Inspiring engineersof the future
Grand achievements by Whittle Wonders in Abu Dhabi
With support from IMechE and Imagineering
Harry Birch, Tom Govern, Tom Bradford, Ryan McLaren - the Whittle Wonders
Submitting the car for scrutineering
Construction of the Pit display
Car in starting mechanism
Earlier in the year four budding engineers from the North Leamington School won the UK heats of the F1 in Schools programme. This meant that the team, named “Whittle Wonders” after Sir Frank Whittle who had attended the school, were eligible to compete in the World finals being held in Abu Dhabi during November.
The major part of the competition is the design and racing of a model car powered by a gas cylinder. However, in addition to this the team also have to design and make a pit model, give a presentation and take part in the “Pressure Challenge” – another design and build competition.
For the car design the team have had to learn and use 3D design packages and fluid dynamics to optimise the car shape and style. They have worked with Warwick University to build parts using 3D printing techniques and with Coventry University to undergo wind tunnel testing.
The lads on the team had an experience in Abu Dhabi which will remain with them for a very long time. They were nominated for both the Research & Development Award and the Pressure Challenge Award. Overall they were placed 13th out of the 38 teams in the final – but as they are proud to state, they were 13th out of the 20,000 teams which entered worldwide.
The Midland Region of the IMechE provided £3000 funding from the Institution’s education Awards Committee, for the team to go out to the United Arab Emirates, also supported by Imagineering Congratulations from all in Imagineering and Midlands IMechE for a remarkable achievement!
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