Gas turbine aero-engines are a key aspect of the modern global aerospace sector. The developments in gas turbine technology have played a vital role in the substantial improvements which have been achieved over several decades. Aerospace plays a vital role in both the global and national economy, and it is envisaged that the gas turbine will continue to be at the heart of future propulsion system developments.
The challenges for future aero-engine systems are expected to include considerations of reducing emissions and noise, novel cycles, propulsion architectures and systems, engine-airframe integration, analysis tools, reliability and costs.
Within this context, we have developed a range of world leading capabilities and established a strong track record through close collaboration with industry, government and academia in the following areas:
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Aero-engine performance;
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Engine and turbomachinery aerodynamics;
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Component lifing;
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Techno-economic risk analysis;
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Multi-disciplinary design optimisation;
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Experimental and computational methods.
We have a notable track record of working with businesses in an engaging and collaborative manner. We work in a range of ways in line with the expectations of the partnering business. This encompasses projects and collaborations across a variety of situations such as student project sponsorship, short-term contracts, long-term agreements, as well as consortium arrangements, both nationally and internationally. Within this flexible framework, the topics and scope of the work span the range of scenarios from near-term specific technical requirements to longer-term innovative research.
Our research activities have been in collaboration with a range of national and international partners, organisations and consortia such as Airbus, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), European Union and Rolls-Royce.
About our research
Our greatest strength is the ability to combine the academic rigour and long-term perspective of a university with the commercial and business focus of industry.
Our excellence in strategic and applied research has enabled us to make significant contributions to the world around us for over 60 years. We address real life challenges and focus on research that is of strategic and practical importance.
We provide a supportive research community for students and our academic work is regularly published in journal article, book or thesis form.
Working with us
We are internationally renowned for working closely with industry. We partner with many leading businesses in this area to deliver innovative solutions to their real-life problems.
Our world-class academics have proven research records and are in constant touch with industry whether through education, delivery of short courses or providing consultancy.
Our research benefits from the strong synergy that has been developed between the science, engineering and management disciplines ensuring that concepts and solutions can be employed by modern day business.
