Quote Originally Posted by architect View Post
*Dprox

But what about the design team (architect, structural engr, elec'l engr, mechanical engr, sanitation engr, etc.)? What disciplines are required?
The analogs to construction phase tradesmen are those very items I listed. Specializations are clearly defined, with overlaps of course, but the volume of work of each one is less. I also listed them in the most likely sequence of their involvement, er ... Parts Procurement and Quality Control should have been on top, since they will be involved all throughout the build.

During the design phase, I relied on my own accumulated knowledge (a calculated risk, really) and vicarious experience gained by hanging around various AUV & jeepney fabrication shops asking impertinent questions. That's how I became quite aware of the stock technical capabilities of filipino build teams. I actually didn't have the need to hire design engineers for my prototype.

Besides that, I used and modified an existing platform, encountering only minor compatibility problems (mechanical and electrical) along the build. Can tell you more about it later. I don't know of any standard practice or mandated processes yet for UV design/fabrication. I would have brought in an engineer only if I were to introduce really complex or hi-tech innovation to the project I was not confident I could do.

There is no analog in UV fabrication to the engineering professionals in building construction. LTO's approval requirements are not as stringent as Building Officials. But if ever they should require an engineering pro to vouch for the project, it would probably be a BSME, or a bona fide automotive engineer (if you find one, heheh!).

If you want professional assurance, it would be a BSME, particularly regarding weight distribution and suspension systems. But then you might try asking the underchassis chief mechanics at Zafra who know that stuff better than many MEs.

DPROX
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