Co-op Second Rotation
Grant
Experience Information
Employer: Baker Engineering
Job Title: Engineering Intern
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Baker Engineering is a small engineering company in Nunica, Michigan. The company has three divisions, custom engine building and performance, engine research and development and advanced machining. The company consists of 15 employees with 3 engineers. The engineers are dedicated to research and development projects funded through private companies as well as government SBIR (Small Business Innovative Research) contracts. Research and development projects primary focus is on small (<20 HP) engines featuring technologies such as: direct injection, two stroke, forced induction, compression ignition, rotary engine, advanced materials and energy recovery. The engine building and performance division develops street, track and drag engines from 300 HP to an all billet 3500 HP LS world record engine. The machining division supports internal research and development as well as production for external customers. Machines include Swiss-style turning, 5 axis turning, 5 axis milling, grinding and honing.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
This co-op rotation I have spent most of my time designing and modeling in Creo. Design projects began with modeling the crankcase, shroud, and intake system of 3W engine on test for a government contract. I continued my Creo work by modeling a CHP (Combined Heat and Power) system for a private contract. This system included exhaust and coolant heat capturing as well as integrating a turbo generator, forced air heating and charging systems for residential use. My other main project involved many small changes in an existing combustor design for a turbo test cart. This initial testing resulted in a significant redesign that required air flow calculations and part drawings for machining. Initial testing of the components indicated significant improvements over the previous design. Other projects through the semester included stepper motor programming for water flow control to a small dynamometer cart and research and design of an injection rate system to measure the injection volume and injection rate of common rail fuel injectors.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I gained further knowledge of modeling, surfacing, modeling constraints in CAD. I gained a working knowledge of stepper motor M-code and error diagnostics. I also gained knowledge of rate measurement techniques as well as techniques of documenting my findings and derived equations. I also developed problem solving skills with diagnosing issues with lighting and controlling the combustor.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of this co-op rotation was continuing my work with the combustor that I designed in my first rotation. I enjoyed seeing how the initial design worked and going through troubleshooting steps to find ways that it could be improved. This resulted in a significant redesign that showed significant progress toward the end functionality goal. I also enjoyed working on CAD and creating initial designs of proposed systems. Being part of the initial design allowed for less design restrictions and freedom to organize the system as best as possible.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This semesters experience has reaffirmed my future career goal to end up in engine research and development. I am excited for my third rotation and discovering what career opportunities are available after graduation.