Some of the projects were basically engineering work. Ian Hollows and Anthony Powell built an anemometer (for measuring wind velocity) and Rory Linden-Kelly and Michael O'Sullivan constructed a hysterisis coil for studying various magnetic effects. David Delemos and Gary Prazer constructed a stroboscope, the £10 worth of electronic components being paid for by the Friends. Charles Greensted and Malcolm McCormack constructed a polargraph for studying ionisation.
Some projects were of a much more theoretical nature. Robert Kelly and John Kwee investigated various property variations of sound waves and Richard Gerrish and Patrick Wherity repeated Millikan's famous oil-drop experiment to measure the charge on the electron. Brendan Gillespie and Michael Thom investigated the 'creep' of materials (i.e. the permanent deformation after subjection to a given load). |
Other projects included a combination of theoretical physics and electronic engineering. Patrick Barton, Andrew Charlton and Robert Sayer developed a system for taking photographs to show the paths of moving objects using a flash tube. Michael Casey and David Gallagher designed and built a circuit to convert a standard oscilloscope into a split-beam model, though the efficiency of this system has yet to be determined.
To sum it up, we found this a welcome break from our usual daily routine, though the time seemed to run a bit short for some of the projects.
Brian Taylor L.6
Editor's note:- (Original Magazine Editor!)
The Chemistry students also did project work involving the production of beer. For some strange reason, none of them was in a position to report on this at the time of going to press.