Sarah's Day of Learning

On Saturday, Rolls-Royce had an "open day" for employees and their families to come to see a variety of engines and machines created by Rolls-Royce.  It was put on by a group of retired employees.  We arrived at the building just in time to see a test-run done on one of their engines.  It was pretty neat, and really loud.  They even handed out earplugs, just in case.

The engine test

We went inside, and the learning began.  Jeff showed me a few airplane engines, and one of which was made in Indianapolis.  I was surprised at the size, and I'm sure you will be as well when you look through the pictures.

Huge is an understatement

I finally understood what part of the engine Jeff helps design and work properly...compressors which squeeze the incoming air and pressurize it.  He works on the 2nd (Squeeze) section of the 4-sections that makes the engine run. He went over this with me a few times, and even quizzed me on it later on.

1. Suck: The part of the engine that sucks in the outside air.
2. Squeeze: The part of the engine that squeezes the incoming air to pressurize it.
3. Bang: When the pressurized air comes into this section, it is ignited.
4. Blow: The ignited air then blows out the backside to make the engine move forward

Phew. And what a funny motto to understand how the engine works. Note: Jeff did not create the motto; he was just taught it.  

The Indianapolis engine, the rest were English engines

After our multiple lessons, we walked around to see ship, vehicle, and train engines as well. It was interesting to see how they made engines before they had all of the wonderful technology we have now.  They would make them out of wood, and then create the engine.  That. would. take. forever.  It was also interesting to see some of the tools they use to make sure the engines are running smoothly and especially how they have evolved over the years.

The model version made out of wood. 

Planes! Planes! Planes!

I learned a little more about Rolls and Royce, how they met, and who else they worked with throughout the years.  I was surprised to see that they worked with the Wright Brothers at one time as well. It was pretty neat to read about the logo, well mascot, of Rolls-Royce and how it was created as well. I'm not talking about the RR, but the Lady of Ecstasy or The Flying Lady. 

Onto the next adventure...