1991-1994

Cambridge University - MA (Engineering Science)

Despite that I am one of those old school 'hands-on' engineers and I like to do my own mechanicing. The theory bias of the Cambridge education was maddening for me, but I admit it was useful in helping me develop a solid problem solving methodology. These days I much prefer to use computer based analytics rather than hand calculate my own fourier transforms.

Mar 2003
to 2012

Principal Engineer - VORD Consulting Ltd

I formed VORD Consulting Ltd in 2003 to carry out NVH consulting within the automotive industry.

While I am available as an independent contractor, most of my NVH work has been through Sound and Vibration Technology (SVT). They were previously part of the MSX Group (even more previously Mascotech and SDRC). Their core engineers have been part of the team throughout the company ownership changes and have developed world leading techniques for diagnosing and resolving NVH problems. With SVT I tend to get involved in the problems that manufacturers' engineers find difficult to solve, or problems that need to be solved within a short time while the manufacturers' engineers are tied up on other issues.

I've helped manufacturers develop small hatchbacks, large saloons, vans, crossover cars, 4WD cars, supercars, and even Formula 1 cars. Much of the work has been overseas.

VORD Consulting is also involved with the internet. A recent project involved writing an on-line front end for an industry leading program used to calculate air pressure and flow rates in railway tunnels. ThermoTun-Online allows free trials after registration.

Aug 2001 -
Mar 2003

Senior Consulting Engineer (Noise and Vibration), MSX International

My major project with MSX was to evaluate and resolve road noise concerns in a C/D class saloon car. MTS IDEA-S software was used to perform Noise Path Analysis, Multiple Input Coherence Analysis (noise decomposition), and Panel Contribution Analysis.

Targets were generated from a listening study using MTS Sound Quality, I coordinated CAE, ride and handling, and workshop teams to design and implement modifications to the development vehicle. The completed vehicle surpassed targets and the success of the project earned MSX further projects with this customer.

Feb 2000 -
Aug 2001

Senior Noise and Vibration Engineer, Lotus Engineering

I carried out the NVH development programme on a client supercar project with an advanced aluminium and carbon fibre structure. My optimisation of body sealing and acoustic pack reduced interior and improved sound quality while substantially reducing weight and cost. Combining LMS road test data with a 4-post shaker technique I tuned powertrain and damper mountings for secondary ride. Other activities included powertrain sound quality, wind noise and driveline development.

Using the very effective Apex software to carry out predictive design work on exhaust silencers for two new models (one of which was turbocharged), I was able to reduce the size and weight of the exhaust silencers while improving the quality of the exhaust notes.

Selling NVH to a senior project manager at Lotus resulted in me being set a very challenging timescale to carry out a powertrain sound quality exercise for a model year update of their lightweight sports car. I combined objective and subjective assessments with LMS sound quality techniques. The resulting NVH treatment actually reduced base vehicle weight. I also tuned the intake system to give the engine a more powerful and sophisticated note. The NVH characteristics were highly praised by the automotive press.

Nov 1997-
Jan 2000

Noise and Vibration Refinement Engineer, Rolls-Royce & Bentley Motor Cars

Despite my lack of experience at the time, Bentley were kind enough to make me responsible for the NVH performance of a major model year update. At the concept stage, in parallel with development of the strategy, timing and budget, I was able to demonstrate the cost, weight and NVH benefits of a fundamental change in differential mounting strategy. This new strategy was included in the project specification.

I instigated and managed a series of CAE bodyshell and suspension models to lead the design process. These models were successfully used to reduce body noise sensitivity, de-couple vehicle modes and to develop the engine mounting strategy. I appointed an external supplier to carry out the development programme under my guidance. This included the use of sound quality techniques to address specific powertrain and road noise concerns.

Sept 1995-
Oct 1997

Validation Engineer, Rolls-Royce and Bentley Motor Cars

I acted as a validation engineer at Bentley before moving into NVH. As a validation engineer I was responsible for devising and carrying out rigorous tests on powertrain and chassis systems. Other responsibilities included developing and managing timing plans for prototype vehicle usage, and compiling a monthly report to communicate validation programme status to the project team.