We were proud to present our fourth successful Engineering Link Project in Victoria on April 8 and 9.  Particular thanks must to LEAP into Engineering and La Trobe University, as well as our sponsors, Lloyd’s Register Foundation and Thiess.

A small but very dedicated group of students decended on La Trobe University, where they worked directly with engineers from La Trobe University, the Australian Air Force and Young Engineers Australia.

Day 1 saw half of the cadet engineers work with Mrudhul , Sangeetha and Samin (all post-graduate engineers from La Trobe University) designing and building a television antennae that could pick up a clear signal.  Students learned electronics, electrical circuits and communications engineering.

The other half of the student group, led by Dr Jon Stanger and Simon Messer (both of La Trobe University) constructed and programmed a robotic hand.  The programs and tasks increased in difficulty throughout the day, with the students constantly surprising us (although, to be honest, nothing really surprises us with regard to the levels these students can achieve) with the complex tasks their “hands” could accomplish.

Day 2 was split into two disciplines.  Group 1 worked with Captain Child (RAAF, DFR) designing parachutes to accomplish a complex set of tasks involving safely ejecting pilots from a stricken aircraft.

Group 2 designed and built a crane that could support a given mass in two positions, while standing on an unstable base.  Michael and Andrew from Young Engineers Australia guided the students through the design, build and testing phases of these activities.

We would like to acknowledge the incredible support of the staff at La Trobe University, and in particular Dr Jon Stanger and Ninetta Wood.  We are looking forward to continuing working with La Trobe University into the future.

Further Information:

La Trobe University Engineering:  http://www.latrobe.edu.au/she

LEAP into Engineering: https://www.leap.vic.edu.au/students/engineering/getting-started