Benjamin Conley

Mechanical Engineering Ph.D. Candidate at Purdue University seeking opportunities in mechanical design, testing, and analysis

Lafayette, Indiana, United States

About

I am a Ph.D. candidate in the mechanical engineering at Purdue University. Through my research which focused on the dynamics of ball bearing turbochargers, I have developed a variety of physical experimentation and simulation skills. I enjoy exploring the principles which guide design in all engineering disciplines and evolution in nature, with the goal of incorporating them into my work. I’m interested in positions relating to mechanical engineering design, testing, and analysis.

Experience

  • Graduate Research Assistant at Purdue University
    Aug 2016 - Present · 9 yrs 11 mos

    Worked in the Mechanical Engineering Tribology Lab (METL) under Professor Farshid Sadeghi in a variety of research roles including: -Designing, building, and improving test rigs -Instrumenting test rigs then collecting and analyzing data to extract meaningful results -Dynamic modeling of ball bearing systems relating to turbochargers Main research focus is the development of a ball bearing turbocharger test rig instrumented to collect data on the dynamics and loads experienced by the ball bearing cartridge of a minimally modified turbocharger under simulated operating conditions. Data from the test rig is used to validate a coupled discrete and finite element model to simulate the turbocharger and make recommendations for improved turbocharger performance.

  • Teaching Assistant at Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth
    Sep 2015 - Mar 2016 · 7 mos

    Worked as a peer adviser to student groups on their term projects, helping them to both understand the design process and to use available manufacturing resources. Also worked in the machine shop aiding students in the use of shop tools and machines.

  • Intern at Argonne National Laboratory
    Jun 2014 - Aug 2014 · 3 mos

    Continued work from previous internship to include modifying the lab test equipment and setup in order to maintain constant temperature during high sliding conditions. This involved building the circuitry to control the flow of coolant in the machine. Assisted in the collection of X-ray tomography data using a beam line at Argonne’s Advanced Photon Source with the goal of determining how well cracks in failed bearings could be resolved. Also performed some impact testing.

  • Intern at Argonne National Laboratory
    Sep 2013 - Dec 2013 · 4 mos

    Worked on developing a test methodology for simulating premature wind turbine bearing failure in a laboratory setting focusing on the effects of high sliding. Also did analysis of failed bearings with optical microscopy and optical profilometry.