AUTOMOTIVE, MECHANICAL, MOTORSPORT AND RACING Postgraduate courses

Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mathematical Sciences Contents

4 6 8 standard Industry collaboration What our students think of facilities and live projects in our postgraduate courses

postgraduate study R , the home of Engineering and our state-of-the-art facilities Gareth Neighbour

Welcome 10 12 14 The Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mathematical Sciences Automotive Mechanical Motorsport provides professionally accredited mechanical, automotive and motorsport Engineering MSc Engineering MSc Engineering MSc programmes of study. We focus on providing world-class teaching and applied research whilst giving our students an outstanding experience.

The department is a major international which are global, as practitioners in their Courses are developed in conjunction centre for research. To transfer our discipline. We also have excellent student with industry and are designed to ensure research and knowledge to the real support staff. that students graduate with the skills and world we combine fundamental science knowledge they need to excel in their 16 18 20 and market intelligence, creating On our programmes you will develop chosen careers. sustainable and solutions. practical skills, giving you an advantage Racing Engine Design MSc Research degrees Entry requirements These seek to minimise environmental in securing your desired career path. You We have a very active research impact and deliver economic will be equipped to identify and implement community that is organised into three performance. They also feed back solutions to real-world problems in a cross-cutting, inter-disciplinary themes: into our research-led teaching and our professional manner. We support student Sustainable Engineering and excellent track record in working with activity such as the Formula Student (SEI); Advanced , Propulsion research councils and organisations team: students design, build and then and (AEPV); and Simulation, such as BMW. Our with race their car at world competitions. Modelling and Systems Integration (SMSI). business and industry are invaluable. All of our courses equip you with Oxfordshire is home of many high 22 24 26 Our Oxfordshire location puts us at the specialist knowledge and skills in the companies with Harwell centre of the ‘hub’ for clean automotive latest technology and specialist software Campus nearby, a home for world leading Oxford Brookes Racing Research and industry BROOKESbus and related industries, enhancing the packages. This is recognised by many science, technology and business. Oxford collaboration we do. employers, especially in Formula 1, is right in the heart of the UK’s motorsport who recruit a significant number of industry, often called ‘Motorsport Valley’. We are situated on the Wheatley campus our graduates. In total, the area has over 4,000 high in a purpose-built £9m facility, equipped performance engineering businesses to the highest standards. This creates an In our teaching, research and knowledge which make us one of the best locations environment in which technical expertise transfer we strive to help students, staff to pursue your passion in engineering, is enhanced by creativity and imagination. and our partners reach their full potential. technology and mathematical sciences. We have a friendly, close-knit community, with around 700 students supported by With our bespoke teaching and research Professor Gareth Neighbour experienced and well qualified academic facilities, and equipment designed to Head of the Department of Mechanical and technical staff. Our staff also spend a meet the needs of modern industry, we Engineering and Mathematical Sciences significant proportion of their time working are well placed to support a variety of with outside organisations, many of fascinating research projects. 4 MECHANICAL ENGINEERING & MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES POSTGRADUATE COURSES 5

Industry standard facilities We have excellent experimental and computational facilities to conduct advanced research supporting our teaching. Our students have access to laboratories for their coursework and projects, which include the following areas:

Engine test cells We have four engine test cells with state- of-the-art instrumentation used in the development of engines. The facilities are comparable to those available at major manufacturers.

Automotive There are dedicated areas for Formula Student and the four-post rig for analysing the vehicle dynamics. We have a number of vehicles (for example BAR Formula 1 race car, Formula Renault, BMW MINI and Brookes’ fluids lab 1 Series and a F1 Force India car) used both for research and teaching. centrifugal pump performance test rig, 2 x Joining technology Dynamics flow benches, laminar and turbulent flow For over 40 years, Oxford Brookes A dedicated area for dynamic rig and forced convection equipment. has been involved in the research characterisation of vibrating structures and development of various joining and noise reduction. Mechanical testing and technologies. More recently, with the stress increasing demand for lighter and Fluids lab This area houses multi-functional more efficient structures, we have The equipment located in this area equipment used in teaching, research, been engaged with the science and enables students to gain deeper contract testing and consultancy. We engineering of , sealants and understanding of internal and external have experimental facilities to conduct bonding technology. 3D flows through the use of equipment fatigue and impact tests and an in-house such as the small-scale wind with heat treatment facility. a dedicated data acquisition system, The department employs a range of advanced engineering software for postgraduates to use, including:

■■ A collection of industry standard CAD packages. ■■ Stress and dynamics analysis packages. ■■ Computational Fluid Dynamics and Engine simulation software. ■■ Specialised vehicle performance simulation software.

Students have the chance to develop the skills needed to apply these Brookes’ four-post rig for Brookes’ auto lab is home to a variety of vehicles Brookes’ wind tunnel Brookes’ engine test cells packages creatively to produce suspension evaluation customers want. 6 MECHANICAL ENGINEERING & MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES POSTGRADUATE COURSES 7

Industry collaboration and live projects in postgraduate study Oxford Brookes has a rich history of providing high quality accredited courses. For over 20 years we have run engineering courses and we are the only university to offer a course in Racing Engine Design. Student render of Dallara car

Dallara This is a four-year project to design an Our graduates enjoy excellent electric race car. Students have designed employment opportunities. Many go all the aspects of the car from the battery on to pursue successful careers with pack to the powertrain. This design YASA Motors leading engineering and technology is going to be marketed and sold to Oxford Brookes has worked with YASA for a number years and the latest project is companies from major automotive the industry. addressing the challenge of motor cooling. The aim is to find a solution which will to motorsport companies, including cool the motor more efficiently as well as reducing the amount of material and the Formula 1 teams and suppliers. Our MSc students spent the first year of the cost of . connections provide students with project researching the most suitable the opportunity to take charge on parts for the vehicle, completing an initial ground‑breaking projects that can prototype. The project is currently in its lead to them gaining employment once third year, with students researching the they graduate. following areas of development: battery design, powertrain design, aerodynamics Our industry connections are constantly and cooling system, suspension growing and we are approached kinematics and dynamics, vehicle frequently by companies who specifically modelling and simulation. request our students to work with their teams on a wide range of projects. Please see page 25 for more information on this project. In the area of motorsport we have lecturers who have designed and worked on winning Formula 1 race cars. We were chosen by Fernando Alonso and the Cajastur to host their motorsport MSc scholarships.

MAN One of our international collaborations within the is with the R&D department of MAN in Germany. MSc student Joao Cesar has completed his capstone project in Munich, in the field of traffic modelling: traffic parameters Speedway such as density, flow and speed are used An exciting collaboration working with to develop a local traffic estimator, which IMG, who run Speedway, research staff A mini on a four-post rig at Brookes informs decisions of the MAN adaptive and students are looking at various cruise control system. Local traffic aspects of the series. The collaboration estimator uses on-board radar and video draws on our unique knowledge and BMW fusion to calculate traffic parameters includes designing an improved bike Oxford Brookes worked with BMW as an academic partner on the successful which can be used to observe different frame, increasing Speedway’s popularity MINI E project. The results of this study can be found on our (http://mems. traffic states of each lane. This is a very in the UK and electric bike design. This brookes.ac.uk/research/sei/emobility.html). Our success on this project has given exciting project aimed not only to reduce collaboration shows our commitment to our students opportunities to secure positions at BMW’s MINI plant in Oxford. fuel consumption but also improve working with all levels of industry and our Our location at the heart of Motorsport Valley means we work closely with local safety. drive to affect real change in motorsport. companies on a variety of projects. 8 MECHANICAL ENGINEERING & MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES POSTGRADUATE COURSES 9

What our students think of our postgraduate courses

Gabriel Elias MSc Racing Engine Design You don’t just walk into F1, you need Student profile to be good in your studies, have tons Joana Pereira Fidalgo de Freitas of practical experience and really be Carles Martinez Ana Sanchez the cream of the crop. Brookes alumni I first finished my degree in Automotive Engineering back MSc Motorsport Engineering MSc Motorsport Engineering in Portugal and was looking to enrol on an MSc abroad. give you advice to go for your dream At the time I had some friends who were just finishing Brookes doesn’t guarantee you Oxford Brookes has a reputation job. My best moment so far, is seeing their studies at Brookes and they gave me really good will get your dream job in F1, but as one of the best institutions for the 2015 car dominate the start of references on the teaching quality and how passionate it will provide the main tools and Motorsport Engineering, not only in the season knowing I have designed the professors were about their lectures, so I looked knowledge required. I knew I was the UK, but world-wide. Professionally, and worked on parts of the car. into it. The fact that Oxford is right in the middle of the Motorsport Valley and that Brookes has such good going to do my MSc at Brookes there are opportunities to network connection to both the motorsport and the when I was given a leaflet about at industrial lectures and personally, industry also played a very important role. the between a Spanish working in a multi-cultural environment company, (which was sponsoring allowed me to understand other ways One of the things I liked at Brookes was how flexible Fernando Alonso) and Brookes on my of finding answers to a problem. the MSc was and how you could tailor it to meet your first day at University in Barcelona. expectations. Towards the end of the MSc I decided I would like to invest some time working with engines, even though most of my modules covered vehicle dynamics topics. So, for my dissertation I ended up picking an engine‑related topic that gave me really valuable insight. Even though this was not my area of expertise, I always had the help and support of my mentor on all my questions and it definitely gave me a head start for the job I am in now.

Another really enjoyable experience was being part of the OBR Formula Student team. Being part of FS gives you the opportunity to take your skills from the theory to the real world and in the end you actually get to build an amazing car to show it. There were a lot of sleepless nights and hard work, but seeing how dedicated everyone was and how we overcame so many challenges together as a team was really inspiring and taught me a lot about working together with people. I’ve made amazing friends there that I’m sure I’ll keep for life. Cole Pearson I’m currently working at the MINI Plant as the Diesel Rohan Shankar Matteo Cucchi MSc Motorsport Engineering Quality Specialist, integrated in the Powertrain Validation MSc Automotive Engineering MSc Racing Engine Design The Oxford Brookes MSc programme and Integration team. We are responsible for testing The level of detail of the modules, the The classes are infused with has a strong reputation and great and validating pre-series vehicles on road and on track concerning engine topics and are also responsible for quality of professors and facilities; as hands‑on experience and my final connections with F1 teams. The complex analysis for series vehicles issues. It’s a really well as being pushed to the limit with project exposed me to cutting-edge experience gave me great topics to interesting role as it means I don’t spend all my time difficult course work has made my time research in engine design which has discuss at interviews and led to my sitting at my desk but also get the chance to do some at Brookes a fantastic experience. been published in key journals. current job at Scuderia Ferrari F1 team. hands-on work in the workshop or go to the Millbrook Proving Ground and test the cars.

Oxford is in the heart of motorsport valley – image courtesy of Harriet Strachan 10 MECHANICAL ENGINEERING & MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES POSTGRADUATE COURSES 11

Automotive Engineering MSc Student profile Since leaving Brookes, I completed Rohan Shankar an industrial placement with MOMA This course provides an opportunity for in-depth – Motorsport in India. study of the engineering principles that enable and The primary factors for choosing I had a role in the TATA T1 Truck Brookes were the course content, Racing Championship to manage the drive the automotive industry. reputation and motorsport focus. The technical race operations under the course was a fantastic experience Secretary of the Race. This involved thanks to the level of detail of the managing administrative tasks, Accredited by the Institution of modules and the quality of professors scrutinising of the trucks, and various Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and facilities. other tasks. Brookes has a long history of providing Why choose this course? high-quality, accredited automotive, We have close links with industry through motorsport and mechanical research projects and consultancies. Our engineering courses. These are taught partners include the BMW MINI plant in by staff with exceptional knowledge Oxford and other local businesses. and expertise in their fields. We have, for example, lecturers who are leading As well as the traditional aspects of the world in research on sustainable motor car design and manufacture, we vehicle engineering or who have have lively and well-funded research designed and worked on winning F1 programmes in areas of current concern race cars. such as vehicle end-of-life issues, and modern composite materials.

You must take three We also have a growing involvement in compulsory modules – at electric vehicles. least one alternative- compulsory module and Course details two optional modules. To qualify for a master’s degree you must take the compulsory modules, two Compulsory modules optional modules and the dissertation. ■■ Advanced Vehicle Dynamics Dissertations ■■ Sustainable Engineering These are individual research and Technology development projects on a topic of ■■ Advanced Engineering your choice. These projects can be Management undertaken as part of a wider research ■■ Dissertation project or within collaboration with an industrial partner. Alternative-compulsory modules (you must take Careers at least one of these): Our graduates enjoy the very best ■■ Noise, Vibration employment opportunities, with hundreds and Harshness of engineering students having gone ■■ Vehicle Crash Engineering onto successful careers in their chosen industry. Many of our students go on Optional modules (you to work with leading automotive or motorsport companies in the UK and take one of these, worldwide. Our graduates go onto work unless you take both for Jaguar Land Rover, BMW and their ■ alternative-compulsory supply chain partners. ■ Projects that modules above): answer a real ■■ Advanced Vehicle need in industry Aerodynamics ■■ Sustainable ■■ Engineering Reliability engineering leader and ■■ CAD/CAM ■■ Industry led ■■ Advanced Powertrain research projects Engineering mems.brookes.ac.uk/postgraduate 12 MECHANICAL ENGINEERING & MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES POSTGRADUATE COURSES 13

Mechanical Engineering MSc all the modules you need to succeed, After completing my course I want to such as the advanced engineering get a position in a design department The main aims of the MSc in Mechanical design, CAD/CAM, solidworks in the automotive industry alongside Engineering are to introduce you to research, and other advanced engineering studying for my PhD, hopefully design software. at Brookes. development and practice in advanced engineering design and equip you for professional practice at The tutors are very helpful, always The knowledge that I have gained available and willing to help even if from studying at Brookes has been senior positions of responsibility. Accredited by the Institution of the question isn’t about their module. helpful when I have applied for and Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) After exams the feedback is always gone for interviews. This knowledge constructive and clear, if I wanted to means that I can apply for good rate the tutors I would give them ten- design positions because I have the Student profile out-of-ten. design experience and training from Priya Nilayapalem my course. Great engineering design turns great Joining Technology Research group, who The highlight of studying at Brookes ideas into great products. Our MSc have been working with industry for over I chose Brookes because it is the is the group course work, these If you want to get into design this is in Mechanical Engineering will give 40 years on developing technologies in best in mechanical, automotive and projects are like working in a small the course for you. The course also you the skills you need to achieve this. this area. racing engineering. The mechanical company or with team mates. Team includes other key modules such as Developing the skills to take complex engineering course concentrates on work promotes team spirit as well as business management which is a products all the way from idea to We collaborate with industry in a wide advanced design concept, which I the opportunity to work with other key skill to have in industry. However, fully validated designs, you will use range of key issues; such as sustainability, was interested in focusing on; this students who bring different ideas be prepared to work hard to get the the most advanced CAD packages developing new technologies and made Brookes the best choice for me. and dynamics to the work. We have experience and knowledge needed and learn the techniques required to innovative ideas. An example of this work access to all journals, computers and to go into industry. analyse your work, testing designs in is the bamboo bike project, which was I feel that I have learnt more about software that we need for our course. virtual reality to see how they perform an academic’s idea that students wanted design at Brookes than I would There is never any problem in getting Wheatley is a great community with and how reliable they are. to be involved with and they were able to have at any other institution and access to a computer or equipment. good facilities like the library and take the project forward in a successful the advanced design module is my We have a well stocked library with canteen. Our main campus is also Why choose this course? way. Recently staff and students have favourite module. The course covers the best authors and . amazing with excellent facilities. Mechanical Engineering has been taught collaborated with the Bamboo Bicycle at Brookes for over 20 years. You will Club on the manufacturing process of learn from staff who are experts in their a bamboo bike. In two days they built field and bring a variety of knowledge; a bespoke bamboo bike at the Design from physicists, vehicle dynamicists to Museum in London. Using design engineers. The department has a technology to make the lugs (connecting pieces) and bamboo, this project showed how the department is pioneering the Compulsory modules: manufacturing process of bicycles, the future of which could lead to you to being ■■ Advanced Mechanical Engineering Design able to build your own bike at home. ■■ Advanced Strength of Components Course details To qualify for a master’s degree you ■■ Advanced Engineering Management must take the compulsory modules, two optional modules and the dissertation. ■■ Dissertation Dissertations Optional modules: These are individual research and ■■ Computation and Modelling development projects on a topic of ■ ■■ CAD/CAM your choice. These projects can be ■ Opportunities to ■■ Advanced Materials undertaken as part of a wider research work on innovative Engineering and project or within collaboration with an projects such as Joining Technology industrial partner. the bamboo bike ■■ Sustainable Engineering ■■Academic knowledge Technology Careers in a variety of areas ■■ Noise, Vibration Our graduates enjoy the very best including materials and Harshness employment opportunities, with ■■ Vehicle Crash Engineering hundreds of engineering students having ■■ Industry led ■■ Engineering Reliability gone onto successful careers in their Brookes’ bamboo bike in action, research projects and Risk Management chosen industry. TransAlp race 14 MECHANICAL ENGINEERING & MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES POSTGRADUATE COURSES 15

Motorsport Engineering MSc Design Engineer at General Motors The best bits about studying The MSc in Motorsport Engineering course offered Mexico from 2012-2014 and a at Brookes are the networking Supplier Development Trainee at opportunities we are provided with: by Oxford Brookes provides the opportunity Robert Bosch Mexico from 2011- both professionally through industrial for you to specialise in areas such as engine 2012. lectures, placements and experienced lecturers – and personally: working technology, performance, racing I chose to study at Oxford Brookes within a multicultural environment firstly because of its reputation that allows students from different engineering, management, materials, simulation Accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) as one of the best institutions for countries and cultures to explore and data analysis. Motorsport Engineering, not only in what other people think and how they the UK, but the whole world. Also, perceive the world. its strategic location within the so called ‘Motorsport Valley’ made it the I would say the best thing to do obvious choice to develop my career while being here is to try and make Our motorsport and automotive Students have the chance to join our very in motorsport. the most of all that the university has to offer: extracurricular activities, engineering courses are taught by successful Formula Student team and Student Profile staff with exceptional knowledge and put theory into practice by racing against Though it has been very demanding, exceptional lecturers, good facilities expertise in their fields. We have, for other from around the world. Ana Sanchez I have really enjoyed the course and more. The experience gained will example, lecturers who have designed here. Elements of practice and definitely help your future career. Before I came to Brookes, I studied theory are well-balanced, so we get and worked on winning F1 race cars or Course details who are leading the world in research To qualify for a master’s degree you my bachelor’s degree in Mechanical to put to the test what we learn in I am now working as a Safety on sustainable vehicle engineering. must take the compulsory modules, two Engineering in Universidad Autonoma the classroom and gain invaluable Development Engineer at Ford optional modules and the dissertation. del Estado de Mexico. I was also a experience for our future careers. Motor Company Why choose this course? We have close links with industry through Dissertations research projects and consultancies. This These are individual research and wealth of experience means our students development projects on a topic of benefit from being taught by staff at the your choice. These projects can be forefront of new developments. Our wide undertaken as part of a wider research network of contacts brings real world project or within collaboration with an experiences to the courses. industrial partner.

Careers Our graduates enjoy the very best employment opportunities, with hundreds Compulsory modules: of engineering students having gone onto successful careers in their chosen ■■ Advanced Chassis industry. Many of our students go on to Engineering work with leading motorsport companies, ■■ Advanced Vehicle including directly into F1 teams Aerodynamics and suppliers. ■■ Laptime Simulation and Race Engineering ■■ Advanced Engineering Management ■■ Excellent Optional modules: connections ■■ Vehicle Crash Engineering with industry ■■ Computation and Modelling ■■ ■■ CAD/CAM At least one ■■ Advanced Strength Brookes graduate of Components in every F1 team ■■ Advanced Materials ■■ Industry led Engineering and research projects Joining Technology ■■ Data Acquisition Systems ■■ Industry standard ■■ Engineering Reliability facilities and Risk Management Brookes’ auto lab 16 MECHANICAL ENGINEERING & MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES POSTGRADUATE COURSES 17

Racing Engine Design MSc I chose Oxford Brookes because The highlights of studying at Brookes it is the only university to offer the are the many projects available The MSc in Racing Engine Design is intended master’s that I am studying (Racing and all are fully supported by to enhance and extend your knowledge in Engine Design) in Europe. the professors. I am working on combustion for my dissertation which engine design. All the tutors and professors are is really interesting. very supportive and are always available if you have any doubt or My employment prospects have Accredited by the Institution of need to talk or if you find yourself in been positively influenced by my Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) difficulties. I am impressed with the studies as it is a high level degree level of knowledge and expertise of which means I can look at top The course provides an intensive Students have the chance to join our very professors and tutors, which makes level positions. exposure to an integrated design, successful Formula Student team and our lectures really enjoyable. simulation, modelling and analysis of put theory into practice by racing against My advice to someone who wants racing engines. The analysis elements other universities from around the world. My favourite module is the racing to study Racing Engine Design at of the modules include structural Student Profile engine design because engines are Oxford Brookes is if you are as crazy optimisation, dynamics, internal Course in detail Andrea Carretti my passion, and in this module we as I am for engines then there is no combustion engine thermo-fluid To qualify for a master’s degree you have the opportunity to learn what better place to study than Oxford dynamics, engine performance, tuning, must take the compulsory modules, two Before coming to Brookes I studied real engines are. What I particularly Brookes. I really like the university, mapping and monitoring. optional modules and the dissertation. for a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical like is the technologies that you find campus and facilities and I suggest Engineering in Italy and after in F1 or space shuttles are treated as to anyone to come to study here. Why choose this course? Dissertations graduation I worked for two years as normal which is very exciting. The motorsport industry in the UK is a These are individual research and a motor bike mechanic in Australia. world leader and many of the world’s development projects on a topic of most advanced high-performance your choice. These projects can be engines are designed here. undertaken as part of a wider research project or within collaboration with an Motorsport engineering at MSc to get the best out of themselves, All our motorsports and automotive industrial partner. level. The content seemed to be very which is good. engineering courses are taught by staff appropriate for my interests and the with exceptional knowledge and expertise Careers location of Brookes was also another After graduation I would like to in their fields. Our graduates enjoy the very best ■■World-class facilities: deciding factor. keep working in engine design and/ employment opportunities, with hundreds access to four or powertrain design, not only in We have close links with industry through of engineering students having gone engine test cells My tutors are outstanding. I can racing engines, which was why I research projects and consultancies. This onto successful careers in their chosen for project work have modules where there are fifteen came to Brookes, but also focused wealth of experience means our students industry. Many of our students go on to students and the tutor focuses on on fuel efficiency, fuel economy benefit from being taught by staff abreast work with leading motorsport companies, ■■Sustainable each of our strengths and I also and environmental aspects which of the latest industry developments. Our including directly into F1 teams engineering leader have had modules where there are we have been learning about on wide network of contacts helps to bring and suppliers. more students and you still get the this course. real world experiences to the courses. Student Profile attention. The professors seem to be Frederico Bengolea very passionate about their job and If you are thinking of studying Racing into their subject. Engine Design, I would say go for it, Before coming to Brookes I was nowadays it is quite scary to go and working for one year in Twyford The highlights of studying at Brookes study internal combustion engines Compulsory modules: near Reading for GT0 Engineering, on the one side is the learning with the different energies that are for a company restoring and content: I have learnt a lot, and on the coming in. The view that you will get ■■ Racing Engine Design manufacturing components for other side is getting to know the rest here is much more open and wider ■■ Advanced Strength of Components Ferrari. Before that I was working of the engineers, who are pursuing than just racing engines. You learn in Argentina for 6-7 years in the the same or similar aims as I am. a lot on thermal dynamics, energy ■■ Advanced Engineering Management automotive field. You get to know the competition flow and a lot of things that can be between the other universities applied to any kind of engine. By the The reason for choosing Brookes thanks to Formula Student, and end you will be able to model any Optional modules: was that it was the only university to being able to work in teams with very type of engine that you like, including ■■ Advanced Powertrain offer Racing Engine Design. Brookes different personalities and cultural electric, hybrid platforms or hydrogen, Engineering not only offers this course it also backgrounds. We have students from you will have the opportunity to learn ■■ Computation and Modelling offers Automotive, Mechanical and all over the world studying here trying what you think is the best way to go. ■■ CAD/CAM ■■ Data Acquisition Systems ■■ Engineering Reliability Render of v-twin engine V-twin engine and Risk Management 18 MECHANICAL ENGINEERING & MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES POSTGRADUATE COURSES 19

Research degrees We welcome applications to study for Master of Science by Research, Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy qualifications. The department offers excellent facilities for study, including a range of dedicated laboratories and research areas.

An MSc by Research is a one year Many of the research projects are or research engineer. Our research is programme (full-time) while an MPhil funded externally and are undertaken in internationally recognised. normally takes two years of full-time collaboration with industry, universities study or three years part-time to and research establishments in the UK Research students have the opportunity complete. The PhD normally takes a and worldwide. Doing an MRes, MPhil to undertake a programme of Research minimum of three years full-time study or PhD is an opportunity to work with Methods Training provided by the or five years part-time to complete. these projects and make a significant University’s Graduate School. They also contribution to the research and have access to training in subject-related knowledge exchange. A PhD degree is skills, such as Matlab, and generic skills, widely recognised internationally as the such as entrepreneurship and teaching in ‘licence’ to practise as a research scientist higher education.

Entry Requirements Applicants should have, or expect to have, at least a 2.1 honours degree in an appropriate area, One of our graduates, Ryan Wood, collects data about the particles The importance of choosing a final or equivalent experience and is now working for Colas Ltd, an given off when numerous airbags year project can lead our students strong research skills will also be organisation that looks at health are deployed. This equipment has to define their career path; for Ryan considered. The department is and safety factors in automotive also been used to model airbags. it has provided him with a final year also able to consider proposals applications and in particular airbags. Ryan’s interest was sparked by his project, a PhD and a career looking for new research projects final year undergraduate project at at safety in vehicles. from applicants in full-time As a PhD student at Brookes Ryan Brookes, where he looked at the employment who wish to obtain secured funding to design and build deployment of air bags, particularly a research degree on a part-time a piece of equipment for deploying in relation to the end of life process basis, or on the basis of existing multiple airbags. The equipment of a vehicle. published research.

Oxford Brookes moves to two wheels: Research projects using the department’s Assessment expertise are changing the landscape of the Speedway GP series The award of MRes, MPhil or PhD is made on the basis of a In January 2015 the department The projects look at a range of different The research projects have been satisfactory thesis submitted announced its exciting new collaboration aspects of the sport; The focus of completed by final year MSc, MEng and and examined by at least two with Speedway GP (SGP) and IMG. these projects is on the frame design BEng Mechanical Engineering students. examiners. The candidate will Speedway Championship is a series of currently used by riders and how it can Students’ experience of working with normally be required to attend an stand-alone worldwide events over the be improved to increase the performance Speedway has inspired other students oral examination, in the UK, on course of a season which determines the characteristics of the bike, and proposing to get involved in the research around the programme of work and field Speedway World Champion. The project a possible alternative design. The this exciting sport. The collaboration is of study. is looking at the research opportunities other projects focus on the feasibility continuing with more research projects surrounding the technical development of and design requirements needed to for the coming year. The aim is for the sport, which is being led by students construct an electric bike, which could students to complete further research and staff. Four research projects have be used as an alternative to the current and development so that a proposal can been completed during the first year methanol fuelled bikes, providing a similar be submitted for consideration that will Staff and students with Speedway bike at Brookes including a project supported by a performance could be obtained. alter the Speedway series and allow it to postgraduate WISE Research Scholarship. regain its popularity within the UK. 20 MECHANICAL ENGINEERING & MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES

DESKTOP LAPTOP TABLET MOBILE Entry requirements WANT TO SEE BROOKES (applies to all postgraduate programmes) BUT CAN’T GET HERE? You should normally hold a first degree equivalent to at least a British GOT SOME QUESTIONS lower second-class bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a ABOUT OUR COURSES? related discipline. Applicants with relevant professional experience will also OUR VIRTUAL OPEN CAN’T DAY IS THE ANSWER! be considered. get to On our website you’ll fi nd videos from our staff and students telling you everything you English language requirements English requirements for visas Full details on entry requirements and BROOKES need to know about our If your first language is not English If you need a student visa to enter English language requirements is available courses and facilities. ??????????????????????????? you must satisfy our English language the UK you will need to meet the on our website tde.bz/PG-entry-reqs requirement by providing us with evidence UK Visas and Immigration minimum Every year we hold a live of a minimum IELTS score of 6.0. language requirements as well as the question and answer university’s requirements. session where you can put try a Virtual your questions to our panel of staff and students. Virtual Open Day is Open Day! your chance to explore Brookes online!

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R Building, the home of Engineering and our state-of-the-art facilities mems.brookes.ac.uk/postgraduate/virtualopenday 22 MECHANICAL ENGINEERING & MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES POSTGRADUATE COURSES 23

Oxford Brookes Racing V-twin engine Specification The future of the project The V-twin is the world’s first entirely The engine is a 75º V-twin unit of The manufacturing of the engine is Oxford Brookes Racing (OBR) is the award-winning bespoke engine and 600cc capable of running up to approaching completion with the package for Formula Student. It was 12,500rpm, with dry sump lubrication remaining parts to be machined Formula Student team from Oxford Brookes started in 2006 when members of on both engine and gearbox. Five- in-house and through external University. OBR has competed in Formula Student the OBR team began to lay out a axis machined ports and combustion companies. There are also some concept for a purpose built engine chambers enable the engine to minor design adjustments to be done. since its inception in 1999. Working to a budget the and transmission package for the develop an unrestricted power The V-twin is certainly the pride of team designs, builds and races a single-seat car. Formula Student car class 1 entry. output of 200hp / litre. The gearbox the OBR team as it is unique and In 2007 the engine layout was is a 4-speed sequential unit with has huge potential not only in terms The team is made up of approximately 150 students completed for manufacture. In 2009 automated pneumatic shifting which of performance, but also in terms of from across the department’s engineering courses. the manufacturing process started transmits the torque to an innovative knowledge and experience available and in 2011 engine and gearbox were torque-steer active differential. to team members working on the unveiled by Racecar Engineering project. Students joining OBR have V-twin engine Magazine at Autosport International a unique opportunity to contribute to Show at the NEC Birmingham. this project.

Oxford Brookes Racing (OBR) was one utilising race team facilities to develop its of the first teams to compete in the car. In 2005 the team returned triumphant Formula Student UK in 1999. The first after winning the skid-pad event for the entry was a wooden prototype chassis first time in Michigan. and it raced in the class 2 category. The early years of competition saw The mid-2000s were successful and the team develop a variety of ideas innovative years, the team came 3rd and concepts including an overall and won the cost event and monocoque chassis and the team’s endurance, it regained the title of ‘Best first and only ‘wing’ car. UK Team’ for the third time. 2007 saw the team field two cars (combustion and The 2002 competition marked the electric cars) at FSUK and it was the beginning of the team’s rise to the front, only team to have both cars finish the with OBR finishing 13th overall at FSUK. endurance. At FSG the team finished in After the successes of the previous year, 8th position. the 2003 season saw OBR win their first competition, finishing 5th overall and OBR won the skid-pad event for the winning the coveted title of ‘Best UK second time at FSG and finished on the Team’ for the first time, a feat that the podium at FSUK in autocross, design team, to date, has won a total of five times and the business presentation. 2010 was in 16 years. the last time the team ran a space frame chassis. The car started as a combustion OBR regularly competes at FSUK (which entry and by the 2011 season was fully races at Silverstone) and FSG (Germany). converted to electric. 2011 saw a return In 2004 the team had the opportunity to the aluminium monocoque chassis to race in FSAE in USA. This included and the team was back at the front with a 4th place in design at FSUK and 3rd in Autocross at FSG. In the 2012 season the team regained the Best UK Team title with its monocoque designed car.

2013 saw a new competition on the FS calendar, Czech Republic, where the team collected prizes in the business presentation and podiums in autocross, design and skid-pad events. ■■ OBR is the only In 2014 the car had its first aerodynamic UK team to win package, which is being continually the FSUK Design Brookes’ FS car in action developed with mentoring by experts competition. from F1. Brookes FS team testing driving conditions 24 MECHANICAL ENGINEERING & MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES POSTGRADUATE COURSES 25

Research and industry collaboration There is a thriving research environment in the department, underpinned by well-established links with industry. The research is focused on issues of global concern and is organised into three cross-cutting, inter-disciplinary themes: Sustainable Engineering and Innovation (SEI); Low Carbon Vehicles (LCV); and Simulation, Modelling and Systems Integration (SMSI). Research in the department is supported by the UK Research Councils, the European Commission, industry and charitable foundations.

Sustainable Engineering Simulation, Modelling and vehicles. The group has six main research and Innovation Systems Integration areas: combustion and fuels, particulate Speedway bike at Brookes The Sustainable Engineering and The research carried out in the Simulation, matter emissions, emissions assessment, Innovation (SEI) theme of research Modelling and Systems Integration powertrain simulation and performance at Oxford Brookes University draws research theme enables complex evaluation, computational fluid dynamic Oxford Brookes together a collective of many systems to be analysed, designed and simulation of engine processes and Dallara render superimposed in our auto lab different technological disciplines, predicted. The work is outwardly focused the design and development of high moves to two highly successful research groups and looks to develop solutions, which performance engines. and individuals. provide economic and social benefits, to wheels real problems. The work is underpinned Collaboration Dallara This approach provides for a strong by high quality fundamental research in The department has excellent multidisciplinary innovative and mathematics and engineering. connections with industry and it is With the rise in popularity of Formula E, electric vehicle racing is Research projects using the department’s expertise are sustainable engineering solutions these connections that enable staff beginning to conquer the world of motorsport. Oxford Brookes is changing the landscape of the Speedway GP series to both national and international Low Carbon Vehicles and students to be involved in ground- collaborating with Dallara, a world-leading race car manufacturer, issues concerning current and The Advanced Engines, Propulsions breaking research. The department with MSc Motorsport students designing various aspects of an At the Autosport International Race Car show the future environmental, social and and Vehicles research group (AEPV) collaborates with industry leaders such as electric racing car. department announced its exciting new collaboration with economic needs. brings together scientific and industrial BMW, YASA Motors, McLaren, Kawasaki Speedway GP (SGP) and IMG. Speedway Championship is a expertise for providing solutions for fuel British Superbike, BSI Speedway The project was initiated after a visit from Andrea Toso, Head of series of stand-alone worldwide events over the course of a The key focus areas of SEI include: efficient and low emission engines and and Dallara. R&D and US Racing Business Leader at Dallara in 2014. He was season which determines the Speedway World Champion. ■■ Intelligent and integrated solutions for so impressed with the facilities and expertise at Brookes, that sustainable mobility. Dallara decided to start this ambitious project – developing an Part of this collaboration are the research opportunities ■■ Closed-loop manufacturing affordable electric racing vehicle. surrounding the technical development of the sport, which through the development of smart is being led by students and staff. Ole Olsen, triple World materials, efficient processes and In the first year of the project, a group of MSc students undertook Champion, loaned one of his bikes to the department in innovative design. research trying to find the most suitable parts for the vehicle, support of this activity. Four research projects have been ■■ Advanced sustainable materials and finishing with an initial prototype. This year the students have completed during this academic year including a project joining processes. researched the following areas of development, with the intention supported by a postgraduate WISE Research Scholarship. ■■ Whole life energy analysis and low to build a model of the vehicle: carbon solutions. Having a presence at a show like Autosport, the largest ■■ Expertise in the use, manufacture and ■■ Battery design and development pre-season motorsport car show in Europe, has put performance of carbon materials. ■■ Powertrain design and development Speedway onto the international stage. The department is ■■ Feasibility study – aims to determine whether the current car working on ways to alter the current perception and trend design is feasible following the customer needs in popularity in the UK; this research is ongoing and the ■■ Aerodynamics and cooling system proposal is predicted to give the series a sustainable future ■■ Suspension kinematics and dynamics – focus on hardpoint in UK motorsport. location, spring and damper selection, ARB and rocker design, tyre selection A series of projects has taken place within the university ■■ Full vehicle modelling and simulation. looking at a range of different aspects of the sport:

Students have also produced a business plan which includes ■■ Alternative frame design to improve performance electric car charging point market analysis, strategies, as well as four-year financial ■■ Feasibility and design requirements for an electric bike. projections. In 2016, the project was in its third year. 26 MECHANICAL ENGINEERING & MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES

BROOKESbus In September 2014 the Oxford Bus Company launched a redesigned and new look BROOKESbus, which uses Gyrodrive technology to help the buses reduce fuel consumption by around 20%. These new buses were designed with input from one of our alumni, Glen Pascoe – Glen studied motorsport engineering and graduated in 2006. He remembers regularly travelling with his now wife on the BROOKESbus and said: “As a Brookes alumnus I feel honoured that Gyrodrive will be making a positive impact on the current students and the university in general by helping to achieve its sustainable travel plans. I hope that my story will inspire all students to realise their potential and make a difference.”

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