Engineering Launches “Spud Day” at Benét Labs

In September, three teams of matriculated Benét Laboratories students completed their final project field tests for “Advanced Launcher Armament Engineering,” a course taught on-onsite at Benét Labs for Benét employees in Union Graduate College’s Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) program. 

The talented and enthusiastic group of students presented to an audience of approximately fifty spectators, firing their “pneumatic potato launchers,” discussing test results versus design predictions, and finishing with ballistic pendulum shots to measure the muzzle velocity of their launcher designs. 

The course integrated principles of mathematics, physics, statics, dynamics, thermal sciences and materials applicable to modern-day launcher design and development.  Case studies engaged students within multi-disciplinary design teams on issues of launcher design.

The course was taught by Dr. Eric Kathe (Branch Chief, Modeling and Simulation, Launcher Technology, Benét Laboratories),  and “Spud Day” was supported by a variety of senior personnel and staff from Benét Laboratories and the Watervliet Arsenal.

“This was a great group of professionals to work with,” said Union Graduate College School of Engineering Dean, Robert Kozik.  “And having Dr. Kathe teach the course is a perfect example of industry experts sharing the most recent research and technology with our students.”

“We at Union Graduate College are always seeking ways to provide Capital Region working professionals with educational programs that enhance their careers and/or enhance the growth of their industry initiatives.” 

Thanks to the professionals at Benét Laboratories and Watervliet Arsenal for their support on behalf of these students.