Automotive Engineering Subject Spotlight
with Rex Keen from the University of Bedfordshire
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Join Rex Keen in this Subject Spotlight as he explores the fast-paced and innovative world of Automotive Engineering! He begins by explaining what exactly Automotive Engineering is, why it's so important, and what Automotive Engineers actually do. He also explores some examples of the unexpected applications of Automotive Engineering! Rex then takes a deep dive into suspension, and its role and importance within vehicle design. He explores what it is, how its design has developed over time, the different types of suspension, and the importance of suspension geometry in designing effective suspension systems. Rex also explores chassis design in depth. He considers what chassis is and why it is so essential, how different types of chassis have developed, and the various applications of these different types. Finally, Rex sets you a task to apply your knowledge about vehicle suspension. He begins with a recap of the key components that influence a vehicle’s suspension before asking you to complete some calculations to help you understand how Automotive Engineers work with applied mathematics to design different types of car suspension.
Rex KeenUniversity of BedfordshireMechanical engineering
All episodes
1. Why do we need Automotive Engineering?
2. Suspension design, development and importance
3. The central role of chassis in vehicle design
4. Activity: Suspension Calculations
About the university
University of Bedfordshire
The University of Bedfordshire provides you with a professional learning environment, as well as practical, real-world opportunities to develop your experience so that you’re ready to seamlessly take on the world of work. The Luton campus and accommodation are centrally located, and just a short distance from London – a 25-minute train journey. Bedfordshire believes in supporting students through their time at university and offer a range of well-being and financial initiatives. At Beds, they know going to university isn’t just about gaining a great degree; it’s also about developing skills and having experiences that will help you become a well-rounded individual who stands out from the crowd.
University of Bedfordshire profile →Meet the academic
Rex Keen
Mr Rex Keen is a member of The Society of Automotive Engineers and has spent a lifetime in Professional Motorsport as a Race Engineer and Technical Director before he moved to the Education sector. He obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Must University, USA. Rex also has been awarded a Diploma in Race Engineering from the Motorsport Industry Association UK, an Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, and a Diploma in Computer-Aided Design from TAFE Australia. Rex moved from Australia to the UK in 2008 to work for Ferrari in the World SportsCar Championship. Prior to joining the University of Bedfordshire, Rex’s past teaching expertise includes at the National College for Motorsport Silverstone Mercedes Benz UK, the Training Centre Motorsport Industry, the Association Race Engineers School and Intercomp Instruments (the largest manufacturer of Motorsport measuring instruments and component testing equipment in the world). His research interests cover vehicle dynamics, alternative fuels and vehicle simulation.
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