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Projects


Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number EP/F008864/1
Title Micron Resolution Full-Field Shape Metrology for High Value Engineering Applications
Status Completed
Energy Categories Energy Efficiency(Transport) 25%;
Not Energy Related 75%;
Research Types Basic and strategic applied research 100%
Science and Technology Fields ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering) 100%
UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation Not Cross-cutting 100%
Principal Investigator Professor DP Towers
No email address given
Mechanical Engineering
University of Leeds
Award Type Standard
Funding Source EPSRC
Start Date 01 September 2007
End Date 30 September 2008
Duration 13 months
Total Grant Value £76,968
Industrial Sectors Communications; Aerospace; Transport Systems and Vehicles; Defence and Marine
Region Yorkshire & Humberside
Programme Materials, Mechanical and Medical Eng
 
Investigators Principal Investigator Professor DP Towers , Mechanical Engineering, University of Leeds (99.999%)
  Other Investigator Dr CE Towers , Mechanical Engineering, University of Leeds (0.001%)
  Industrial Collaborator Project Contact , Rolls-Royce PLC (0.000%)
Web Site
Objectives
Abstract This project seeks to establish the technology required for a unique shape measurement approach to fulfil a commercial need that is beyond current capabilities by a factor of >5. The technology is based on an optimisation approach for interferometric sensors whereby the measurement range and reliability are maximised. Initial exploitation is expected through the gas turbine industry where the commercial drivers are to reduce fuel consumption of their engines and thereby achieve an advantage over their competitors. Such a development also provides a means to conserve the world's natural resources improving long term sustainability. Information from our collaborators, Rolls-Royce shows that the ability to control and optimise the geometry of turbine blades to micron levels (1 micron = 0.001 mm) will generate specific fuel consumption savings of 0.3 to 1.0 % - equivalent to 1000 litres of kerosene on a typical London to New York flight. Beyond turbine blade manufacturers there is potentially a far larger market in blade maintenance companies and in other applications, for example, automated de-burring of high value components (also relevant to Rolls-Royce)
Publications (none)
Final Report (none)
Added to Database 13/06/07