Engineering principles

This project aims to develop key skills vital to engineering and a range of careers.

During this project, pupils’ knowledge of engineering principles will broaden as they research how to improve their designs.

There is a huge amount of research on how each component of fan powered vehicles works;, this ranges from the propeller, the batteries, the chassis, the wheels, the bearings and many other aspects of the problems that you will face. Using this information from the engineering sources will help to achieve the optimum design.

Do ask others for help and advice. If you still haven’t found the information you need, try the Ask an Engineer page where you can look over the previous questions pupils have asked and an engineer’s response.

Read our thrust and aerodynamics fact sheets

Key Skills

Teamwork – Working together efficiently with controlled and considerate discussions regarding design ideas and project progression are vital for any team to be successful in this project.

Problem Solving – This project is a step beyond mathematical problem solving, where pupils are required to develop viable solutions to strict specifications.

Communication – Good communication will not only have to be utilised within groups but will have to be shown to the Rolls-Royce representatives during later round presentations. A vital skill in all careers is the ability to communicate your ideas to others effectively.