Future Propulsion and Systems
Power Electronics and Machines test facilities
Instrumented micro turbine for gas turbine and fuel research
Expertise
The Future Propulsion and Systems thematic group features a range of expertise for current and future propulsion systems. Systems integration is a key component of our expertise, covering both the optimisation and build of propulsion systems spanning electrical and hybrid propulsion systems. Key examples of our integration track record can be found within the following CleanSky2/Horizon 2020 projects:
- EMINEO - Electrical Machines and Drives for Next Generation Aircraft
- ORCHESTRA - Optimised Electric Network Architectures and Systems for More-Electric Aircraft
- AERIS - Advanced simulation of two-phase flow in aero-engine bearing chambers and internal gearboxes
Specific areas of expertise within Future Propulsion and Systems
| Propulsion Systems |
Electrical Machines |
Power Electronics & Batteries |
Power Systems & Control |
| Future and decarbonised propulsion |
Electrical machine design |
Power Electronics |
Innovative onboard architectures & topologies |
| Electric propulsion |
Motor drives |
Modular battery systems |
Optimised energy/power management including AI-based |
| Aircraft gas turbine engines |
Winding technology |
Aircraft electrical power systems |
Advanced modelling/simulation and Digital Twins |
| Satellite propulsion |
Electromagnetic modelling |
High e-performance applications |
Electric power quality and stability |
Specific areas of expertise within Future Propulsion and Systems (continued)
| Analysis Techniques |
Thermal |
System Risk & Reliability |
| Material characterisation |
Thermal management |
Risk and reliability |
| Rotor & high-speed machine dynamics |
Cooling systems |
Fault diagnostics |
| Flow control and turbulence modelling |
Combustor aerothermal technology |
Aircraft fleet maintenance & prognostics |
|
Experimental & computational fluid dynamics
|
Ultra-low NOx combustion systems |
Safety |
People
Over 250 academics and researchers work within and across this diverse range of research themes to deliver novel, cross-disciplinary, integrated research projects to both industry and research funders.
Research Facilities
Research facilities to which we can provide access
| Power Electronics and Machine test facilities (up to 2MW) |
Advanced machining technologies |
Micro gas turbine for testing fuel |
On premise HPC service |
| Mechanical testing and structural evaluation |
Extensive range of Additive Manufacturing machines |
Large closed-return wind tunnel with experience of testing engine nacelles and wing-props |
Hybrid fuel cell/electric propulsion system validation (up to 45000ft) |
Track Record
Our specialist aerospace teams at UoN work in partnership with a range of major aerospace companies and SMEs. We have an extensive track record in securing key UK and EU funding as well as from the Royal Society, British Council, RAEng, Research England, APC and industry.
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