Lessons in ship building
Thursday 7 July 2011
Thirty five students from 12 Hampshire schools and colleges tried their hand at ship designing during an engineering challenge with Solent University, BAE Systems and Fareham College.
The Year 10 students were given three weeks to design and build battery powered model ships using fibreglass, modelling foam and bonding adhesives.
The students - who have been studying an Engineering Diploma at Fareham College - were then able to test their speed, stability, sea keeping and survivability in rough conditions through a series of races at Solent University’s stability tank.
A group of graduates at BAE – including BEng (Hons) Solent Yacht & Powercraft Design alumni Barnaby Edwards and Matthew Jupp – supported the students in designing and building the models.
The project - a first for BAE Systems Portsmouth – was designed by the BAE Systems graduates to inspire youngsters to get more involved in engineering.
After the races the students were given a tour of the University’s model yacht towing tank facility, where Senior Lecturer, Maritime & Coastal, Giles Barkley explained how the tow tank is used to evaluate the shapes of different sailing yacht hulls.
The students enjoyed several runs on the tank’s carriage while Giles tested an Open 60 round the world race yacht in both calm water and waves.
He also talked to students about the three Maritime design courses delivered by the University, which now includes the new BSc Watersports Technology degree, as well as the existing BEng Yacht & Powercraft Design and BEng Yacht Production & Surveying degrees.
He said: “Given the questions asked and answered by the students, there was potential talent for some students to follow in the footsteps of our graduates at BAE, Matthew Jupp and Barnaby Edwards.”
Kayleigh Park, 15, an Engineering diploma student at Bridgemary college, said: “This was a brilliant project. It was really interesting to design and build a model ship and then to see if it actually worked.”
The winning teams were presented with a trophy at Portsmouth Dockyard. This will now become a yearly event for BAE Systems and Solent University and the faculty is hoping to further strengthen its link with Fareham College through further initiatives that bring more students on campus.
Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Surface Ships division, Mick Ord said: “This was a great way for us to engage with local students and encourage them to get involved with engineering and technology. It brought classroom theory to life to inspire pupils to consider a career in engineering.”
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