox’s enthusiasm and previous experience of the FWD cars led him to embark on a project to restore the car to its original state. No detail drawings of the missing or irreparable parts still existed, these having been destroyed by war action in 1940, and only a general arrangement drawing of the engine remained.

By studying old photographs and examining similar parts used on the production FWD models, a process of reverse engineering, involving CAD modelling techniques, enabled manufacturing drawings and components faithfully reproducing the originals to be produced. The recreation of the internal arrangement and components of the gearbox, derived from just two photographs, was perhaps the most notable achievement.

When the restoration is complete it is intended that the car will be used to fulfil its original purpose, by competing in Vintage Sports Car Club and Historic race events, and not just kept as a museum piece.

In parallel with the Grand Prix car, a 1929 four-cylinder FWD sports-car is being restored to the same standard, using the same up-to-date design and manufacturing processes.

On display at the lecture were the rolling chassis of the two cars, and components including an aluminium crankcase, a cast-iron cylinder head/block, and gearbox components, which were enthusiastically pored over and handled by those attending.

Three vintage Alvis cars were driven by their owners to the meeting, adding a period flavour to the evening.

B R Shilton
Our Region's Formula Student Teams Showcase - Year 4

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
University of Bradford - The Barn lecture theatre
Wednesday 07^th March 2018

Our Region's Formula Student Teams Showcase - Year 4

Speakers: Representatives from Regional Formula Student teams

University of Bradford hosted the annual IMechE ADYC Formula Student Regional Showcase in what is now the event's 4th year. Local teams from the Universities of Bradford, Leeds, Huddersfield, Hull, Sheffield and Sunderland gave expertly delivered technical presentations on the innovative features of their new designs together with their aims and aspirations for the year ahead. A variety of concepts were covered ranging from detailed aerodynamic packages, spaceframe designs, a modified engine sump, bespoke suspension dampers, full 3D printed wings, novel anti-roll system and revised suspension designs.

There was also significant focus on knowledge retention with at one end of the spectrum the steep learning curve of the new Bradford team compared to the challenges faced by the longer standing teams of design stability vs the desire for innovation.

The evening was rounded off with the display of four vehicles which generated a huge amount of interest from the audience
Communication in Engineering Competition (Viscount Weir) 2018
Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
Cummins Turbo Technologies - Moorhouse Room, Huddersfield
Tuesday 20^th February 2018

Communication in Engineering Competition
(Viscount Weir) 2018 - Synopses

Competitors :

Frankie Jackson - Researcher in Computational Fluid Dynamics, University of Huddersfield

Craig Hasler - Research Engineer - Advanced Technology Group, Cummins TT Huddersfield

Daniel Nicholls (lead), Joshua Priest, Tom Davis - final year MEng students, Mechanical Engineering, Sheffield Hallam University

Winner: Frankie Jackson - Researcher in Computational Fluid Dynamics, University of Huddersfield

The work conducted aimed to improve the external aerodynamic characteristics of the 2017 University of Huddersfield formula SAE vehicle. To improve dynamic performance in the SAE events a multiple element rear wing was developed, which incorporated adjustable elements to constitute a Drag Reduction System (DRS). A numerical modelling approach was adopted to produce a suitable design. A simplified model of the vehicle was created to obtain baseline coefficients of lift (CL) and drag (CD). The rear wing was optimised to find the peak configuration generating maximum downforce. The results show that the incorporated rear wing improved the vehicles CL from 0.21 acting in the positive Y axis (lift) to 1.15 acting in the negative Y axis (downforce), whereas the CD increased from 0.71 to 1.21. However, the DRS configuration reduced the CD to 0.79. Using the obtained lift and drag coefficients, vehicle performance was estimated, such as maximum cornering speed, straight-line top speed and straight-line acceleration capabilities. The rear wing improved the theoretical maximum cornering speed by 3.1% for a corner radius of 13m. The DRS increased the theoretical top speed by 18.2% compared to a fixed wing configuration. Acceleration potential increased by 15.7% at 25m/s with the DRS open. The final section of the study used an online simulator (FSAESim) to make predictions of the acceleration event time which were compared to the track results from the 2017 Hungary SAE event. The results showed a 97% similarity.

Runner Up: Craig Hasler - Research Engineer - Advanced Technology Group, Cummins TT Huddersfield

A significant proportion of modern turbochargers incorporate a wastegate system into their architecture. This system allows the bypassing of flow around the turbine wheel to prevent an over-boosted engine condition. CTT has identified that while the wastegate is in its open position there are several key design changes which can be made in order to greatly increase turbine stage efficiency.

This talk will discuss the pitfalls of current wastegate turbine design, highlighting the areas for its improvement. Three key parameters were studied and will be discussed in detail: flow reintroduction angle, the method of flow reintroduction and wastegate bypass capability. Through a combination of computational analysis and test work, this talk will quantify the benefits of each of these parameters and the overall improvement to wastegated turbine stage design.

Daniel Nicholls (lead), Joshua Priest, Tom Davis - final year MEng students, Mechanical Engineering, Sheffield Hallam University

Design of a high-performance turbocharger for the IMechE formula student cars low displacement engine:

Internal combustion engine downsizing has gained momentum in the UK, however these engines rely on turbocharging to achieve sufficient power. This method of power generation is much more efficient and will help achieve the EU long term target of 95g CO2/kg by 2020. With this in mind, the purpose of this project is to develop a novel turbocharger design for the formula student cars low displacement single cylinder engine - the work being both beneficial to the formula student team and the wider automotive industry.

The design will be accomplished through integrated CFD and FE analyses combined with a unique CFD validation case. Additionally, the work will critically evaluate the performance of a centrifugal fan test rig, producing a full performance map for the backward, forward, and radial rotors which will then be incorporated into a CFD validation case. Validation cases for both the compressor and turbine stages are achieved through 2D S1-S2 and full 3D steady state simulations.

The design phase is to follow an iterative aero-mechanical turbomachinery design methodology for the compressor and turbine flow paths:
- 1D semi-empirical calculations.
- 2D S1-S2 fluid path analysis.
- Static structural FEA analysis of mechanical and thermal stresses.
- Full 3D steady-state CFD analysis.
Turbochargers : High Speed and Temperature Challenges in Tribology

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
University of Huddersfield - Haslett Building, Huddersfield
Tuesday 21^st November 2017

Turbochargers : High Speed and Temperature Challenges in Tribology

Speaker: Prof John Allport, CEng FIMechE
Professor of Automotive Engineering
Director of the Turbocharger Research Institute
University of Huddersfield

Modern automotive turbochargers can operate at speeds in excess of 300,000 rpm and temperatures beyond 1000C, so it is understandable that the wear of the various loaded and moving interfaces is of great concern. In fact around 60% of turbocharger failures are tribology related, with a lack of viable lubrication at key interfaces the major culprit with current designs.

The basic lack of lubricant or contamination of the lubricant can lead to wheel contact with the housing and wear, bent or broken shafts, coking of journal bearings, worn journal bearings and damaged seals. If roller bearings are used to support the shaft rather than journal bearings, then at high speeds the outer race can become preferentially damaged due to the centripetal effects on loading and the flow of contaminants in the lubricant. Turbocharger designs with waste gate, swing vane and sliding nozzle introduce yet more pivots and reciprocating interfaces that are susceptible to wear and seizure.

New challenges to turbocharger performance include increased globalisation of the automotive industry (with variations in fuel, lubricant and maintenance quality), more arduous operating conditions in high efficiency engines and exhaust gas recirculation. Polymers are now being used for the lower temperature compressor wheels and housings. These bring a different problem in that their relatively low friction reduces the integrity of assembly to adjacent metal components.

The speaker is actively involved in a range of research projects to address the tribology of turbochargers. The focus is mainly on turbochargers with less dependency on lubrication by the engine oil. Examples include surface coatings for high temperatures (greater than 800 DegC), with low friction, wear resistance, effective thermal barrier, performance and chemical resistance, alternative material pairs in key loaded and moving interfaces and deposited “super-lubricant” films on surfaces. Other areas of research are high friction coatings/surfaces, to interface with polymer components, and non-slip joints.

Martin Priest
November 2017
Aston Martin DB11 – The New V12 Engine

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
University of Bradford - Richmond Building, Bradford
Monday 12^th June 2017

Aston Martin DB11 – The New V12 Engine

Speaker: Ben Husband PgC MSc – Engines Senior Manager, Aston Martin Lagonda, UK

The lecture opened with and excellent overview of the heritage of the company and specifically the engines. Aston Martin Lagonda was founded in 1913 and as part of the their 2nd Century Plan a new V12 engine for the DB11 car was conceived to meet modern emissions legislation with acceptable fuel economy. The resulting 5.2 litre, 592 BHP engine is the first Aston Martin turbocharged engine and is manufactured in their own factory in Cologne. Compared to its predecessor it has 183 new parts from a total of 230, the same bore but a different stroke to limit tooling changes in manufacture, retains port fuel injection but with the addition of secondary air injection into the exhaust, a variable displacement oil pump, cylinder deactivation and a fuel economy oil specification of SAE 0W20. The resulting V12 engine has 41% more power, 16% more torque and 37% less carbon dioxide emissions compared to its 6.0 litre predecessor.

The audience were taken on a fascinating and detailed journey through the engineering evolution of the design specification and the resulting components and sub-systems to meet those requirements. High levels of detailed engineering insight were presented, bringing in computer simulation and test data from accelerated standard laboratory tests, laboratory simulations of sub-system performance and full engine tests, in the laboratory and in vehicle. A video of a late prototype engine being assembled by hand highlighted the complexity and intricacy of a modern engine.

The speaker paid particular attention to the major technical challenges faced in the development of this new engine. These were turbocharger and exhaust manifold robustness in response to thermal stressing, oil management with a peak oil demand of 110 litres per minute, engine crankcase breathing with minimal oil carry over, engine bay packaging, the emissions strategy and fuel economy.

A lengthy question and answer session followed, with an Aston Martin prize on offer for the best question as judged by the speaker. Finally, the audience were able to view the new engine in a DB11 car driven to the event by the speaker.

Martin Priest
June 2017
Passenger Car Hybrid Drivetrains Using Magsplit Technology

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
Joint with Yorkshire Region - South Yorkshire Area
AMP Technology Centre,
Brunel Way, Rotherham S60 5WG,
   Thursday 27^th April 2017


Passenger Car Hybrid Drivetrains Using Magsplit Technology

Speaker: Dr Stuart Calverley PhD CEng FIET - Magnomatics

Dr Calverley represented Magnomatics, a company borne out of the University of Sheffield, specialising in magnetic drive gear technology. Of the relatively small team, approximately half of the staff are dedicated to work on the main ‘Magsplit’ brand.

The lecture started with an in-depth explanation of the concepts of magnetic gear technology comparing them to the more familiar concepts of traditional tooth driven planetary gear systems which the audience could more likely relate to. In the magnetic gear systems the magnets represent planet gears where the high speed magnet is at the centre (larger poles) and a low speed magnet is the outer gear (small poles). Core technical principals of the technology were well covered with simple examples of how drive ratio could be calculated by the number of poles and the rotor speed, as well as where the gear ratio could be dynamically changed with rotor speed without decoupling from the driven wheels. Explanations were given where mag-drives can be used for reliable operation in harsh environments such as oil and gas pipelines using Pseudo Direct Drives (where high torque motors and generators are used with integrated magnetic transmissions).

Practical examples of three rotor drive systems were presented where the outer rotor transmits engine drive and the inner rotor transmits drive to the wheels such as in the Toyota Prius E-CVT System. It was explained how the changing speeds of the gear rotors affect the gear ratios dynamically in-mesh to be variable magnetic gearing. Dr Calverley explained the engineering judgement during the specification stage of product development where the efficiency of the Magsplit package (materials, size, weight) is offset against cost savings and how these judgements are evaluated for OEMs using in house tools based on the given performance requirements. Such projects with drastically different performance requirements were partnerships with Ford for passenger car technology and conversely Volvo for medium to large size trucks.

The rest of the presentation covered design optimisation via the analysis of the magnetic forces, efficiency maps under different loadings and break specific fuel consumption (measured in g.fuel/kWh) through to vibration analysis and test bed simulation. This was illustrated with videos showing the extreme forces on the devices potentially destroying themselves and highlighting the implication of diesel hybrids changing from EV mode and its effect on drive train attenuation.

This was a well presented, in depth technical lecture which garnered high praise form attendees.

Report by:

Luke Farmer MEng (Hons) CEng MIMechE
Our Region's Formula Student Teams Showcase - Year 3

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
University of Leeds - School Of Engineering,
Wednesday 1^st March 2017

Our Region's Formula Student Teams Showcase - Year 3

Speakers: Representatives from Regional Formula Student teams

Teams from across the north of England gathered at the University of Leeds for the regions Formula Student showcase. The event allowed teams from Huddersfield, Hull, Leeds, Sheffield and Sunderland to display cars from previous competition, as well as gather opinions on designs for their 2017 cars.

The presentation was started off by the hosts, who talked about how they would meet their objective of delivering a simple, reliable car (a theme of all the teams presentation), as well as gathering opinions from the assembled students on different possibilities for in-house dynamo-meter development, as this has caused problems in the past for the Leeds team.

Sheffield spoke on how they aimed to deliver a complete aero package for their 2017 car, with CFD designed front and rear wings, with the aim of improving performance across all dynamic events. Ergonomics was another major theme of the Sheffield presentation, as they have redesigned the pedal box for this year, as well as adding gear-shift paddles on to the steering wheel.

Hull were hoping that their improved design process would allow for added reliability, as well as a higher score in the design presentation. To achieve this, this year’s design has made additional use of techniques such as Finite Element Analysis (FEA), in order to deliver a safe car that will pass through scrutiny.

Scrutineering was a problem in previous years for the Sunderland team, but after being allowed to compete in the dynamics events in 2016, they aim to build on this by completing all the events this time around, which should guarantee a top half finish. Evolution not revolution is the team’s aim, as they will be hoping that a new clutch and differential will lead to better performance in all events.

Huddersfield’s simulator attracted a lot of attention both before and after the presentations, but the team won’t have much time to hone their driving skills, as the integration of a new 3-cylinder Triumph engine has proved challenging so far. Despite this, they are confident of a much improved performance at Silverstone in July, which will be aided by new aerodynamics and electronics.

The event with over 90 delegates showcased the great work of hundreds of students, with all teams willing to help each other with problems relating to design, manufacture and testing. Hopefully the 2017 competition will provide a good base for the five teams to improve over the coming years, and challenge for the top places overall.

Luke Etheridge
University of Leeds Formula Student Race Team
02 March 2017
The Bentley Bentayga

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
University of Bradford - Richmond Building - Bradford,
on Tuesday 31^st January 2017

The Bentley Bentayga

Speakers: Brett Causley & Adam French,
Both Engineers at Bentley

Bentley engineers, Brett Causley and Adam French, travelled to the University of Bradford to give a very popular and informative overview of the design and engineering of Bentley’s first SUV – The Bentley Bentayga.

The presentation began with a short video expressing the philosophy of the vehicle project which was to engineer the “fastest, most exclusive luxury SUV”.

Brett and Adam both focussed on aspects of exterior & interior design, body, engine, chassis, electrical design, craftsmanship, personalisation and facts & figures. Details were given of the new W12 engine with direct and indirect injection; cylinder deactivation via lateral displacement of the cam; twin scroll turbocharger and electronic dump valve all allowing the engine to achieve a power and torque output of 600BHP and 900Nm, but with lower emissions and improved response compared to previous models.

On the body side, focus was given to the newly adopted superform technique which allowed deeper panels with fewer split lines, permitting the designers to achieve a more continuous flow of the body lines and resulting in the largest aluminium body side panel in the industry. The vehicle used Bentley’s first mixed metal chassis comprising formed and cast aluminium, combined with hot and cold formed steel. This gave the best compromise between weight, strength and practicality.

The presentation rounded up with the video from the launch at the Frankfurt Motor Show and interesting facts and figures relating to the various options including picnic and fishing sets for the discerning buyer. The floor was then opened up to questions from the audience.

Finally, the audience were invited to view an example of the vehicle on display outside the building. This generated much interest, with the discussions continuing for some time.

David Bryant
05/02/2017
An Overview of Waste Heat Recovery on Heavy Duty Vehicles

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
Canal Side West Building, University of Huddersfield,
on Tuesday 29^th November 2016

Developments in Turbo Technologies: An Overview of Waste Heat Recovery

Speaker: Phil M Wild,
Manager, Advanced Engineering,
Cummins Turbo Technologies, Huddersfield, UK.

The focus of this technical lecture was the development of energy recovery systems using waste but high quality thermal energy in diesel engine systems. The main application of waste heat recovery (WHR) considered was heavy duty vehicles, where the demand for increased energy efficiency linked to reduced greenhouse gas emissions grows relentlessly, driven by legislation and customer demand. However, the technology is equally at home, and currently more economically attractive to OEMs, in larger scale diesel units for marine, off-highway and power generation applications.

Phil expertly described a classical engineering development story, from the second law of thermodynamics through the principle of increasing entropy, the Rankine closed thermodynamic cycle, the sources of appropriate high quality thermal energy in the engine system, key concept and detailed design decisions (such as the choice of working fluid and expansion machine) to a final elegant and compact design. An example WHR unit was available for the audience to inspect.

A target energy recovery rate of around 10kW is needed for a typical heavy duty vehicle to compete against other energy saving measures, such as improved aerodynamics, increased transmission efficiency and the use of lightweight materials. Phil showed how WHR effectiveness has been mapped against engine performance using a specially constructed test cell and outlined ongoing field trials, such as the Cummins-Peterbilt SuperTruck demonstrator pictured in the poster for this event. Although not currently used in any production heavy duty vehicles, Phil firmly believes that this major next step is very close as efficiency and environmental demands continue to inexorably rise.

A lively question and answer session followed, with the majority of the questions coming from the younger members of the audience. This was pleasing and highly appropriate, as many young engineers will undoubtedly end up working on such engineering system refinements as we seek to optimise the performance of the machines we need to function as a society, in transport and beyond.

Martin Priest
30 November 2016
How to Keep Petrol Heads and Environmentalists Happy - An Introduction to Lubrizol

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
The Diamond, University of Sheffield,
on Tuesday 25^th October 2016

How to Keep Petrol Heads and Environmentalists Happy - An Introduction to Lubrizol

Speaker: Dr Mike Sutton,
Senior Technical Fellow
Lubrizol Limited, Hazelwood, Derby, UK

Dr Mike Sutton manages the strategic technology group within engine oils division at Lubrizol. Working on longer term fundamental knowledge, innovation and product differentiation areas to underpin future product developments and differentiation of current technology. The main focus of his current role is to determine the appropriate lubricant technology needs over a 15 year time horizon, which involves amongst other things understanding engine development trends and determining the impact of those on the lubricant. Additional activities also consider even longer term product development needs outside of Engine Lubricants across the whole of Lubrizol Additives.

The evening commenced with a welcome from the ADYC Vice Chairman Dr David Bryant who thanked Mike Sutton for what promised to be an interesting and informative lecture. The lecture by Mike opened with an introduction in the world of Lubrizol and the markets they provide products for. Mike has been with Lubrizol for fourteen years and has a vast amount of knowledge. Mike has an unique flare and the audience were quickly drawn into his presentation. The presentation was very technical and covered the current global issues the automotive industry faces and the need to squeeze more mechanical efficiency through the lubricant in the powertrain system of a vehicle. The audience were introduced to how the automotive industry are moving towards technologies that include down speeding and right sizing where the design of the engine is changing optimise a combination of displacement, power and torque delivery and how this impacts the lubricant manufacturer to help ensure fuel consumption is reduced.

Mike Sutton mentioned that the modern lubricant is a complex mix of different chemistries that compete for the surface being lubricated but reassured the audience, who were mainly undergraduate engineering students, that only one slide of his presentation would delve into a little bit of chemistry. The students were relieved and amused!

The lecture concluded with a questions and answers session with a good mixture of questions on various technical aspects of the lubricant and environmental concerns. One student did ask Mike what oil he uses in his vehicle and what is the best available. Mike smiled and mentioned that the best lubricant to use in your own vehicle is the one recommended by the manufacture. The evening closed with a vote of thanks to Mike for his presentation and time from David Bryant.

Dr Rai Notay
01 December 2016
50 years of braking with JLR

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
Richmond Building, University of Bradford,
on Thursday 8 Sept 2016

Speaker: Nick Brett - Senior Manager
(Product Strategy & Planning), Jaguar Land Rover

As part of the 50^th anniversary celebrations for the University of Bradford’s Braking of Road Vehicles course, Nick Brett from JLR gave an informative and entertaining overview of the development of Jaguar and Land Rover Braking systems over the past 50 years.

Nick began by discussing the parallels between the current Jaguar Land Rover product line-up and that of 50 years ago. He then moved on to give an overview of the terrifyingly simplistic (and now unacceptable) single circuit brake system of the 1966 Land Rover Series 2a, of which he had all too vivid memories as an owner, contrasted by the complex remote servo system of the E-Type from the same era. Discussion then moved to the modern and far more advanced systems currently installed on JLR’s vehicles, complete with electronic stability control, electronic brake force distribution, regenerative braking and many other advanced features. The lecture was rounded off by an excellent video created especially for the event which gave a tour through the ages from the E-Type to F-PACE. At the end of the lecture, Nick took questions from the audience relating to future innovations in braking.

On display outside the lecture theatre were three examples of JLR’s product range – F-PACE, F-Type and Discovery, together with an immaculate Mk2 E-Type Jaguar kindly brought to the event by Doug Jopling of Rotork.
Aston Martin - The All New DB11

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre with Yorkshire Region Northern Area
JCT600 Brooklands Aston Martin, Leeds, on Tuesday 14 June 2016

Speaker: Ian Minards
Director, Product Development, Aston Martin

Ian Minards expertly described the engineering evolution of the latest edition in this iconic series of vehicles from Aston Martin, supported by a superb audio visual presentation. From the original concept design we were taken on a complex but well-defined journey through computer aided engineering simulation, detailed design, manufacturing process development, prototyping and the combination of virtual and real testing.

This encompassed the engine and drivetrain, the body and chassis, the electrical system, the interior, safety features and even the ergonomics of the control and feel of the car to the driver and passengers. The importance of teamwork and the attention to detail in the development of this high end performance road car was a very strong feature of the talk and Ian Minards has been central to the entire process as the Director of Product Development. An audience of 104 members and guests were very attentive throughout presentation and there was an extensive and varied question and answer session at the end. The icing on the cake for the audience was the presence of a brand new DB11 in a stunning frosted glass blue colour which the speaker had driven to Leeds just for this event.

Martin Priest

15 June 2016
Developments in Road Vehicle Braking

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre Technical Lecture meeting at the University of Bradford, on Tuesday 15 March 2016.

Speaker: Professor Andrew Day, MA, PhD, CEng FIMechE

Professor Andrew Day, former Dean of Engineering and Ford Professor at the University of Bradford, returned to the University on 15 March to give an invited technical lecture on Road Vehicle Braking.

Andrew Day started working in brakes when he joined local firm Mintex in 1977, as Research Engineer in new friction materials. He gained his PhD degree from Loughborough University, supervised by Peter Newcomb and then moved to the University of Bradford in 1985 where he continued researching into brakes and braking systems and became Dean of the School of Engineering, Design and Technology 2002 - 2008. since retiring from the University in 2013 he has continued to work as a specialist consultant in Braking.

Professor Day started his lecture with some basic theory relating to road vehicle braking system design and then quickly moved on to explain how the vehicle's braking system has become pivotal in the on-board systems for vehicle stability control which are among the most important active safety systems required by law in modern road vehicles. He explained how the vehicle's computer systems control electronic brakeforce distribution to each wheel, antilock braking, traction control, electronic stability control, and many other active safety systems. He showed videos (which are freely available on the internet) to illustrate the systems in operation, and answered many questions from the audience.

The Chairman of the Yorkshire Centre Automobile Division Committee, Professor Martin Priest, thanked Professor Day for his lecture, and hoped that the audience would drive safely on their way home.
The Future of Intelligent Vehicles

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
Sheffield Hallam University, on Tuesday 17 November 2015.

Speaker: Dr. Geoff Davis CEng FIMechE
Automobile Division Chairman (2015), and Chief Commercial & Technical Officer, Horiba MIRA Ltd.

Dr. Geoff Davis CEng FIMechE, the Chairman of the IMechE Automobile Division, visited Sheffield on 17 November to give his Chairman's Address to an audience of over 40 members and visitors from all over Yorkshire at Sheffield Hallam University. He gained his first degree from Swansea University, and then moved to Yorkshire to complete an MSc and PhD at Leeds University. His early career was spent with Ricardo in transmissions, including racing and extensive far East business development, and he moved to MIRA in 2009.
Geoff gave a fascinating analysis of the evolving computer power and artificial intelligence associated with road vehicles, supporting safety, efficiency, and convenience in everyday driving. He explained how human drivers currently benefit from 'driver assistance' and 'partial automation', and what the next stage in road vehicle automation means in terms of 'automated driving systems', including 'conditional automation', 'high automation' and 'full automation'. In each case the human driver retains overall control of the vehicle and can override the system at any time. He showed video clips of automated driving systems that are currently available, and explained the massive technology that is required to make them work. He expects automated driving systems to become commercially available on new vehicles within 5 years.

Dr. Davis' lecture was enthusiastically received by the audience, who asked many questions. The Chairman of the Yorkshire Centre Automobile Division Committee thanked Dr. Davis for his most interesting and thought-provoking lecture
The All New Land Rover Discovery Sport

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
Huddersfield University, on Tuesday 27 October 2015.

Speaker: Nick Veale CEng FIMechE
Architecture Chief Engineer, Vehicle Engineering, Jaguar Land Rover

Almost 90 members and visitors gathered at the University of Huddersfield for a fascinating technical lecture on the architecture, attributes, packaging, seating, powertrains and infotainment systems that gives the new Discovery Sport a class-leading position in premium compact SUVs. The speaker brought a sparkling new example of the car for attendees to look over before and after the lecture.
Centre Chairman, Steve Smith of Cummins Turbo Technologies, introduced Nick Veale, who joined Jaguar in 1988 after being a sponsored student and post-graduate with Austin Rover for 8 years. He has been responsible for vehicle engineering targets and attributes on JLR vehicles since 2008 and oversaw Discovery Sport from concept to production.

His lecture included details of the features that keep the all-terrain ability of all Land Rover vehicles (up to 27° tilt and 45° gradient) thanks to Land Rover’s patented Terrain Response system, whilst incorporating high levels of practicality and vehicle refinement. Based on the Evoque platform, a development of the Freelander 2 that the Discovery Sport replaces, the chassis is all new behind the A posts with Aluminium bonnet, roof and tailgate, 20% high-strength Boron steel and an all-new multilink rear suspension. The new suspension is key to accommodating both 5-seat and 5+2 arrangements, giving 1100 mm wide loading area and, critically, room for a spare wheel – a must-have in some markets where being stuck can be a life-or-death situation. Within a compact length of 4·6m and a Cd of 0·36, Discovery Sport gives capacity, seating options and ground clearance within overall dimensions which JLR benchmark data shows that no other rival can match in all aspects.

Launched with the carry-over petrol and DW12 2·2L Diesel engines from Freelander and Evoque, JLR has now introduced its own 2·0L Ingenium Diesel engine with 1800 Bar common rail injection, EU6 emission compliance and 227g/kWh BSFC thanks to a raft of friction reduction measures; the engine is 24kg lighter than the engine it replaces, which more than compensates for the additional SCR, Urea injection tank/system and cooled EGR that are necessary to meet the stringent emission standard.

All three rows of passengers enjoy good views ahead thanks to stadium seating design and options can provide face-level ventilation and access to USB charging points for all occupants, an increasingly important feature. Discovery Sport can also support 3G Internet access for up to 5 devices and has emergency assist call buttons built-in. The infotainment system also includes remote vehicle status (lock/unlocked, window open, etc.) on phone or tablet and journey records including fuel economy and trip-computer highlights. Other technology and convenience features include automatic high beam and automatic emergency braking (which interestingly recognises vehicles so does not work when owners try to test it on cardboard boxes), torque vectoring by braking and an optional “Active Drive” that makes the vehicle fully 2WD for enhanced fuel economy, returning to 4WD within 300mS when needed. All these technical features were explained, not as a sales talk but with the “why” and “how” that only a top engineer could describe. The rigorous test programme was illustrated using dramatic videos showing the car in many countries, test conditions, surfaces and extremes of punishing manoeuvres which Discovery Sport came through along its development, validating the simulation of crash, aerodynamics, NVH and even dirt/water accumulation that Nick Veale explained as part of his illustrated lecture.

There followed a wide-ranging and animated Q&A including a debate on the merits of driver assist systems, the challenges of spare wheel packaging and the way a car with 50% new parts is launched.

Centre committee member and past Automobile Division Chairman, Eur Ing Dr. Chris Bale, proposed the vote of thanks and Steve Smith presented Mr Veale with an IMechE tankard engraved to mark the occasion.
Aston Martin Engineering - A Virtual Approach

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
JCT600 Brooklands Aston Martin in Leeds, on Tuesday 24th March 2015.

Speaker: Ian Minards
Director of Product Development at Aston Martin

Ian Minards delivered a very interesting lecture about how the Aston Martin product development team uses virtual analysis to prove out new vehicle designs.
Formula Student 2015 Update

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
Sheffield University on 3rd March 2015.

FORMULA STUDENT - An overview of this year’s cars by our region’s Formula Student teams with the opportunity to see some of the cars.

Students from our region’s Formula Student teams gathered at The University of Sheffield to show off last year’s cars and present their plans for the 2015 events.

Sheffield Formula Racing (Sheffield) welcomed Team HARE (Huddersfield), SHU Racing (Sheffield Hallam), Leeds Formula Race Team (Leeds) and Institution members to their workshop where there was an opportunity to view the cars used in the teams in the 2014 Formula Student competitions.

After ample time to quiz the students informally about their efforts, proceedings moved to a nearby lecture theatre where representatives from each of the teams outlined the technical developments that they are currently working on. The Formula Student rules require a minimum quantity of carry-over parts from one year to the next, so each year, teams effectively have to design and build a new car - no mean feat for full-time engineering students! The level of design innovation, engineering rigour and technical communication was obvious to all present.

It is hoped that this becomes an annual event and will be hosted by each of the teams in turn. If you would like to see the teams in action, this year’s Formula Student is being held at Silverstone 10th-12th July.

Formula Student Weblink
Magsplit® - A new concept in hybrid vehicle drivetrains

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre Joint Meeting with South Yorkshire Area on 4^th December 2014

Speaker: Dr Stuart Calverly
Technical Director of Magnomatics Ltd In the AMP Technology Centre, Rotherham

The highly appropriate setting of the Advanced Manufacturing Park Technology Centre in Rotherham provided the venue for Dr Stuart Calverly, formerly of Sheffield University and one of the company founders of Magnomatics, to describe the innovative technology the company has developed for hybrid vehicle drivetrains.

The packed audience of 46 members and visitors, including a notable contingent of young engineers, received a detailed and technically illustrated lecture covering the principles of magnetics drives and the two key product areas in which it is being applied: Pseudo direct drive, which incorporates a high speed motor and magnetic gearing without contact or lubrication losses, and Magsplit® a constantly variable magnetic transmission. The lecture provided an insight into the modelling techniques that have been applied and developed for the technology and the testing and validation of both the simulation and the products – one with an “interesting and dynamic” outcome captured on video where the technology clearly outperformed the test rig.

Magsplit® overcomes the major disadvantage of extended axial layouts of conventional hybrid transmissions like that of the Toyota Prius, which compromises chassis design and packaging. The new compact design is applicable not only to B-class passenger cars that the Prius-layout cannot accommodate, but also a wide range of uses from motorcycles to heavy goods and off-highway applications. All these can take advantage of impressively high efficiency and better use of the direct through-drive from combustion engines working at an optimum condition while the power and torque output is used over a range of speeds and loads. Without contact between gear teeth and the need for extensive lubrication, Magsplit® offer a highly competitive technical solution that is free of wear and vibration. In fact Stuart went on to explain how software control can be applied to the magnetic gearing to virtually eliminate firing pulse engine vibrations and remove the need for costly and complex dual mass flywheels, providing a further assembly cost benefit to vehicle applications. The wider gearing of the magnetic transmission also means that the battery electric element of the hybrid powertrain has a reduced range of the battery state-of-charge during driving cycle operation compared with a mechanical transmission, leading to the options of using a smaller and cheaper battery or a longer life for a same-size battery.

The Magnomatics team is working on Magsplit® applications in Ford passenger cars and in a Volvo medium commercial vehicle. Stuart also showed video of a refuse truck running at MIRA with a Magnomatics wheel motor packed within the standard 22” diameter wheel and tyre which all showed how the core innovative technology development has moved into application-specific development programmes with real adopters. The prototypes are all made and tested in Magnomatics two facilities in Sheffield and the initial volumes will be made through The Proving Factory® with component manufacture in Rotherham and assembly in Coventry.

The lecture was followed by a stimulating Q&A session in which Stuart answered questions on Formula 1 drives, vibrations and cyclic loads, transmission errors and comparisons with hydraulic motors. Edward Draper, the SY Chairman, closed the evening with news of the region’s meeting on “Accidental bribery” on 22^nd January and the joint YAD lecture about McLaren at Sheffield University on 12^th February.
Greenpower and Bloodhound SSC Updates

Automobile Division Yorkshire Lecture 25 November 2014

Speakers: Steve Hutchinson, King James’s School, Knaresborough and Tony Parraman of Bloodhound
In the School of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Leeds

An audience of varying ages gathered at the University of Leeds of a “double-header” of technical presentations on two challenges to automotive engineering and had time to peruse a current Greenpower electric racing car in the main foyer of the Mechanical Engineering Department, while refreshments were served.

Steve Hutchinson of King James’s School (KJS) in Knaresborough gave an overview of the Greenpower Challenge for 11-16 year old youth groups to design, build and race an electric car. Within strict technical guidelines and using some “sealed” parts such as the 220W 24v motors and just six 12v batteries, KJS has been in the competition since 1999 and has reached the top-10 of the National finals, which are held for the top 75-performing cars from the nationwide heats on major racing circuits. Steve showed how the design has evolved over the years in the quest for better and better race results while matching the regulation changes that improve participant safety and competitive racing. While a new car is being built for 2014, the current car provides donor parts and the chance for students to solve engineering problems that have arisen over the year, including durability issues and collision events. As with all forms of car racing, budgets are always a problem and extra-curricular activities like the team’s Engineering Club that don’t count towards academic league tables, are also difficult for the staff to prioritise. Nevertheless, with the support of parents, local companies and this AD centre’s fund-raising efforts, the team is well-placed to target more top performances in Greenpower.

From 12v and 40 mph, the evening moved on to hear about multi-digit budgets and 1,000 mph land speed record engineering. Tony Parraman of Bloodhound SSC gave a wide ranging lecture on the technology required to move the World land speed record into 4-digits and take a man faster than the bullet from a 357 Magnum and able to travel the length of four and a half football pitches in one second. Tony traced the development of the Bristol-based team from the Thrust projects of Richard Noble and explained the aerodynamic structure, powertrain and braking system for the record car. The challenges of a suitable location were also explained and some fascinating statistics emerged about the Haskeen Pan in South Africa where the record runs will take place in 2015 and 2016; for example, it took 315 people to manually clear the 20 Tonnes of >10mm diameter stones from the mud-flats over the track distance and the area will soon have a much-needed piped fresh water supply thanks to the project. The car is powered by a combination of a Typhoon fighter ‘plane jet engine (the Eurofighter at Duxford has dummies as a result!) and a mixed-fuel rocket that burns 1.5 Te of fuel in 55 seconds to bring the 7.75 Te car to 1,050 mph. The team used advanced engineering techniques including CAE, CFD and sophisticated bench testing to develop the design and the car is now approaching completion. A run next year will advanced the current land speed record to over 800 mph in preparation for a 1,000 mph record in 2016. The competition from USA, Australia and New Zealand is presently well behind and neither their cars nor bullets will catch Bloodhound!

Stand-in chairman of the meeting, Dr. Chris Bale, thanked the two speakers and presented them with commemorative tankards; he closed the meeting by reminding the participants of the next two technical meetings on 4^th December (Magsplit at AMP technical Centre in Rotherham) and 12^th February 2015 (McLaren Automotive at the University of Sheffield).
The Chain-Drive Frazer Nash

Automobile Division Yorkshire Lecture 28 October 2014

Speaker: Louise Bunting and David Leigh of the Frazer Nash Car Club

In the School of Engineering and Informatics at the University of Bradford

Louise Bunting, current Captain of the Frazer Nash Car Club, opened the meeting by outlining the history of GN, starting with Ron Godfrey and Archie Frazer-Nash, who had been together as apprentices, producing their first cycle-cars in 1914. These vehicles had a wooden chassis, wire-and- bobbin steering and belt-drive from a transverse crankshaft mounted J.A.P V-twin engine, and were soon developed into more conventionally steered cars with their own Peugeot influenced V-twin engine. This had an overhung crankshaft installed longitudinally, and drove a bevel box and thence by chains to the back axle.

The cars were used successfully in competition, but in 1922 the company was put into receivership and ceased production in 1924. The introduction in 1922 of the Austin Seven hastened the demise of several companies producing less sophisticated small cars and cycle-cars. By this time both Godfrey and Frazer-Nash had left the company, and Frazer-Nash started his own company, producing cars with 4-cylinder engines and 3-speed chain drive - as GN with a solid back axle and no differential.

These were progressively developed, using proprietary engines from Pluspower, Anzani, Meadows, Blackburne and Gough, some supercharged. In 1925 front wheel brakes were introduced and four speeds replaced three in 1927. By then Archie Frazer-Nash had left the GN company, now being run by the Aldington brothers, and the last chain driven car was produced in 1939. Between 1924 and 1939 not many more than 300 cars had been produced, a high proportion of which still exist today, and are actively campaigned in rallies, hill climbs and race events in this country and abroad.

In 1923 GN produced a single-seater V-twin racing car “Spider” which for many years in the hands of its owner Basil Davenport had a very successful competition career. David Leigh, its current (and only the third owner, has for several years competed very successfully with it in hill-climb and speed events, and brought Spider's chassis to the lecture for all to examine closely.

The lecture was illustrated by numerous period photographs of the many different body styles fitted to the cars, the engine and transmission details, some of the personalities involved and the cars in action. The speakers then enthusiastically answered many questions from the audience, including how to get round corners without a differential as quickly as possible.

52 people attended the lecture.
Aston Martin Vanquish

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre Technical Lecture - 26 March 2013

Speaker: Ian Minnard, Director Product Development - Aston Martin Lagonda

Now into its fifth consecutive year, the IMechE’s ADYC and Northern Division was proud to have the Director of Product Development at Aston Martin Lagonda – Ian Minnard – returning to present the latest technical lecture on the newest Aston Martin road car. The event was generously hosted by the JCT600 Aston Martin Dealership in Leeds, where the full range of Aston Martin Road Cars were on show for the 70+ people in attendance. The event was well attended, despite taking place during a period of extremely changeable weather. Included in the audience were young members of King James’ School Greenpower team, a scheme for secondary schools to design and build their own electric cars.

Surrounded by the cars on which the technical lecture was based, Ian took the audience through the plotted life of Aston Martin road cars from the Aston Martin DB9, Vantage V8 & V12, Virage, DBS to the new Rapide S and the star of the evening’s lecture the new Aston Martin Vanquish. Expanding on previous lectures given, Ian described the process of designing the latest car utilising the new Aston Martin V-H (Vertical-Horizontal) architecture. The V-H architecture allows for modular scalability of parts and chassis such that it allows for quicker turnaround of new models and subsequent updates through the product life cycle. Ian also took the audience through the technical challenges faced due to the introduction of legislations worldwide – notably crash and pedestrian safety. The engineering challenges of this were highlighted with the difficulties in lowering the position of the engine in the car. As ever, the depth of testing required was staggering but the solutions ingenious, as the Vanquishes engine was lowered onto a reinforced floor as well as redesign of components on the engines.

As is now becoming a tradition for this event, a raffle was carried out to raise funds for King James’ School Greenpower project. Raffle prizes included an extended test drive of one the latest Aston Martin courtesy of JCT600, a couple of goodie bags direct from Aston Martin HQ as well as several smaller IMechE and Aston Martin themed prizes. The total raised from the event was £130. The evening was thoroughly enjoyed by all, including Ian who has already indicated his desire to make it a sixth consecutive year in 2014.
The History of Bugatti

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre Technical Lecture 6 November 2012 at Leeds University – School of Mechanical Engineering

Speaker: Richard Day – Curator of the Bugatti Trust

Richard Day is the current curator of “The Bugatti Trust”, based at Prescott Hill, Gotherington, Cheltenham. The trust was developed by Hugh Conway who was renowned as an expert on Bugatti history and along with a number of Bugatti enthusiasts collated an extensive store of drawings, photos and technical details for the Bugatti product. The trust now has in excess of 26000 documents, photos, drawings and technical data for Bugatti product which is supplied to owners and restorers worldwide. It now stands as the first and foremost authority on Bugatti product.

The evening commenced with a welcome from the AD Chairman, in which Steve Smith thanked Richard Day for what promised to be an interesting and informative lecture. Following this Professor David Barton received a vote of thanks and a presentation for his long service to the ADYC committee, as he steps down after many years’ service.

The Lecture by Richard Day covered the works of Etorre Bugatti from his first car design, at the age of 16, until the end of the 1950’s at which time Etorre’s sons were running the company. The lecture had a good mixture of technical and general information explaining how Etorre Bugatti faced and overcome various technical issues by redeveloping the engine design to gain his desired performance. We also learned how Etorre developed new machining methods and equipment to manufacture the ever changing automotive technology he used in his cars. As part of this development Etorre’s engineering skills allowed him to develop a series of race cars which competed and beat the might of Mercedes with his smaller and less powerful cars, bridging the gap between Mercedes and the rest of the field.

In addition to the automotive design and manufacture work, we learnt a how Etorre Bugatti was a wise entrepreneur and was able to seek out new investors throughput his entire carrier. This allowed Bugatti to branch into other forms of transport such as, bus, rail and air with limited success in each.

The lecture concluded with a questions and answers session, with a good mixture of questions on various technical aspects of Bugatti’s work and also covering his life and achievements. The evening closed with a vote of thanks to Richard Day from Steve Smith as ADYC chairman.

The event took place at the University of Leeds' School of Engineering with a total attendance of 84.
Visit to Optare - Sherburn-in-Elmet

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre Visit – 8 May 2012

Host: Chris Wise (Director, Optare Sales & Marketing) & Glenn Saint (Director, Optare Production and Engineering)

Optare is one of the UK’s largest bus manufacturers which became part of the Ashok-Leyland group in 2010. Their key products is the low floor/access bus with integral frame with the Solo, Solo SR, Versa and Tempo models currently on sale in the UK and globally, with new products targeting for introduction in late 2012/early 2013.

After the initial greeting by the AD Centre Vice Chair, Glenn Saint and Chris Wise then gave the 28 strong audience a 30 minute presentation explaining the history of Optare, from Charles H Roe in 1984 to the present day. The pictures clearly gave an evolution of their original bus body product into the modern bus with its integral chassis, composite materials and EEV/Hybrid technology power unit now on sale. Chris Wise then continued with a brief look into Optare’s future plans for further development of EEV and Hybrid systems in conjunction with a number of suppliers, to enable the development of more wide based use of this technology in public transport. Follow the presentation a questions and answer session took place with Glenn Saint and Chris Wise answering many questions on past present and future developments for the group and the benefits of becoming part of the Ashok-Leyland group.

The group were then given a guided tour of the new factory at Sherburn, with Glenn Saint and Chris Wise taking a group each. The Tour showed how Optare have created a natural flow technique to their production process over the years. The modular construction of the engine power pack and/or Hybrid system provided a good view of the benefits it gives to assembly and access for service. During the tour it became clear that Optare use many international suppliers for their raw materials and in some cases finished sub-assemblies. Becoming part of the Ashok-Leyland group was again identified as a key in managing product material costs, by commonising assemblies across the fleet and using the increased buying power of the wider group. It was explained how Optare work with their customers to ensure that where possible, all new buses leave the factory in the customers preferred colour scheme and livery. This is carefully worked into the production line to ensure that time is not lost in unnecessary masking up time.

Following the tour another short Q & A session took place prior to leaving the shopfloor, then visitors left. Overall this was a well presented and well received visit, with a good mix of historical and technical information, especially to those involved in the bus industry. Thanks were given to Glenn and Chris for their time and providing an enjoyable evening.
Aston Martin - The complete story of the Vantage

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre Technical Lecture - 27 March 2012

Speaker: Ian Minnard
Director Product Development - Aston Martin Lagonda

For the fourth year running, the IMechE’s ADYC and Northern Division is proud to have Ian Minnard – Director of Product Development at Aston Martin Lagonda – returning to his native Yorkshire to present the latest technical lecture on the Aston Martin road car. Surrounded by the full range of Aston Martin Road Cars at the JCT600 Aston Martin Dealership in Leeds (what is now fast becoming a key feature of his lectures in the region), Ian took the 130 strong audience through an informative history of the current Aston Martin Vantage (2003-2012+). Included in the audience were young members of King James’ School Greenpower team, a scheme for secondary schools to design and build their own electric cars.

As always, Ian supplemented the technical lecture with the latest version of the car (2012 Aston Martin Vantage) which he kindly drove up from the factory in Gaydon, Warwickshire. The lecture went through the life of the Vantage from the early design concept, prototype building & testing, production manufacturing, launch of the new vehicle all the way through to racing of the new vehicle. Ian described the process of designing the Aston Martin utilising the V-H (Vertical-Horizontal) architecture of the current Aston Martins, which allows for modular scalability of parts and chassis with the range of Aston Martin road cars. This allows for quicker turnaround of new models and subsequent updates through the product life cycle.
Ian also took the audience through the technical challenges faced with some of the engineering design solutions due to the introduction of legislations worldwide (notably occupancy safety, crash safety and pedestrian safety). Ian, in his typically friendly and engaging manner, was open to questions at the end of the lecture and as a testament to his very high standard; the questions had to be eventually cut short so that he could then make the journey back to Gaydon that evening. The successful evening was rounded off with a raffle to raise funds for King James’ School Greenpower project. The total raised from the event was £120 with the lucky winner of the top prize earning an extended test drive of one of the latest Aston Martin cars, courtesy of JCT600. Many thanks to Ian and all those who attended to make this another memorable lecture and hopefully a fifth consecutive lecture will be arranged in the following year’s events calendar.
Reducing Carbon Emissions - can the automobile make a positive contribution

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre Technical Lecture – 7 February 2012

Speaker: Prof Peter White
Automobile Division Chairman

So how can the automobile make a positive contribution to reducing CO2 emissions? By reducing the weight of a car by 80kg this can equate to 3g CO2/km reduction whilst a 10% reduction in drag coefficient can similarly equate to a 3g CO2/km reduction. These were just some of the eye opening and interesting facts that Professor Peter White presented at a Technical Lecture held at the University of Huddersfield on Tuesday 7th February. As the current Chairman of the IMechE's Automobile Division and Professor of Thermofluid Dynamics at Coventry University, Peter White is eminently qualified to communicate some of the current challenges faced in the automotive industry and what some of the potential solutions may be to tackle carbon emissions. For instance, did you know that 20% of the fuel consumption is directly attributable to the tyres? So how often does the tyre pressure get checked on your car?

The lecture given highlighted some insightful facts and figures regarding the major contributors to energy consumption in the world today. In 2006/7 of the total carbon emissions emitted, the contribution by transport in the EU was 24%, and world-wide this was 23%. Of the transport emissions contribution in the UK, 54% are from cars and there has been an increase of UK transport emissions of 12% from 1990-2007. It is clear that if reduction targets are to be met, the automobile MUST make a positive contribution. There are 3 key contributors which can help reduce the carbon emissions, these are: the mass of the vehicle; the aerodynamics; and the rolling resistance. In addition, Prof Peter White proposes an interesting concept in the pattern of use of the vehicle. Similar to calling plans on mobile phones, he proposes a leasing type plan where people would select the type of vehicle which would be most suitable for a particular journey. For example, for stop/start daily commutes over short distances, perhaps a small electric vehicle would be better suited. Whereas for longer motorway-type journeys a highly fuel efficient internal combustion engine vehicle may be suitable. To make a significant reduction to carbon emissions, people’s behaviour about the type of cars that people use for the various journey types must change.
Real World simulation testing of advanced powertrain systems

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre Technical Lecture – 9 November 2011

Speaker: Gareth Deakin

Sales & Application Director for Vehicle Test Systems, Froude Hofmann Ltd (FH)

On 9^th November 2011, about 40 members and visitors gathered for a fascinating and wide-ranging evening on powertrain testing and real-world simulation at the University of Bradford. Before the main lecture, preregistered attendees were given a guided tour of the university’s Hybrid Powertrain Engineering Research Centre (HyPER-C) where they were shown engine, component and vehicle test facilities.

Centre Chairman, Helen Barrans of Cummins Turbo Technologies, introduced the guest speaker, Gareth Deakin, who joined Froude Hofmann in 1978 as a graduate Mechanical Engineer. Mr Deakin informed the audience that William Froude was one of the pioneers of dynamometer testing, building his first in 1877 for the admiralty to measure shaft power. He traced the company’s long history of technical development and strategic acquisition (including Cosine Dynamics, Hofmann Prüftechnik then Go Power and Bennet Controls). The company now makes a wide range of test equipment at its headquarters in Worcester, including many sizes of engine and vehicle dynamometers as well as complete containerised test cells that are shipped to customers across the globe. The company has a particular expertise in simulating and replicating real-world driving to enable faster and more reliable powertrain development using test benches, chassis dynamometers, robot drivers and simulation software, rather than by conventional means on road and test track.

The lecture included details of an advanced hybrid powertrain and battery test facility recently built by Froude Hofmann at the University of Warwick, which enables electric motor and IC engine operations to be studied separately and together with real hardware in the loop (HiL) using virtual simulation tools that enable both power sources to run as if they were connected by a vehicle and to within a few tenths of mm of positional accuracy on the two drivelines. For powertrain and in-vehicle testing, FH’s sophisticated, quick-fit, carbon-fibre robot drivers can be programmed with a number of driving styles and provide the power train and vehicle developer with complete drive cycle consistency while other parameters of the powertrain and emission control system are developed. They can also be used with FH’s mileage accumulation dynamometers, to save further time and resources.

The latest test centre supplied by Froude Hofmann is the Automotive Centre of Excellence in Melbourne, Australia, set to become the largest and most advanced automotive training facility in the Southern Hemisphere, equipped with motorcycle, engine and vehicle test facilities.

Before the Q&A at end of the lecture, guests were given a full demonstration of how to create and set up a simulated test route using a ruggedized laptop, complete with junctions, other vehicles, turns and gradients, which can be used to drive a vehicle on a chassis dynamometer or to run an engine or complete (up to 4x4) powertrain in a dynamometer test cell.

Centre committee member and 2001-02 Automobile Division Chairman, Eur Ing Dr. Chris Bale, proposed the vote of thanks and presented Mr Deakin with a tankard engraved to mark the occasion

Past Event Reports

The events below have all passed, but this page gives an overview of the broad range of subjects we cover. Members and non-members are welcome to events,so feel free to bring your friends if they are interested in the topic.

For information on upcoming events please visit the Events page or contact the committee.

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre University of Bradford - Richmond Building, Bradford Thursday 19 October 2023 Accelerating Towards Sustainable Travel: Automobile Division Chairman's Address

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre David Brown Tractor Club & Museum, Meltham Sunday 11th Sept 2022 Classic Vehicle Social Event and David Brown Tractor Club Museum Tour

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre Online Webinar Tuesday 16th February 2021 Arrival - The Next Transport Revolution: The Story So Far

Speaker: Nick Clay - Head of Product Compliance, ARRIVAL

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre Online event hosted on "Teams" Meeting space Tuesday 17th November 2020 Communication in Engineering (Viscount Weir Competition)

Competitors :

Konstantin Long - Student at University of Hull Nizaam Shamsuddin & Aidan Tunnacliffe - Students at the University of Bradford

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre University of Bradford - C7 Lecture Theatre Richmond Building Tuesday 26th November 2019 100 Years of Bentley Motors - 2019 Automobile Division Chairman's Address

Speaker: Paul Jones (2019 Automobile Division Chairman)

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre Sheffield Hallam University Tuesday 19th November 2019 Autonomous vehicles - feasibility and fantasy

Speaker: Prof. Tim Gordon

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre University of Bradford - C7 Lecture Theatre Richmond Building Tuesday 15th October 2019 Automotive Investigations: Analysis of incidents and failures

Speaker: Michael Ward - Consultant Motor Engineer and Expert Witness

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre David Brown Tractor Club & Museum, Meltham Sunday 08th Sept 2019 Tractors and Sports Cars - Classic Vehicle Social

Speaker: Stuart Gibbard

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre University of Sheffield - The Diamond Tuesday 4th December 2018 Aero Development of the new Discovery

Speaker: Adrian Gaylard - Technical Specialist in Computational Aerodynamics at JLR

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre University of Bradford - The Barn lecture theatre Tuesday 22nd May 2018 Restoration of the 1927 Grand Prix 8-cylinder FWD Alvis

Speaker: Dr Tony Cox MBE FIMechE

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre University of Bradford - The Barn lecture theatre Wednesday 07th March 2018 Our Region's Formula Student Teams Showcase - Year 4

Speakers: Representatives from Regional Formula Student teams

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre Cummins Turbo Technologies - Moorhouse Room, Huddersfield Tuesday 20th February 2018 Communication in Engineering Competition (Viscount Weir) 2018 - Synopses

Competitors :

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre University of Bradford - Richmond Building, Bradford Monday 12th June 2017 Aston Martin DB11 – The New V12 Engine Speaker: Ben Husband PgC MSc – Engines Senior Manager, Aston Martin Lagonda, UK

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre Joint with Yorkshire Region - South Yorkshire Area AMP Technology Centre, Brunel Way, Rotherham S60 5WG, Thursday 27th April 2017 Passenger Car Hybrid Drivetrains Using Magsplit Technology Speaker: Dr Stuart Calverley PhD CEng FIET - Magnomatics

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre University of Leeds - School Of Engineering, Wednesday 1st March 2017 Our Region's Formula Student Teams Showcase - Year 3 Speakers: Representatives from Regional Formula Student teams

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre University of Bradford - Richmond Building - Bradford, on Tuesday 31st January 2017 The Bentley Bentayga Speakers: Brett Causley & Adam French, Both Engineers at Bentley

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre Canal Side West Building, University of Huddersfield, on Tuesday 29th November 2016 Developments in Turbo Technologies: An Overview of Waste Heat Recovery Speaker: Phil M Wild, Manager, Advanced Engineering, Cummins Turbo Technologies, Huddersfield, UK.

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre The Diamond, University of Sheffield, on Tuesday 25th October 2016 How to Keep Petrol Heads and Environmentalists Happy - An Introduction to Lubrizol Speaker: Dr Mike Sutton, Senior Technical Fellow Lubrizol Limited, Hazelwood, Derby, UK

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre Richmond Building, University of Bradford, on Thursday 8 Sept 2016

Speaker: Nick Brett - Senior Manager (Product Strategy & Planning), Jaguar Land Rover

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre with Yorkshire Region Northern Area JCT600 Brooklands Aston Martin, Leeds, on Tuesday 14 June 2016

Speaker: Ian Minards Director, Product Development, Aston Martin

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre Technical Lecture meeting at the University of Bradford, on Tuesday 15 March 2016.

Speaker: Professor Andrew Day, MA, PhD, CEng FIMechE

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre Sheffield Hallam University, on Tuesday 17 November 2015.

Speaker: Dr. Geoff Davis CEng FIMechE Automobile Division Chairman (2015), and Chief Commercial & Technical Officer, Horiba MIRA Ltd.

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre Huddersfield University, on Tuesday 27 October 2015.

Speaker: Nick Veale CEng FIMechE Architecture Chief Engineer, Vehicle Engineering, Jaguar Land Rover

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre JCT600 Brooklands Aston Martin in Leeds, on Tuesday 24th March 2015. Speaker: Ian Minards Director of Product Development at Aston Martin

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre Sheffield University on 3rd March 2015.

FORMULA STUDENT - An overview of this year’s cars by our region’s Formula Student teams with the opportunity to see some of the cars.

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre Joint Meeting with South Yorkshire Area on 4th December 2014 Speaker: Dr Stuart Calverly Technical Director of Magnomatics Ltd In the AMP Technology Centre, Rotherham

Automobile Division Yorkshire Lecture 25 November 2014 Speakers: Steve Hutchinson, King James’s School, Knaresborough and Tony Parraman of Bloodhound In the School of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Leeds

Automobile Division Yorkshire Lecture 28 October 2014 Speaker: Louise Bunting and David Leigh of the Frazer Nash Car Club

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre Technical Lecture - 26 March 2013 Speaker: Ian Minnard, Director Product Development - Aston Martin Lagonda

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre Technical Lecture 6 November 2012 at Leeds University – School of Mechanical Engineering Speaker: Richard Day – Curator of the Bugatti Trust

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre Visit – 8 May 2012 Host: Chris Wise (Director, Optare Sales & Marketing) & Glenn Saint (Director, Optare Production and Engineering)

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre Technical Lecture - 27 March 2012 Speaker: Ian Minnard Director Product Development - Aston Martin Lagonda

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre Technical Lecture – 7 February 2012

Speaker: Prof Peter White Automobile Division Chairman

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre Technical Lecture – 9 November 2011

Speaker: Gareth Deakin

Sales & Application Director for Vehicle Test Systems, Froude Hofmann Ltd (FH)

The events below have all passed, but this page gives an overview of the broad range of subjects we cover.

Members and non-members are welcome to events,so feel free to bring your friends if they are interested in the topic.

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
University of Bradford - Richmond Building, Bradford
Thursday 19 October 2023

Accelerating Towards Sustainable Travel:
Automobile Division Chairman's Address

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
David Brown Tractor Club & Museum, Meltham
Sunday 11th Sept 2022

Classic Vehicle Social Event and David Brown Tractor Club Museum Tour

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
Online Webinar
Tuesday 16^th February 2021

Arrival - The Next Transport Revolution: The Story So Far

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
Online event hosted on "Teams" Meeting space
Tuesday 17^th November 2020

Communication in Engineering (Viscount Weir Competition)

Konstantin Long - Student at University of Hull

Nizaam Shamsuddin & Aidan Tunnacliffe - Students at the University of Bradford

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
University of Bradford - C7 Lecture Theatre Richmond Building
Tuesday 26^th November 2019

100 Years of Bentley Motors - 2019 Automobile Division Chairman's Address

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
Sheffield Hallam University
Tuesday 19^th November 2019

Autonomous vehicles - feasibility and fantasy

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
University of Bradford - C7 Lecture Theatre Richmond Building
Tuesday 15^th October 2019

Automotive Investigations: Analysis of incidents and failures

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
David Brown Tractor Club & Museum, Meltham
Sunday 08^th Sept 2019

Tractors and Sports Cars - Classic Vehicle Social

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
University of Sheffield - The Diamond
Tuesday 4^th December 2018

Aero Development of the new Discovery

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
University of Bradford - The Barn lecture theatre
Tuesday 22^nd May 2018

Restoration of the 1927 Grand Prix 8-cylinder FWD Alvis

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
University of Bradford - The Barn lecture theatre
Wednesday 07^th March 2018

Our Region's Formula Student Teams Showcase - Year 4

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
Cummins Turbo Technologies - Moorhouse Room, Huddersfield
Tuesday 20^th February 2018

Communication in Engineering Competition
(Viscount Weir) 2018 - Synopses

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
University of Bradford - Richmond Building, Bradford
Monday 12^th June 2017

Aston Martin DB11 – The New V12 Engine

Speaker: Ben Husband PgC MSc – Engines Senior Manager, Aston Martin Lagonda, UK

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
Joint with Yorkshire Region - South Yorkshire Area
AMP Technology Centre,
Brunel Way, Rotherham S60 5WG,
Thursday 27^th April 2017

Passenger Car Hybrid Drivetrains Using Magsplit Technology

Speaker: Dr Stuart Calverley PhD CEng FIET - Magnomatics

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
University of Leeds - School Of Engineering,
Wednesday 1^st March 2017

Our Region's Formula Student Teams Showcase - Year 3

Speakers: Representatives from Regional Formula Student teams

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
University of Bradford - Richmond Building - Bradford,
on Tuesday 31^st January 2017

The Bentley Bentayga

Speakers: Brett Causley & Adam French,
Both Engineers at Bentley

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
Canal Side West Building, University of Huddersfield,
on Tuesday 29^th November 2016

Developments in Turbo Technologies: An Overview of Waste Heat Recovery

Speaker: Phil M Wild,
Manager, Advanced Engineering,
Cummins Turbo Technologies, Huddersfield, UK.

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
The Diamond, University of Sheffield,
on Tuesday 25^th October 2016

How to Keep Petrol Heads and Environmentalists Happy - An Introduction to Lubrizol

Speaker: Dr Mike Sutton,
Senior Technical Fellow
Lubrizol Limited, Hazelwood, Derby, UK

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
Richmond Building, University of Bradford,
on Thursday 8 Sept 2016

Speaker: Nick Brett - Senior Manager
(Product Strategy & Planning), Jaguar Land Rover

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre with Yorkshire Region Northern Area
JCT600 Brooklands Aston Martin, Leeds, on Tuesday 14 June 2016

Speaker: Ian Minards
Director, Product Development, Aston Martin

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
Sheffield Hallam University, on Tuesday 17 November 2015.

Speaker: Dr. Geoff Davis CEng FIMechE
Automobile Division Chairman (2015), and Chief Commercial & Technical Officer, Horiba MIRA Ltd.

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
Huddersfield University, on Tuesday 27 October 2015.

Speaker: Nick Veale CEng FIMechE
Architecture Chief Engineer, Vehicle Engineering, Jaguar Land Rover

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
JCT600 Brooklands Aston Martin in Leeds, on Tuesday 24th March 2015.

Speaker: Ian Minards
Director of Product Development at Aston Martin

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre
Sheffield University on 3rd March 2015.

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre Joint Meeting with South Yorkshire Area on 4^th December 2014

Speaker: Dr Stuart Calverly
Technical Director of Magnomatics Ltd In the AMP Technology Centre, Rotherham

Automobile Division Yorkshire Lecture 25 November 2014

Speakers: Steve Hutchinson, King James’s School, Knaresborough and Tony Parraman of Bloodhound
In the School of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Leeds

Automobile Division Yorkshire Lecture 28 October 2014

Speaker: Louise Bunting and David Leigh of the Frazer Nash Car Club

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre Technical Lecture - 26 March 2013

Speaker: Ian Minnard, Director Product Development - Aston Martin Lagonda

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre Technical Lecture 6 November 2012 at Leeds University – School of Mechanical Engineering

Speaker: Richard Day – Curator of the Bugatti Trust

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre Visit – 8 May 2012

Host: Chris Wise (Director, Optare Sales & Marketing) & Glenn Saint (Director, Optare Production and Engineering)

Automobile Division Yorkshire Centre Technical Lecture - 27 March 2012

Speaker: Ian Minnard
Director Product Development - Aston Martin Lagonda

Speaker: Prof Peter White
Automobile Division Chairman