TIM'S PROJECT SUMMARY

Description:
The project that I currently spend most of my time on is one of JET's many photogrammetry surveys. One of the 'quirks' with JET is that, when the plasma is heated to hundreds of millions of degrees, the whole machine swells with thermal expansion. When it cools it returns to roughly its original shape but over time we need to survey it so we know that new components can be installed.

Objectives:
The task required the design, manufacture and procurement of over 100 'photogrammetry targets'. These are small precision-made components which can be installed remotely and tell us the shape of the vessel with sub-millimetre accuracy. The task was identified as critical path for the JET shutdown but it's currently running 3 months ahead of schedule.

Comments:
I'm enjoying this project as I have been able to see it through from the initial concept design phase, I chaired the final design review and I'm now Contract Project Manager for the manufacture of the targets. I like working with other people so the process of consulting all the interfaces involved and learning about their requirements and limitations has been rewarding on many levels.