Reece Jones bio photo

Projects

Portfolio: Design, Analysis, and Leadership

Below are overviews of my core engineering projects, showcasing the full product lifecycle from initial CAD and simulation to physical manufacturing and structural validation. Each project highlights specific expertise in technical analysis, strategic planning, and team leadership.

Lightweight Quadcopter UAV Structural Design and Validation (CDIO)

Date Jan 2025 - Jul 2025
Role Simulations Lead
Key Skills FEA, CAD, Structural Analysis, CNC Machining, Data Analysis

Project Summary

A comprehensive project focused on designing, manufacturing, and validating the lightweight structural frame for a quadcopter UAV out of CFRP.

  • Led the application of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to predict the central deflection of the UAV frame.
  • Confirmed structural integrity via a drop test and observed no visible damage.
  • Supported manufacturing using Water Jet cutting for CFRP components and CNC milling.
Picture of me and the final Quadcopter UAV
Picture of me and my peers with our final Quadcopter UAV's

2. Develop an Aerofoil for Shortest Take-Off

Date Oct 2024 - Jan 2025
Role Group Lead / CFD Engineer
Key Skills CFD, Group Leadership, Wind Tunnel Analysis, Manufacturing, Project Management

Project Summary

Led a team through the full product lifecycle to design and test an aerofoil optimised for the shortest take-off distance.

  • Developed an understanding of viscous and inviscid CFD using Star CCM+ and XFLR5.
  • Operated a wind tunnel and managed time efficiently using a Gantt chart.
the starccm+ pressure coefficient scene
viscous analysis of the wing
myself with the wing on the fusalage

3. Airbrake Design for Altitude Control (UH Rocketry)

Date Nov 2024 - Mar 2025
Role Project Lead
Key Skills CFD, FEA, Project Planning, Report Writing

Project Summary (Research & Feasibility)

This project was primarily a research and feasibility study for a deployable airbrake system, establishing foundational knowledge in active flight control for high-altitude rockets.

  • Key Outcome: Research defined the technical requirements and simulation methodology needed for future design and testing phases.
  • Tools Used: Utilised MATLAB and OpenRocket for preliminary modeling and simulation.

4. Manufacture a Mars Rover (Obstacle Detection)

Date Jan 2024 - Apr 2024
Role Group Lead – Manufacturing Engineer
Key Skills CAD/CATIA, 3D Printing, Laser Cutting, Arduino, Presentation Skills

Project Summary

Extended CAD and manufacturing knowledge to create a Mars Rover capable of detecting and manoeuvring around obstacles.

  • Applied CAD with CATIA for data transfer to 3D printers and Laser Cutting machines.
  • Applied Arduino C knowledge to hardware.
  • Successfully presented the final Mars Rover to stakeholders.

View Engineering Drawing (PDF)

Imars rover cad model

5. Ground Effect Vehicle (GEV) and Launcher

Date Oct 2023 - Jan 2024
Role Design Engineer
Key Skills Research Skills, Engineering Drawing, CAD, Budget Management

Project Summary

Conducted extensive research on previous GEVs to develop the final design and functional launcher.

  • Created precise engineering drawings and maintained accurate budget records.
  • Engaged in productive discussions with stakeholders.
the GEV towards the end of manufacturing
the GEV during testing with the launcher

6. Website Development: A First Code Project (Self-Directed)

Date Oct 2025 - Present
Role Developer & Strategist
Key Skills HTML/CSS, Git, Jekyll, CI/CD Workflow, File Structure Management

Project Summary

This personal website represents a academic project to master Git/GitHub workflow and static site generation for professional branding.

  • First practical experience with HTML/CSS and modern template systems (Jekyll).
  • Successfully implemented a complete Git/GitHub Pages workflow, including managing dependencies and deploying a functional site.
  • Created a professional, responsive academic website to showcase engineering work.