![](http://laurencemarks.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/cfd_banner_2-1.jpg)
Design and Prototypes
After years of working modelling and stressing other people’s designs I have started to design and manufacture my own equipment and components, obviously with a significant CAE and simulation aspect.
Gantry and Car Trolley
My workshop needed a crane/gantry to lift racing cars and their associated subsystems. If it was mobile, capable of lifting the Radical, and could be operated by one person, it would be a useful addition to my facilities. If I was going to do that a decent car trolley, or series of them would be useful too.
A full CAE representation of both systems was created and extensive FEA of the gantry were carried out. (The trolleys were only stressed using “traditional methods”).
![](http://laurencemarks.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/gANTRY_TROLLEY-1.jpg)
This was also a good opportunity to benchmark PreProMax and Calculix against Abaqus.
![](http://laurencemarks.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/calculix_gantry_mod_2.jpg)
The gantry was constructed in my unit in Bicester over the winter of 2021, laser cutting by Metweld of Banbury and welding by Jo White of Vulcandezign.
![](http://laurencemarks.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/gantry_build-1024x278.jpg)
It has worked extremely well lifting the required weights with ease and allowing the lifting of a car to be a one man job. Pictures below taken during initial testing/commissioning. Note also one of numerous trolleys completed to date.
![](http://laurencemarks.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/gantry_test.jpg)
Tools and Components for Vintage Motorcycles
I’ve been helping a friend with parts and tools for his vintage motorcycle restoration projects. This has involved CAD design, rapid prototyping and more traditional manufacturing.
![](http://laurencemarks.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/barry_stuff.jpg)
Assembly modelling for Toleman F2 rear wing
Jo White of VulcanDezign was commissioned to manufacture a new rear wing for a Toleman F2 car. This is the CAD assembly model I created to aid manufacture.
![](http://laurencemarks.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/toleman_wing-1024x299.jpg)
Electronics Testing
Recently I’ve been undertaking a series of experiments to validate and optimise thermal models of power resistors mounted on heatsinks.
![](http://laurencemarks.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Thermal_testing_website.jpg)