Seeing was believing recently at IT Sligo when third year Third Year Mechanical Engineering students showcased their one off manufactured prototypes ranging from bale splitters and transporters to wind tunnels for aerodynamic testing in car manufacturing. Six teams designed, built and tested a Portable Wind Turbine, a Dune Buggy (ATV), a Bale Splitter and Transporter, a Wind Tunnel, Sectioned Engine Display and a Fence Post Driver.
Working in teams of four or five, the undergraduates spent one day a week practically applying what they were learning as they designed, built and tested their prototypes. ‘A practical learning exercise’, commented Michael Moffatt, Lecturer, IT Sligo. ‘Experience gained on this project work is directly relative to the jobs these students will be seeking in manufacturing and design’.
‘Road Runner’ was the mean machine designed by one group of students. With a 750cc engine that came from a motorcycle in the Isle of Man, this machine has been road-tested showing impressive speed and stability.
On a quieter note, another group designed and built a portable wind turbine. Reflecting the demand for renewable energy, they created a wind turbine that can dismantled and packed away and is targeted at the rural camping market.
A third group built a sectioned engine display, an engine with sections through it to show how it works. When it is running you can see inside it and observe how the moving parts operate.
Keeping with the theme of wind, but with another use, a wind tunnel was also designed. This equipment is use to aerodynamically test small pieces of equipment such as the wing mirror of a car.
Reflecting their agricultural background, two teams designed and manufactured equipment with practical uses on the farm. A bale Splitter and Transporter was build by one group, which can be attached to the back of a tractor to move silage bales without damaging them and can also be used to split them cleanly. A Fence Post Driver was the final item on display. The design arose directly from an identified need on the farm. The specially designed equipment can be used with a tractor to insert posts into the ground when building a fence.
The breadth of ideas and finished products reflects the broad field that is mechanical engineering. IT Sligo has a strong tradition of tool and product design, which has been utilised in the development of the Mechanical Engineering programme. Career opportunities on graduation are available in a wide range of manufacturing industries. For further information see www.itsligo.ie.
IT Sligo Mechanical Engineering students showcase Sectioned Engine Display
Ciaran Clancey (Cairns Hill, Sligo)l; Kevin Bannerton (Ballinasloe, Co Galway) Paul Carr (Calry, Co Sligo), Eoin Buckley (Kilpedder Co Wicklow) and Conor Arkinson, (Strandhill, Co Sligo).
IT SligoMechanical Engineering students showcase Dune Buggy (ATV).
Front Row:
James Hyndman (Grange, Co Sligo,) left; Charles Kilawee (Dromore West, Co Sligo); Joseph McWeeney (Carrick-On-Shannon) Co Leitrim
Back Row:
Eamon McManus (Glangevlin, Co Cavan) left and Matthew Conaghan (Strandhill Co Sligo)
IT Sligo Mechanical Engineering students showcase Portable Wind Turbine.
Owen McGovern (Kinlough, Co Leitrim)left; Patrick Crawford (Lurganboy, Co Leitrim) and Martin Moran (Newport, Co Mayo).
IT Sligo Mechanical Engineering students showcase Declan McGovern ( Aughnasheelin, Co Leitrim), Chris Moran (Claremorris, Co Mayo), John Kelly (Cootehill, Co Cavan), Shane O’Loughlin (Killegar, Co Donegal) and Robert Gibson (Killeshandra, Co Cavan)
IT Sligo Mechanical Engineering students showcase Fence Post Driver
Aidan Sheridan (, Drumkeerin, Co Leitrim), Chris Higgins (Mohill, Co Letirim), Enda Ross (Drumlish, Co Longford) and Mervyn Howard (Bornacoola, Co Leitrim)
For further information contact:
Michael Moffatt.
Lecturer, IT Sligo.
071-9137203