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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/R95500/01
Title: Modelling, Microstructure and Properties of Nickel Superalloys Processed by Centrifugal Spray Deposition
Principal Investigator: Grant, Professor P
Other Investigators:
Jacobs, Dr MH Dowson, Dr A
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Alstom Group Bodycote Plc Doncasters Group Ltd
QinetiQ Rolls-Royce Plc (UK)
Department: Materials
Organisation: University of Oxford
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 22 April 2003 Ends: 21 April 2006 Value (£): 160,212
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Design of Process systems Manufacturing Machine & Plant
Materials Processing
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Aerospace, Defence and Marine Manufacturing
Energy R&D
Related Grants:
GR/R95494/01
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
One of the principal drivers for innovation within the aerospace, power generation and transportation industries is the need to reduce costs, whether through reductions in raw materials and component assembly costs, or through design initiatives which improve performance. Components within the gas turbine which offer considerable scope for cost reduction are the rings and casings which enclose the burner, compressor and turbine parts of the engine. Centrifugal spray deposition (CSD), involving the direct conversion of a liquid metal into a near net-shaped preform, offers a unique opportunity to produce these components at reduced cost and increased yield, whilst at the same time allowing the introduction of new materials which can improve engine performance and fuel efficiency. The concept of applying CSD to the production of ring components has been successfully demonstrated in the IRC. However, an improved scientific understanding of the underpinning process physics is urgently required if the process is to realise its full technological and commercial potential. In particular the process parameters which influence shape and microstructure evolution need to be quantified; process models need to be developed in order to promote right first time manufacture; and robust process monitoring and control procedures need to be introduced to improve process reproducibility. Capitalising on recent investments in spray forming technology at the University of Birmingham, and supported by a vertically integrated consortium of industrial partners, the proposed research programme links two of the leading spray forming research groups in Europe (the IRC in Materials Processing and the Oxford Centre for Advanced Materials and Composites) with the specific aim of addressing these issues.
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Organisation Website: http://www.ox.ac.uk