SIMON GILBERT
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING MEng
I have been able to apply a wide range of engineering techniques and theory to my work both towards my studies and in industry. This year has been especially significant in honing my skills as a mechanical engineer.
Oil cooler - Image shows the prototype baffle plate. An identical was instrumented to measure oil and coolant properties during engine testing.
My third year at Brunel as a mechanical engineering student focused on an investigation into oil cooling methods and heat exchanger performance evaluation. The work was implemented on behalf of Perkins Engines Company Ltd.
Prototype systems were trialled on the oil/coolant heat exchanger, pictured. The cooler is made up of a copper passages array through which the oil flows, and an aluminium shell in which coolant flows. The two systems tested were a baffle plate, as pictured, and a secondary take-off flow to the engine cylinder head. Both systems were designed to improve coolant flow through the on-engine oil cooler.
On-engine testing of both systems showed small but significant improvements in heat transfer characteristics of the cooler and potential benefits for the engine as a result.
