Welcome to the Midland Region
Mission: To promote and raise awareness of Mechanical Engineering in the Midlands.
The IMechE Midland Region has the largest concentration of IMechE members anywhere in the United Kingdom.
We strive to ensure that the interests of all members are met through a wide range of lectures, visit and event organised throughout the broad geographical boundaries in the Region.
The Midland Region continues to grow particularly in Young Member activity and collaborations with other organisations. In conjunction with IMechE staff, the Regional Committee continues to support new initiatives in the Midland Region.
A taster of the type of events available can be seen below but for a full listing please click on the Events link.
I look forward to seeing you in 2008.
Jon Hilton
Chairman
27 November 2008 | 19:00 - 21:00
The importance of aerodynamics heading towards cars with higher efficiency
ABSTRACT
Due to demands from both costumers and legislation on lowering the emissions from cars, the automotive industry is forced to develop more efficient cars. An increase in efficiency can be achieved through either improving the powertrain or reducing the driving resistance. A part of the driving resistance is the aerodynamic drag which grows by velocity squared and already at around 50 kph it becomes the largest contributor to the driving resistance. As such, the aerodynamics is a vital area to work on if decreased carbon dioxide emissions are wanted.
The presentation will start by discussing the potential aerodynamic drag reduction has on decreasing fuel consumption. From here the focus will be turned towards some of the recent advances in aerodynamic research to reduce the aerodynamic drag. Finally some of the aerodynamic safety concerns of high efficiency vehicles will be discussed.
This event will follow on from a prestige lecture with Phil Popham that the university themselves are putting on from 6-7pm. Youcef has suggested that if we could put on some refreshments it would be a good way to capture that audience as well as our usual one, and would also provide a good networking opportunity. Would Jonathan Lee be interested in supporting this event?
02 December 2008 | 18:00 - 19:45
To improve on the effectiveness of your staff and operational systems it is important that you move towards a team culture in which all staff understand the supply chains within the business and their role in meeting the required outputs.
The talk examines issues relating to a team culture, the need for change, staff behaviour and attitudes, relationships with other staff and the ten things we should do to be effective supply chain members so that we can minimise ‘costs’ and maximise our chances of being successful.
02 December 2008 | 18:30 - 21:00
By Dr Bartek Glowacki, Reader in applied superconductivity at Cambridge University. Joint event with Leicestershire Area IMechE
02 December 2008 | 19:15 - 20:30
Control Techniques is a leading supplier of intelligent variable speed drives for commercial and industrial motor control applications. Their main manufacturing is in Newtown in Mid Wales; a facility that employs over 350 people. Drives up to 1.5 MW are made in what is problably the most advanced drives factory in the world, utilising demand-led-manufacturing principles, a high level of automation, and the most rigorous of quality standards.
04 December 2008 | 18:00 - 20:30
Birmingham Young Members are hosting this years Speak Out for Engineering Competition for the Midlands Region. Submit your 200 Word synopsis to Ben Truman to be in with a chance of winning the £500 cash prize
08 December 2008 | 18:30 - 21:00
Are you an associate or afiliate member? or have you been chartered for less than 10 years? If so, if you can talk about an engineering subject for 20 minutes, you could have a chance to win £500! or even as the runner up a prize of £250!
08 December 2008 | 19:30 - 21:30
An IET-organised event with an open invitation to IMechE members and friends. Partners especially welcome. A seasonal buffet will be provided. The speaker is involved in Formula One as a sponsor of teams and drivers, and now as a team owner. A total commitment to on-track success and a refreshing approach in the paddock has certainly spiced things up! Steve Nevey (Red Bull racing) will regale of the Team's history, describe the technology that is necessary to produce a competitive race car, and will share details of what goes into getting the Team and its entourage around the globe.
09 December 2008 | 19:15 - 20:30
A fun workshop that will tell you everything you need to know about applying for jobs and writing CVs
Jonathan Lee Recruitment - Joint event with BYMP
15 December 2008 - 16 December 2008 | 19:30 - 00:00
Engineering Emotional Product Identities in High Luxury Vehicles
Bentley Motors: Robin Page, Head of Interior Design, And Marcus Abbott, Manager, Interior Design. Includes Christmas dinner, lecture and a chance to socialise in an informal setting. Ticket price £20. Please book in advance by emailing: secretary@coventryad.com Coventry Guildhall
16 December 2008 | 18:00 - 22:00
Christmas Dinner and Social – Guildhall Coventry
16 December 2008 | 19:00 - 23:30
Speaker - Robin Page, Head of Interior Design, Bentley Motors. Joint with Coventry AD. Booking essential. Start Time TBC
16 December 2008 | 19:00 - 21:00
Annual dinner:
Celebrate the festive season
14th Century splendour
18 December 2008 | 19:00 - 20:30
Meet the Northampton Area Committee for an informal "pie and pint". An opportunity to air your views and discuss possible future events.
12 January 2009 - 12 October 2009 | 18:30 - 21:00
We are planning a visit to Tyseley to see the 'state of the art' Energy Recovery Facility. The IMechE is promoting the importance of Energy from Waste, and this is your chance to see how it is done in the municipal environment. REGISTRATION ESSENTIAL.
13 January 2009 | 18:30 - 21:00
Coventry AD & Birmingham AD
Professor Richard Folkson, Chairman Automobile Division.
University of Warwick IMC, 6:30pm for 7:00pm
13 January 2009 | 18:30 - 21:00
Automobile Division Chairman's address AT UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK INTERNATIONAL MANUFACTURING CENTRE
13 January 2009 | 19:15 - 20:30
A presentation will detail the 'lost' history that Shropshire played in World War II. At the present the Assault Glider Trust is re-constructing one of the Horsa Gliders from that era and a review of the progress will be given.
20 January 2009 | 18:00 - 20:30
A talk and visit to the customer training centre hosted by John Cromer, Product Manager, Volvo Trucks.
20 January 2009 | 19:15 - 20:30
Optimising Handling Performance in a Constrained Design Environment
03 February 2009 | 18:30 - 20:30
Joint talk with Leicestershire Area IMechE.
Presented by Robert Barlow-Kay, Head of Wing Structures and Systems Installation, Airbus UK
03 February 2009 | 19:15 - 20:30
Reaching Pole Position – Initial professional development and reasons to become a chartered engineer
03 February 2009 | 19:15 - 20:30
The talk will begin with a brief introduction to the range of biometric technologies available, including the most common (finger, face and iris) and the more unusual, such as vein, voice and gait. How the various biometrics differ, which are more suited to particular situations, how accuracy is calculated and why such statistics are often of little use will all be discussed. A number of applications, including time and attendance in contruction and logistics, mug-shot searching for the police and uses for the passport service, airports, casinos and CCTV will be reviewed taking face recognition as an example
09 February 2009 | 18:30 - 21:00
This will be a visit to Joy Mining Machinery - an impressive manufacturere of equipment used in arduous conditions around the world. The Bromyard Road, Worcester, plant is the Manufacturing and UK headquarters. REGISTRATION ESSENTIAL.
10 February 2009 | 18:30 - 21:00
Presented by James Miller : Prodrive
University of Warwick IMC, 6:30pm for 7:00pm
17 February 2009 | 18:00 - 20:00
Presented by Alain Foote, Member, KGES.
03 March 2009 | 18:30 - 20:30
The introduction of the new tilting Pendolino train in September 2004 along with major investments in the railway infrastructure has resulted in a 40% increase in passenger numbers with the London - Manchester route growing by 120%. The increased train mileages, service frequencies and performance requirements present a major engineering challenge to Alstom. This is a talk on the actions being taken by Alstom in order to meet the demands of supporting the growing railway.
03 March 2009 | 19:15 - 20:30
Choosing the Best Racing Line – How to apply for and win promotion
03 March 2009 | 19:15 - 19:15
The presentation will explore the myths on vehicle dynamics and the requirements for road, stage and circuits and how they overlap.
03 March 2009 | 19:15 - 19:30
AGM
10 March 2009 | 17:30 - 21:00
Re-arranged from Oct 08, this is a high profile event, with three components: 1 An afternoon with schools/careers and engineering experience opportunities; 2 A lecture from Dr. Norman Price including a strategy briefing for business and engineering leaders; and 3 A networking period, with wine and canapes, where visitors can talk to the event sponsors and funding providers. The expected audience of up to 200 will be able to take part in all three parts, and should : a) discover the opportunities provided by businesses and engineering companies to help youngsters start an engineering career (and how to contribute themselves to this effort); b) understand what can be done locally to improve our businesses in the West Midlands; and c) learn of the funding providers and agencies who can help our engineering businesses become more successful.
10 March 2009 | 18:30 - 21:00
Coventry AD
Presented by Martin Burela of Ford
University of Warwick IMC, 6:30pm for 7:00pm
17 March 2009 | 18:00 - 20:00
Talk by Mark Boneham, Head of Sales and Tendering, Boiler Retrofits, Alstom Power.
19 March 2009 | 18:30 - 21:00
Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (KERS) are a requirement in F1 for 2009. One option is mechanical recovery, and Jon Hilton of Flybrid Systems will present a ultra-modern interpretation of the flywheel energy storage system. The Flybrid system is also being assessed for passenger car applications, thus restoring the role of motorsport as a means of "improving the breed"
20 March 2009 | 19:00 - 23:45
A fantastic night out celebrating engineering in the Midlands. An opportunity to dig out those DJ's and enjoy a four course meal.
20 March 2009 | 19:00 - 23:45
A fantastic night out celebrating engineering in the Midlands. An opportunity to dig out those DJ's and enjoy a four course meal. Please contact S_Gasser@imeche.org for more information
31 March 2009 | 19:00 - 20:30
A visit to a foundry which received the Queens Award for enterprise 2007. The visit will review the approach of rapid proto typing and the state of the art manufacture of high quality castings.
21 April 2009 | 17:15 - 20:30
Hybrid Vehicle Research at Jaguar and Land Rover
Refreshments sponsored by Jonathan Lee
30 April 2009 | 18:30 - 21:00
The former MG-Rover site at Longbridge is now being redeveloped by St Modwen Properties. Mike Murry will give an insight into the plans and progress
12 May 2009 | 18:30 - 21:00
Tata Motors European Technical Centre:
Dr Clive Hickman, Managing Director.
University of Warwick IMC, 6:30pm for 7:00pm
12 May 2009 | 19:00 - 20:30
Short papers evening giving younger members and students an opportunity to develop their presentation skills and to get an insight into projects happening in Shorpshire. Cash prizes are to be won by the participant giving the best presentation paper on a technical subject of their choice. Each presentation will last 15 minutes including questions. There will also a buffet be provided.
16 June 2009 | 18:30 - 20:30
A visit to the Ironbridge Coal Power Station, which is located in the Severn Gorge, half a mile upstream from Ironbridge, a world heritage site. This coal fired power station is capable of generating 1,000MW of electricity; which is enough power to supply 750,00 homes. The adjoining nature trail attracts around 2,000 visitors annually. The diversity of habitats and lack of disturbance helps promote the well being of locally scarce species.
26 June 2009 | 14:30 - 17:00
A behind the scenes tour, places strictly limited – book yours by e-mailing