Desmond Winterbone graduated from Rugby College of Engineering Technology while undertaking a Student Apprenticeship, with the Electric Co. Ltd, where he developed his interest in reciprocating engines.
Desmond Winterbone studied for his PhD on The calculation of diesel-engine performance at the University of Bath and graduated in 1970.
He used the Chilton Atlas for calculations relevant to his PhD in the period 1968-1969.
He then joined the staff at UMIST with three main aims:
He held the Chair in Thermodynamics at UMIST from 1980 until 2002. and also served as Vice-Principal, and Pro-Vice Chancellor of UMIST.
During his career he published several books on thermodynamics and engine simulation: