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As part of a team of engineers and analysts, mechanical engineering graduate Chris Cosgrove ’98 performed a vulnerability analysis of the design for a future Army Non-Line of Sight Cannon. The U.S. Army Research Laboratory recognized his work with its annual Award for Analysis.
“Basically, this computer model fires simulated bullets, missiles, etc., at a simulated vehicle from every conceivable angle. It then uses various ballistic penetration codes and other calculations to determine what effects these weapons would have had on the actual vehicle,” he says.
The research suits Cosgrove’s skills and interests well.
“I was offered a position that put my prior automotive and hydraulic system knowledge to use – plus, it involved blowing stuff up. Not a tough sell for me,” he says.
He also supports the “live fire” testing that the Army performs on domestic and foreign vehicles. His team travels to test ranges, mostly at Aberdeen Proving Ground and the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, and performs damage assessments.
He appreciates the educational advantages his college provided.
“Lafayette gave me a solid foundation of engineering knowledge. I also came away from Lafayette with a great deal of hands-on design and fabrication experience through the various projects we did in our mechanical engineering courses and labs,” he says. “I also feel I have an advantage over many with engineering degrees from other colleges and universities because of the emphasis that Lafayette’s curriculum puts on developing communication skills, and taking classes outside of your major.”