Sustainable Energy Engineering
MEng (HG21), BEng (HF21), MEng (H224), BEng (H221)
Facilities
Combustion Laboratory
Research in combustion science concentrates on engine performance testing and emissions. The Internal Combustion Engine laboratory contains five test beds. These include a four cylinder Diesel engine with optical access to the combustion chamber and a variable compression ratio Ricardo engine. Current projects include duel fuelling and the development of bio-Diesels as alternative fuels for compression ignition engines. In addition the school possesses an almost unique, high pressure, steady-state combustion rig for studying the fundamental physics behind the combustion process.
Mechanical Testing Facilities
Students using mechanical testing equipment
The School has a variety of mechanical testing equipment used to determine the mechanical properties of different materials and structures, from aircraft components to new implant materials or even biological tissues. These testing machines apply forces in compression, tension or torsion and can be used to find out material properties such as ultimate strength and modulus.
Nano Fluids Research Labs
The school has a rapidly expanding group working on heat transfer from nano-fluids, liquids containing nano-scale particles which alter the fundamental thermo-physical properties of the fluid and so increase heat transfer rates. The specific research includes formulation of nanoparticles and stable nanofluids in a purpose built laboratory. In addition a new test facility is being constructed to investigate flow and heat transfer behavior of nanofluids in micro-tubes. The research will include mechanistic analysis of micro/nanoscale energy transportation and enhanced heat transfer performance.
Two-Phase Flow and Heat Transfer Labs
The school has an international reputation for research into two-phase flow with heat transfer. In particular it has five test rigs for investigating various aspects of condensation heat transfer which has direct application to steam power plant and refrigeration cycles. These include a full tube bank rig for investigating the complex interactions between tube geometry and vapour and liquid flow in real condensers. In addition several rigs are being used to investigate and optimise three-dimensional highly enhanced finned tubes for increasing heat transfer rates for both internal and external flows and so reducing condenser size.
Wind Tunnels - Low Speed
Students discussing the mounting of an Airship Model in one of our Low speed Wind Tunnels
The Whitehead Aeronautical Laboratory contains a large number of the Low Speed Wind Tunnels which are being used for teaching, undergraduate projects and research activities in Aerospace Related Topics.
There are 4 low speed wind tunnels which are regularly used by undergraduate students working on topics such as aerodynamics of: airships, wings, road & sport vehicles, flow control for the reduction of drag, jet engine compressor, turbine blades and wind energy, etc.
The cross sectional areas of the low speed wind tunnels ranges from 0.52m x 0.38 m to 1.2 m x 1.2 m with a maximum speed of 40 m/s.
The fifth wind tunnel is a unique research facility in UK which is used for understanding the stability of laminar flows and its active control. Several external organisations such as Airbus, US airforce, etc are involved in using this facility.
Workshops for Engineering Manufacture
The school has a purpose built, fully equipped teaching workshop where students learn the basics of workshop practice in line with the degree accreditation requirements of the Royal Aeronautical Society and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. In additional it contains fully automated CAD/CAM controlled milling machines and two rapid prototyping machines for high speed production of complex components. The workshops are also used during students design build and test projects as part of their Engineering Design modules.