About Me "Alexander Visscher"
- Mechanical Engineer BSc -
Recently graduated from the University of Edinburgh with a First Class Honours in Mechanical Engineering. On this page you will see the projects I have dedicated my personal or university time towards. These have expanded my knowledge and appreciation for design and development.
My Projects
Fairing Enhancement for Falcon – Tandem Low-Rider (2024)
This final year university project aimed to improve the aerodynamic efficiency of the Falcon quadricycle by adding fairings while evaluating their impact on maneuverability.
Key Highlights:
- Aerodynamic Testing: Wind tunnel tests measured drag force and coefficients of drag for various fairing designs.
- Design Phases: Two phases of testing identified the optimal fairing configuration, achieving a 17% improvement in aerodynamic efficiency.
Wind Farm Extension Coursework (2023)
Investigated the feasibility of extending Kelmarsh Wind Farm with ≥3MW turbines, including site analysis, power curve development, and energy yield estimation.
Key Highlights:
- Wind Data Analysis: MCP (Measure Correlate Predict) and P90 velocity.
- Turbine Power Curve: Developed a generic power curve for a ≥3MW turbine.
- Site Mapping: Identified optimal turbine locations on adjoining land.
- Energy Yield: Estimated annual energy production with uncertainty considerations.
Tandem Low-Rider (Falcon) (2021 - 2023)
A pedal-powered quadricycle designed for long-distance travel, emphasising aerodynamic efficiency, comfort, and the ability for each cyclist to pedal at their own cadence.
Key highlights:
- Aerodynamic Design: Tandem and low riding setup.
- Independent rider pedaling speeds
- Complex Steering Mechanism: Precision angles for camber and Ackerman effects to prevent tire scraping.
- Steel Construction: Chosen for its feasibility and durability.
- Successful 250km trip validated performance and comfort.
Camera Sun Shield (June 2024)
A compact, foldable sun shield for cameras, featuring 3D-printed and metal components in an umbrella-like design. Developed to prevent camera overheating and protect against minor rain.
Key highlights:
- Designed and built within 3 weeks.
- Utilized the over-centre principle as a locking method for stability.
- Integrated clip-in joints for quick assembly and disassembly.
- Adjustable tilt and rotation for precise positioning and optimal sun blocking.
Motorised Camera Slider (June 2024)
A motorised camera slider focused on functionality, manufacturability, and easy assembly, with emphasis on optimal strength and aesthetics during 3D printing.
Key highlights:
- Designed and built in 3 weeks (physical structure only).
- Motor-ready with space for future electronics.
- Belt tensioner.
- ~1m track length.
Trombone Auto Page Turner Button Holder (August 2023)
Designed and tested a custom 3D-printed holder featuring a compliant spring to fit between trombone tubes, accommodating a Flic button for seamless digital page-turning during performances.
Key Highlights:
- Custom Design: 3D-printed holder with compliant spring for secure attachment between trombone tubes.
- Functionality: Enables page-turning with a Flic button.
- Single-Access Design: Holder is designed to be inserted and removed in only one direction for secure use
Wind Turbine Casing
A University group project to create a portable wind turbine.
Key Highlights:
- Responsible for the design of structural elements.
- Managed the teams efforts.
Worth the University Tuition
Year 1
Electrical Engineering 1
Engineering Mathematics 1a
Engineering Mathematics 1b
Mechanical Engineering 1
Critical Thinking
Engineering 1
Engineering Design 1
Year 2
Tools for Engineering Design 2
Fire Science and Engineering 2
Dynamics 2
Fundamentals of Music Theory
Structural Mechanics 2A
Fluid Mechanics 2
Materials Science and Engineering 2
Engineering Thermodynamics 2
Power Engineering 2
Engineering Mathematics 2A
Engineering Mathematics 2B
Programming Skills for Engineers 2
Professional Development for Engineers 2
Year 3
Sustainable Energy Group Design Project 3
Conceptual Design for Mechanical Engineers 3
Manufacture 3
Computational Methods and Modelling 3
Thermofluids 3
Structural Mechanics and Dynamics 3
Professional Issues for Mechanical Engineers 3
Control and Instrumentation Engineering 3
Partial Differential Equations 3
Year 4
Dynamics 4
Mechanical Engineering Group Project 4
Wind Energy 5
Marine Energy 5
Digital Manufacture 5
Engineering Project management
Polymers and Composites Materials
BEng Mechanical Project