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The history of gas turbine engineering at Cranfield dates back to 1946 and the foundation of the Institution. The Department of Power and Propulsion, focuses on developing and applying knowledge and analysis for the economic and technical benefit of the international gas turbine and related industries. This high technology global industry is worth more than £30 billion per annum. Approximately half of this volume is in the aerospace sector, the other half in the power, marine and energy sector. Current challenges are arising from the need to address environmental issues and the changing economic climate. These challenges have created an environment where a large return can be accrued from an investment in gas turbine research and education.

The department has established an international reputation for its advanced postgraduate education, extensive research activity and applied continuing professional development.  It is strengthened by close links developed with the international propulsion, power, oil, gas and process industries.  As a result, the department has seen many of its graduates go on to senior positions in the international gas turbine industry. 

The Department comprises 3 groups:

The Gas Turbine Engineering and Technology Group carries out industrially applied research for many customers. It incorporates the Rolls-Royce UTC in Performance Engineering. Some of its many areas of interest are Life Cycle Costs, Simulation, Diagnostics, Selection of Equipment, and Power, Energy and the Environment.

The Turbomachinery & Icing Group has a large portfolio of sponsored work generated by research, design and development in turbomachinery for power oil, gas and aerospace applications. This research is supported by major laboratory and testing facilities. Research in icing is carried out in icing tunnel facilities which are unique in the University sector.

Power and Propulsion Sciences Group conducts High Performance Computing for Simulation to Modelling, Design Optimisation & Virtual Test Beds.

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