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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/S10216/01
Title: From Optical Surfaces to Prosthetic Joint Lifetime
Principal Investigator: Blunt, Professor L
Other Investigators:
Jiang, Professor Dame X
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Zeeko Ltd
Department: Sch of Computing and Engineering
Organisation: University of Huddersfield
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 April 2003 Ends: 30 November 2005 Value (£): 144,182
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Biomaterials
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Healthcare No relevance to Underpinning Sectors
Related Grants:
GR/S10209/01 GR/S10223/01
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
This proposal stems from the remarkable convergence between the challenges of producing complex 3D forms with superb texture in two unrelated disciplines:- i) optical surfaces for defence and other systems (Physics), and ii) prosthetic joint-implants (Healthcare). In the latter, the objective is to achieve lifetimes beyond the 1015 year limit resulting from poor control of form and texture using current manual craft processes.Our new consortium proposes to exploit the British 'Precessions' CNC optical polishing techniques. It will be extended for the general 3D case, as required both for joint implants and a wide range of military optics (freeform and conformal). The heart will be physics-based process, metrology and software development. This will embody experimental CNC polishing and metrology on flats, leading to 3D reference forms and finally implant samples The implants will be lifetime-tested on a mechanical wear-simulator, leading to clinical-trials. Advances in process-control will be exploited in optical fabrication, demonstrating the true synergy between the disciplines and maximizing wider benefit. The associated SME will exploit the results in its family of CNC machines. Liaison with Dstl will be maintained throughout, in order that the programme meets MOD's objectives as well as those of the healthcare community.
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Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.hud.ac.uk