Projects
Projects: Projects for Investigator |
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| Reference Number | EP/M013863/1 | |
| Title | Small is Beautiful | |
| Status | Completed | |
| Energy Categories | Not Energy Related 50%; Energy Efficiency(Industry) 50%; |
|
| Research Types | Basic and strategic applied research 100% | |
| Science and Technology Fields | PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Metallurgy and Materials) 25%; ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering) 75%; |
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| UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation | Not Cross-cutting 100% | |
| Principal Investigator |
Dr M (Mark ) Jolly No email address given School of Applied Sciences Cranfield University |
|
| Award Type | Standard | |
| Funding Source | EPSRC | |
| Start Date | 27 March 2015 | |
| End Date | 31 December 2016 | |
| Duration | 21 months | |
| Total Grant Value | £233,012 | |
| Industrial Sectors | Manufacturing | |
| Region | East of England | |
| Programme | Manufacturing : Manufacturing | |
| Investigators | Principal Investigator | Dr M (Mark ) Jolly , School of Applied Sciences, Cranfield University (99.997%) |
| Other Investigator | Dr PD Ball , School of Applied Sciences, Cranfield University (0.001%) Dr K Salonitis , Sch of Energy, Environment and Agrifoo, Cranfield University (0.001%) Dr F Charnley , Sch of Energy, Environment and Agrifoo, Cranfield University (0.001%) |
|
| Industrial Collaborator | Project Contact , Cast Metals Federation (0.000%) Project Contact , ESI UK Ltd (0.000%) Project Contact , Granta Design Ltd (0.000%) |
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| Web Site | ||
| Objectives | ||
| Abstract | The aim of the this project is to introduce the concept of "small is beautiful" into a conservative relatively low technology manufacturing sector where the "economies of scale" argument has been used for the last decade to build ever more so-called efficient process lines. This will be a major challenge. The new philosophy, "small is beautiful", starts by encouraging the use of high quality feedstock, only melting what is required and only when it is required. Recycling of internal scrap is not necessarily acceptable but an aim for higher yields is. Applying counter gravity casting methods to improve yield and give enhanced quality is encouraged as is the recovery low grade heat from solidification. The project will achieve this by the development of a software tool incorporating a new philosophy/methodology and metric for the handling of materials and energy throughout the process in foundries using computer numerical process simulation to support the decision making. The project would also look at the full energy chain from charge materials through to waste heat and energy in the process and identify the opportunities for scavenging waste heat and the costs associated with the whole process. This will therefore enable cost/benefit analysis to be undertaken so that companies will be able to make informed decisions about design, material and process at a very early stage | |
| Publications | (none) |
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| Final Report | (none) |
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| Added to Database | 16/07/15 | |
