Team Avengers from UoB wins the Title “Husnain Sajid Memorial IMechE Design Challenge 2019.

The freshmen from universities around UAE were challenged to build, test and run a prototype of an external pipe climber as part of the Institution of Mechanical Engineer’s Annual Design Challenge.

University of Bolton, IMechE student chapter hosted the third IMechE Design Challenge commemorating fond memories of Husnain Sajid, recipient of the first IMechE Design Challenge 2017. Mr Sajid graced the occasion remembering how fondly Husnain regarded IMechE activities.

Sixteen teams participating from various universities across UAE, all geared up with designs varied in size and materials but with one common objective of climbing a 2.5m long pipe carrying a variable load. The phased levels of the competition tested an engineer’s skill in designing considering various aspects such as stability, balance, numerical accuracies. Additionally, the capability of presenting their idea was also tested through two competitions - the poster competition and the presentation competition.

An eminent panel of judges, Mr Neil Houghton, Mr Divyesh Aghera, Dr Mesfin, Dr Satya Shah from IMechE graced the occasion, inspiring the students with their thoughts, ideas and suggestions on how the designs could have been improved. Dr Husam from RIT Dubai and Mr Khaled from Amity University had joined in to encourage their teams.

The Challenge unfurled into its pure form when teams tested their device carrying weight against gravity ascending and descending the pipe. All aspects of the design were put to the test when the devices competed against time to become the fastest of the lot. The excitement kept mounting as the teams progressed through various rounds. The knock-off round began with four teams at their best time - all taking less than two seconds to cover all the way up the pipe and back.

The competition saw a photo-finish climax when the team Avengers from the University of Bolton won the title by less than 5 milliseconds. Team Winlure representing Manipal University was the Runners-up.

IMechE student chapter extends heartfelt gratitude to all mechanical engineering students and staff for their valuable support.