Engine Development, Research and Training
Birmingham
City University has been working as a supplier for research with the Aerospace
Division of Rolls-Royce since 2008, on a project examining its advanced
engineering systems. It is currently collaborating on the £90m Technology
Strategy Board-funded project, SILOET (Strategic Investment in Low Carbon
Engine Technologies).
The
relationship began with an initial twelve-month Knowledge Based Partnership
(KBP), within the University’s Faculty of Technology, Engineering and the
Environment which focused on modelling Rolls-Royce’s advanced engineering
systems to provide better understanding and intelligence on key engineering
systems. The KBP programme relied upon the involvement of the Associate, Maria
Nicastri, who participated in the project under the careful leadership and
guidance of Professor Craig Chapman with support from Ardavan Amini (University
Lecturer).
The
University’s commercial research engagement on the SILOET project included
further analysis and modelling of an architecture to assist in the development
of future virtual engines development. This project allowed a Birmingham City
University student, Steve Suman, to be hired directly to the project as a
Research Associate under the direction of Professor Craig Chapman.
The Client
Rolls-Royce is
a global business providing integrated power systems for use on land, at sea
and in the air. The Group has a balanced business portfolio with leading market
positions.
“The
thriving partnership with Rolls-Royce typifies how the University can engage
with companies on a variety of different activities, from applied research to
knowledge transfer and consultancy to bespoke training”.
Professor Craig Chapman, Senior Academic for Research, Engineering Design and Manufacturing Systems
Results
The
KBP project resulted in many positive outcomes for Rolls-Royce, with the main
one being the enhancement of knowledge in the area of key systems. Maria
Nicastri has also become a permanent member of Rolls-Royce staff.
As a result
of the positive outcomes, substantial investment has been made at the
University’s Millennium Point facility to house a dedicated Knowledge Based
Engineering (KBE) laboratory. The team is also delivering bespoke training for Rolls-Royce’s
senior management and key engineering team.
Benefits
- Key
systems knowledge enhancement
- Maria
Nicastri gained employment with Rolls-Royce as a direct result of her work on
the Knowledge Based Partnership project.
- Up-skilling for Rolls-Royce’s senior management and key engineering teams.
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