IMechE Events in 2023

 JUNE 

Hydraulic Modelling for the Water Industry: Technical Advances and Case Studies / 19 June, Coventry
The increase in the number of storm overflows leading to sewage discharges has received significant attention recently.
This seminar will cover the assessments used to ensure water quality and to verify that infrastructure and equipment can deal with the expected design flows. Presentations will discuss computational (CFD) and physical modelling techniques, providing a technical review of the assessment criteria involved and significant modelling and experimental methods. 

Lecture: The Secret Horsepower Race / 20 June, One Birdcage Walk
Writer, researcher and engineer Calum Douglas delivers this year’s lecture on behalf of the Institution’s Powertrain Systems and Fuels Group.
Douglas has dedicated more than five years to researching and writing a technical and intelligence history of fighter aircraft piston engine development during the Second World War. This era saw history’s greatest advances in aircraft piston technology: Douglas will tell the story of a desperate contest between the world's best engineers – the Secret Horsepower Race.
The lecture will cover the development of allied and German piston aero engines during the war.

Railway Challenge / 22-25 June, Stapleford
The Railway Challenge provides a brilliant opportunity for aspiring teams to compete to showcase their skills, expertise, knowledge and business acumen. The challenge brings together teams of university students, as well as apprentices and graduates working in industry across the world.
Participants are required to design and manufacture a miniature locomotive in accordance with a set of strict rules and a detailed technical specification. The locomotives will be tested live at the competition weekend.

UAS Challenge / 26-29 June, BFMA Buckminster
Teams of undergraduates from all over the world take part in the annual UAS Challenge, which was launched in 2014 with the key objectives of developing engineers and inspiring the next generation.
Student teams undertake a full design-and-build cycle of an unmanned aerial system (UAS) with a maximum take-off mass of 10kg to undertake mission objectives, culminating in a final fly-off event in June. 

 JULY

Improving Passenger Comfort: Why We Need Good Trains and Sound Track / 5 July, One Birdcage Walk 
The purpose of the seminar, with the passenger in mind, is to understand expectations, to explore the factors and tensions governing good ride quality and comfort, and to identify approaches that make interiors more flexible.

Engineering Futures: Advanced Manufacturing / 10-14 July, engineering-futures.co.uk
Additive manufacturing, 5G networks, augmented reality and more – a wide range of novel technologies are finally maturing and finding vital applications in the most cutting-edge and productive factories. Engineers need expert knowledge of new approaches to efficiency and innovation.

Formula Student / 19-22 July, Silverstone
Formula Student is Europe’s most established educational engineering competition which uses motorsport to inspire students. Backed by industry and high-profile engineers such as patron Ross Brawn OBE, the competition aims to develop enterprising and innovative young engineers. The format provides an ideal opportunity for students to demonstrate their engineering knowledge and to test and improve their capabilities to deliver a complex and integrated product.
Teams are asked to produce a prototype for a single-seat race car for autocross or sprint racing, and present it to a hypothetical manufacturing firm. Spectator tickets to join Formula Student 2023 in July will be available in the spring. Head to Silverstone to get up close to a busy grid of custom-built combustion, electric, hybrid and autonomous racing cars, competing in fast-paced events designed to test to the limit teams’ abilities. 

 SEPTEMBER 

Apprentice Automation Challenge / September, Coventry
The Apprentice Automation Challenge provides a brilliant opportunity for talented apprentices to compete in an innovative design and manufacturing contest to improve an everyday home or garden device.
The challenge engages with teams of apprentice engineers to design, develop and build a fully working system that solves a real-world problem.
All teams submit a report that includes a full design specification, manufacturing instructions, user manual and business case. At the finals teams are able to demonstrate their working prototypes. 

Professional Engineering Issue 3 publishes / 6 September

Simulation and Modelling / 12 September, MTC Coventry
The Simulation and Modelling 2023 conference will provide a forum to discuss the latest developments being made with computer-aided and virtual engineering. 

Crane Safety / 13 September, One Birdcage Walk
Join us to address the key challenges involved in carrying out safe crane operations. Presentations will cover recent lifting projects across a wide variety of industries, together with technical insights and best practice to reduce the risk of incidents, maintain compliance with standards and make the most of new technologies.

Engineering Futures: Sustainability / 25-29 September, engineering-futures.co.uk
With each year that passes, ‘net zero’ targets draw closer and the need to decarbonise becomes ever more pressing. Attend Sustainability in Engineering to gain expert knowledge about the most important low-carbon solutions, and help build a cleaner, greener tomorrow.

 OCTOBER

Design Challenge / October, London
The Design Challenge gives first- and second-year undergraduates a taste of the ‘real world’ of engineering, challenging them to design, create, present and run a device to a strict technical specification. The challenge enables participants to gain practical employability skills and enhanced business and people skills, all within a set timeframe. 

Advanced Nuclear Reactor Design 2023 / 3 October, Manchester
The design of advanced nuclear reactors is continually developing to meet the demands of a world requiring an increasing number of sustainable options for power generation. The World Nuclear Association highlights SDG7: the goal of affordable and clean energy, for which nuclear power plants provide a substantial global backing.
The IMechE’s Advanced Nuclear Reactor Design seminar will focus on the progress being made with advanced modular reactors and small modular reactors.

Lifecycle of Pressure Systems / 31 October - 1 November, One Birdcage Walk
The Lifecycle of Pressure Systems seminar is a comprehensive “state of the industry” event to update all those involved with pressure systems and equipment and for all asset stages: from design and installation to daily operation and decommissioning.

 NOVEMBER

Nuclear Ventilation / 14-15 November, Manchester
Taking place every two years, this two-day conference is the only event of its kind that enables power industry professionals and engineering practitioners from all sectors of the nuclear community to stay abreast of developments in nuclear ventilation within the UK. Take this opportunity to learn about standards and solutions to key ventilation challenges.

International EV Batteries / 21 November, Midlands
Attend the International EV Batteries conference to hear about the latest developments in battery design, testing, thermal management, charging and integration right across the lifecycle for a more resilient and cost-effective battery.

Professional Engineering Issue 4 publishes / 22 November 

Engineering Futures: Aerospace and Defence / 27 November – 1 December, engineering-futures.co.uk
As more people travel again after the pandemic, the aerospace sector is under greater pressure than ever to decarbonise. Learn how manufacturers and operators could tackle that challenge, and hear how drones and 3D-printed rockets are transforming our approach to autonomous flight and satellite launches.   

Incontinence: The Engineering Challenge XIV / 29-30 November, Bristol
Influence current thinking by presenting your work on pioneering techniques and technologies at this event. Join this collaborative effort of engineers, scientists, clinicians, industry, researchers, commercial designers/producers and product users to help solve the problems faced by people with bladder and bowel dysfunction and their caregivers.