Out of this worldAerospace research excellence

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Southampton is one of the world’s leading aerospace universities, recognised internationally for our research, education and collaborative industry support.

We are proud of our long and prestigious heritage of world class research. We are the birthplace of the technology that led to the development of the Internet and have used our aerodynamics research and wind tunnels to help the British Cycling team win nine medals, including seven gold, in the London 2012 Olympics. We have revolutionised the field of aero-acoustics dramatically reducing the impact modern aircraft noise on the local environment.

With a network of over 500 staff across five faculties conducting aerospace research, Southampton has tremendous breadth. Our interdisciplinary approach helps spread innovation across sectors. We work hard with industry and government to deliver real life solutions based on the latest science, whether it be through student projects, consultancy or long term research partnerships. Our network covers partnerships in 54 countries around the world including 13 of the top 20 aerospace companies and we continually strive to broaden our horizons.

Our graduates go on to provide a high calibre workforce the world’s top aerospace and engineering companies working at the pinnacle of their fields. We have compiled this brochure to provide an insight into some of what we can do along with specific examples of projects that you can invest in now. We hope that you enjoy it and discover something new.

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Table of contents

4 Consultancy6 Facilities12 Research and technologies16 Modes of collaboration18 Industry impact20 Autonomous advanced systems38 Defence and security52 Sustainability and environment62 Engineering and management

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The University of Southampton is a major driver of innovation with the exploitation of world leading research and development undertaken by our academics and students. We are world leaders in the aerospace and defence sector, with research strengths in structures, power-plants, materials, fluid dynamics, electronics, electro-optics, cyber-systems, as well as, supply chains and logistics. Our consultancy projects are conducted across the entire range of companies from multi-national blue chip companies through to SMEs and micro companies - The portfolio is worth £30M annually to the University and projects with SMEs alone account for £10M.

Consultancy

Many companies require specialist facilities or technical expertise to maintain their leading edge capability, develop new technologies, or identify the root cause of a specific problem. We offer general consultancy ranging from a single day with a specialist academic to a variety of well-established, specialist enterprise units offering dedicated and professional teams solely deployed to work on longer-term projects with external organisations. Projects are undertaken to agreed specifications, costs and timescales. We have standard contracts that can be flexed to suit your needs.

Our academics have close links with each other and with other university-based consultancy groups allowing interdisciplinary projects to be tackled head-on, with bespoke teams of experts and specialist research and testing facilities assembled to meet your particular needs.

www.southampton.ac.uk/business/enterprise_units

How can we help?

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Facilities

Anechoic and reverberation chambersRayleigh Laboratories has two reverberation chambers, a large anechoic chamber and a progressive wave tube. The laboratories are well served with comprehensive control and preparation areas. A wide range of modern, highly specialised instrumentation is available. Single and three phase electrical supplies are available, as is compressed air. Mechanical workshop and handling facilities are available within the department. The facilities are used for: high–intensity noise testing; sound power determination of sound sources, using either the reverberation room or the anechoic chamber; sound reduction index determination of panels; sound absorption testing of porous materials. Measurements are offered to national and international standards.http://goo.gl/TSpfqH

Autonomous vehicle control systemsThe autonomous vehicle control systems laboratory has been formed by a merger of all research efforts on intelligent control systems for autonomous vehicles developed at the University of Southampton. This includes advanced guidance, navigation and feedback control methods, agent based control with mission execution capabilities, formal verification of hardware and software systems, fault tolerant and reconfigurable control, hybrid systems modelling and software engineering of intelligent vehicles for practical engineering.http://goo.gl/967chc

Doak jet facilityOur anechoic Doak laboratory is approximately 15m x 7m x 5m high and is fully anechoic down to 400 Hz. It is used for jet and valve noise and is equipped with an air supply that can achieve up to 20bar pressure. Both polar and a transversable azimuthal array of microphones can be used to give a complete 3-dimensional sound field up to a maximum acquisition frequency of 40 kHz. The laboratory is equipped with 2inch and 38mm nozzles, high and low mass flow air supplies and a 64 channel data acquisition system.http://goo.gl/X0i2Mj

Electron microscopy The Science and Engineering Electron Microscopy Centre houses strategic research facilities for the microstructural characterisation of materials by high resolution imaging and micro-area chemical analysis. Both scanning and transmission electron microscopes are available. Sample preparation includes carbon coating, mechanical dimpling, electropolishing and replica production.http://goo.gl/EqriwY

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Facilities

Flight simulatorInitially funded by BAE Systems, our flight simulator allows researchers to work closely with leading aerospace, flight simulation, hardware and software companies. GKN Westland Helicopters also contributed to its development and support from Qinetiq, Microsoft, Intel, Matrox, Just Flight, Thrustmaster, Eizo, Visual flight, Getmapping and Tigress Productions is currently helping further development of this facility. It is used to test student design programmes and plays an important role in the design, testing and manufacturing aspects of air vehicles.http://goo.gl/dA4xyj

High voltage laboratoryThe Tony Davies HV Laboratory is an active centre for research into dielectric materials and insulation systems, as well as high voltage and related phenomena.The lab is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, supported by a specialist engineering team who are all actively involved in internationally leading research. The lab provides commercial testing, technical consultancy and a modelling/simulation service to support industrial customers through a range of activities including development testing, type approval, material characterisation, forensic analysis and FEA modelling (mechanical, thermal, electrical).http://goo.gl/Xh4Kfr

Human vibrationThe Human Factors Research Unit laboratories have a unique range of human-rated test facilities for experimental studies of human responses to whole body vibration, hand-transmitted vibration, and low frequency oscillation. The unit offers diagnostic assessments of the vascular and neurological components of the hand-arm vibration syndrome, tests seats and gloves to assess what effects they have on human exposures to vibration, and measure exposures to hand-transmitted vibration and wholebody vibration to assess the likely effects on comfort, performance, or health. Lab facilities include a 6-axis motion simulator, vertical and horizontal vibrators,turn table, treadmill, indenter rig, 12m tilting, translating cabin and electrodynamic shakers.http://goo.gl/cLnCWa

Materials testingThe national Centre for Advanced Tribology at Southampton (nCATS) has full access to the surface engineering and tribology facilities for measurement and analysis at both the University of Southampton and the National Physical Laboratory. nCATS has the capability and facilities to conduct tests and analysis on coatings and materials including polymer, paints, ceramics, metallics, smart self-healing coatings, and anti-fouling; sensing including corrosion, wear, and lubricant quantity; lubrication and wear including oil additive chemistry, self-assembled monolayers, environmentally friendly lubricants, soot, texturing, nano-layers formed at tribological interfaces and downhole wear and friction control.http://goo.gl/B8uaOd

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Nanomaterials rapid prototyping facilityThe nanomaterials rapid prototyping facility is a semicleanroom environment, equipped for the fabrication and analysis of nanomaterials. The facility is designed to allow prototype nano-devices to be quickly built and tested. State-of-the-art, industry-standard equipment housed in superb laboratories include a wafer prober, Ar Ion laser, offset flexographic printer, confocal microscope, focussed ion beam system, sputter deposition system, E-Beam, atomic force microscope, parameter analyser and scanning electron microscope.http://goo.gl/23WBq7

Photonics foundryThe Foundry is a hub for innovation in photonics science and technology offering over 730m2 of state-of-the- art clean room facilities and related laboratories; providing unique fabrication capabilities over a broad spectrum of photonic materials, processes and devices including novel glass production, integrated photonics, advanced optical fibre fabrication, biophotonics, nanophotonics and metamaterials. Facilities can be commissioned on a daily basis.http://goo.gl/neQo3f

3D printingRapid prototyping, or 3D printing, is regarded as the third industrial revolution in manufacturing providing greater design freedom, faster design process, more efficient materials usage and tool-less manufacturing. Our state-of-the art rapid prototyping facilities, worth £300K, include a powder-based 3D Systems ZPrinter Z650 machine, a plastic photopolymer-based ZBuilder Ultra along with associated consumables and two BFB3000 rapid

prototyping colour printers housed in a newly refurbished lab. These machines are designed to produce quickly a model of a physical part using three dimensional computer aided design data. Access to expert design staff available.http://goo.gl/GPJjhR

Computed tomographyA dedicated centre for computed tomography (CT), the µ-VIS Centre provides complete support for 3D imaging science. Its flagship scanner is one of the largest and highest energy CT systems in the UK. It is used to produce high resolution 3D images of the internal structure of objects. Materials that have been scanned by µ-VIS range from aircraft wings to fossils. The centre encompasses five complementary scanning systems supporting a wide range of sample sizes (imaged volumes up to 1.5 x 1 x 1m) and resolution (down to ~200nm). Both academic and industrial consultancy services are available.http://goo.gl/OSUShV

Testing and structuresOur state of the art materials and structures testing facility enables development in measurement methodologies with a focus on utilising imaging systems to provide information on structural performance. Research in this area addresses microstructure-property relationships, material-structure synthesis, design-production coupling and fluid-structure interactions. Alongside TSRL are the μ-VIS: Multidisciplinary, Multiscale, Microtomographic Volume Imaging and the Heavy Structures facility which provide opportunities for studies across the length scales from micro to component to full structure.http://goo.gl/yPbLVj

Wind tunnelsThe wind tunnels complex provides top class and affordable facilities capable of accommodating anything from brief half-day validation studies to extended testing on everything from yachts to wind turbines and racing cars. The R J Mitchell wind tunnel is the largest in the UK university sector (3.6m x 2.4m) with an overhead 6-component balance, surface pressure scanner and PIV system. Other facilities include a 2.1m x 1.5m wind tunnel equipped with an overhead 3-component balance, capable of speeds up to 45m/s, and a 0.9m x 0.6m x 4.5m working section tunnel which is installed in a laboratory and equipped with a 3D computer controlled probe traversing system and dynamometer.http://goo.gl/uEdTu0

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Computational engineering and design Southampton has expertise in the use of the latest computational techniquesto design high performance and low cost aerospace systems. We work with many world class aerospacecompanies including Rolls-Royce and Airbus. We havedemonstrated the application of these techniques to small aerospace systems such as fixed wing and rotary wingedunmanned aircraft. By allyingadvanced computational tools with rapid manufacturing processes we have developed a range of novel unmanned systems including the “world’s first printed aircraft”. Ourmost recent developments are very long range maritime unmanned systems and research in the field ofstructronics.http://goo.gl/6dgmWN

Flow control in aerodynamics and flight mechanicsWe lead research infundamental fluid dynamics,computational aeroacoustics, applied aerodynamics and flight dynamics. With experts in theoretical, computational and experimental fluid mechanics, we provide an environment where different approaches can be combined on topics with practical relevance. Experiments provide fundamental insight into fluid flow and enable validation of computer codes. One important areas is the improvement of computer simulation tools. Recent progress in simulation techniques offer new opportunities for exploiting developments in direct and large eddy simulation of turbulence.http://goo.gl/Gdm9Oa

Hand and wrist kinematicsHollywood technology that maps movement is being used by researchers to unlock secrets of the human hand. Hand And Wrist Kinematics (HAWK) is a unique and comprehensive platform technology that utilises a complex set of integrated algorithms to simultaneously analyse the movements of the wrist, hand, fingers and thumb. It is the first technique to accurately measure all these dynamic movements. The technology can be used to understand how the hands move to complete functional tasks. This information is leading to innovations in performance and learning metrics, and complex environment, object and interface design challenges within a range of applications.http://goo.gl/DYrkXQ

Information technologiesThe IT Innovation Centre is advancing a wide range of information technologies and their deployment in industry, commerce and the public sector. Technologies include secure service oriented systems, information discovery and decision support, archiving and retrieval, and their relationship to new business models, processes and values. Experience in space-related applications range from the management and analysis of earth sciences data (e.g. Digital Earth)to concurrent distributed engineeringdesign of space vehicles.http://goo.gl/FDe0Qh

Intelligent agentsAgent technology will underpin the decentralised control mechanisms that will allow heterogeneous teams of autonomous platforms to operate in dynamic and uncertain environments while flexibly interacting with human operators. For example, during major disasters, multiple unmanned vehicles of different types, individually controlled by an intelligent agent, will be able negotiate with each other and human responders to agree on the best plans to gather situational awareness and rescue casualties with minimal human involvement. We are developing systems that allow first responders, unmanned ground and aerial vehicles, and software agents to work effectively together.http://goo.gl/KR9zME

Marine scienceNational Oceanography Centre, Southampton provides long-term marine science capability including: major facilities; sustained ocean observing, mapping and survey; data management, and scientific advice. Key environmental monitoring technologies and UAV’s have direct application to aviation industries.http://goo.gl/b9W5GA

University research and technologies

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Noise and vibration ISVR Consulting provides advice, consultancy and contract research in all most areas of acoustics, noise, vibration, hearing and audio communication. Our Airbus Noise Technology Centre covers a range of airframe noise components, new technologies and state-of-the-art computational and experimentalmethods. The University Technology Centre for Computational Engineering, funded by Rolls-Royce, has particular expertise in the fields of design search, robustness, optimization, cost modelling and the use of advanced geometry manipulation schemes. We have a wide range of computational facilities including a dedicated supercomputing cluster with hundreds of 64bit processors and licenses for the aerospace industry’s principal CFD and FEA codes.www.isvr.co.uk

OpticsWe are part of a new EU funded programme, ACTHPHAST, providing up to €80k worth of innovation support to SMEs in the field of photonics supporting free space optics, fibre optics, polymer optics, MOEMS and photonic integrated circuits (silicon, InP, silicon nitride) ACTHPHAST has been specifically designed to offer a large-scale solution creating a one-stop solutions based on the best technology platforms. Support available includes access to 200 top experts from 23 EU research institutes representing the best in European research, facilities, and technology, all ready to help.www.actphast.eu

Optimisation and mathematical modellingOur Centre for Operational Research, Management Science and Information Systems is the UK’s leading university based group

researching advanced optimisation and mathematical modelling tools to improve business decisions and the design and use of advanced systems. In work for the European Clean Sky initiative we are providing tools to compute aircraft trajectories that optimise performance for both environmental impact and fuel efficiency. Work for ESA also includes the optimisation of complex non-linear systems with multiple performance objectives, and spacecraft trajectory optimisation. New research aims to apply these techniques to optimising deployment of autonomous unmanned vehicles for gathering information to support search-and-rescue post-disaster.www.southampton.ac.uk/cormsis

PhotonicsThe Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) is one of the world’s leading institutes for photonics research. Formed in 1989 the ORC merges research groups from electronics , computer science, physics and astronomy. The centre is led by some of the leading figures in the field of photonics. The ORC have contributed significantly to the remarkable growth of the photonics industry, including the optical telecommunication technology that underpins the internet as well as many solutions in sensing, manufacturing, medicine, and security.www.orc.soton.ac.uk

Statistical scienceSouthampton Statistical SciencesResearch Institute (S3RI) is one of the largest groups of statisticians in the UK. We bring together researchers from across disciplines to find robust ways of modelling variation with in large and complex datasets to generate meaningful information.http://goo.gl/u6ZCm6

Structronics and UAV skunkworksRapid prototyping, whereby complex 3D parts can be made directly from computer models is now becoming widely established as a viable process. The next research step in this area is being pioneered by the University of Southampton. This involves the production of “intelligent” 3D parts whereby structures can be produced containing sensors and electronic components (commonly called “structronics”). The University has just won a £3.5 million grant from the EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) to develop this research.http://goo.gl/1NrJTY

Technology developmentOur Electronics and Computer Science unit is the leading university department of its kind in the UK, with an international reputation for world leading research across computer science, electronics, and electrical engineering. Industrial partnerships play a crucial role in their research activities. In addition to strategic long-term partnerships with some of the world’s leading companies, ECS have a distinguished record for developing spin-out companies from research and for fundamental research which plays a key role in technology development. Examples of technologies in which ECS research has been fundamentally transformative in recent years include agent technologies, digital libraries, environmental modelling, e-science, high voltage engineering, machine learning, spintronics, technology-enhanced learning and web science.www.ecs.soton.ac.uk

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Transportation and human factorsOur transportation research group is involved in a number of aviation projects: ALICIA is developing future aircraft technology to primarily reduce delays by allowing for flight in degraded visual environments via the use of Head up Displays. i-VISION is designing a tool to support visualisation and analysis of pilot interactions with future cockpits, allowing designers and engineers to visualise, manipulate and interact with the digital mock up in an intelligent manner allowing for decisions to be taken very early in the design process, reducing costly design errors. Future Flight Deck is developing an open architecture flight deck user system using world leading human factors approaches.http://goo.gl/0V5BCo

Tribological designResearchers are exploring next generation tribological design to enable surface interactions to occur with minimal energy loss and impact on the environment. Collaborating with 28 partner companies such as Rolls-Royce, Airbus, Dstl and GE, we have a wide range of networks active with over 150 companies including supply chain and coating companies as well as BAE Systems and GKN. Research includes developing sensors and probes for tribological processes in aerospace bearings and to detect corrosion in inaccessible places, the tribology of renewable energy systems (gearboxes and blade protection), the development of low friction and wear resistant coatings for transmissions.www.southampton.ac.uk/ncats

Modes of Collaboration

We offer a number of ways for companies to access the skills of our scientists, engineers and students to help achieve their business goals and leverage funding. Businesses can access cutting-edge knowledge, technology and skills by working with us on small, short-term projects to solve a particular problem through to multi-million pound research programmes.

Student projectsSponsoring a student project can benefit your company in a number of ways. Overseen by one of our experienced academics, an industry-sponsored project provides you with high quality specialist input without a large financial burden.

Active flow control applied to aircraft environmental noiseAircraft environmental noise is one of the biggest issues currently faced by the aerospace industry. Noise is generated by the engines or the airframe. Sponsored by EADS Innovation Works, the project is investigating the impact of active control technologies, combining experiment methods using our wind tunnels and anechoic chamber facilities, and computational methods using computational fluid dynamics and computational aeroacoustics codes.

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) SchemeKTP is a UK-wide programme that helps businesses and organisations to improve their competitiveness and/or productivity through the use of the knowledge, technology and skills that reside within universities. Our KTP portfolio is worth over £1.7m. The scheme facilitates direct collaboration between the company and the University via programmes ranging from 6 months to 3-years, enabling businesses to draw on our expertise, facilities and research base.

KTP with CJR Propulsion CJR Propulsion is a world leader in the design and manufacture of shafts, propellers, rudders and other associated stern gear for a variety of marine vessels, such as larger pleasure boats, ferries and other working boats. CJR worked with a recent graduate and senior academic to produce a propeller and associated stern gear package for boats that can be manufactured within a commercially viable cost and time frame, opening new markets and effecting a significant step change in the company’s business processes.

Accessing postgraduate skills and knowledgeThere are a number of sponsored programmes in place to allow companies to secure funding to support research, enabling the employment of skilled people in any company which might benefit from the research. Research Councils provides funding through research programmes such as secondments, studentships and our Engineering Doctorate. The industrial sponsor usually funds part of the project and the Research Councils fund the rest.

Value-driven design of unmanned aerial vehicles at a conceptual design stageSponsored by Rolls-Royce, a current EngD student is developing value metrics and decision support frameworks based around the integration of propulsion and power generation systems within the next generation of unmanned aerial vehicles. Accounting for system value and life cycle cost, this allows system architects to readily identify ‘high impact decisions’. Connecting different decisions to form a graph network, each node represents a decision and branches to the node represent alternatives, allowing engineers to rationally trade different decisions and provide a means of numerically capturing the rationale behind the decisions made.

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www.southampton.ac.uk/ris/

Modes of Collaboration

Our researchers are at the cutting-edge of knowledge,working on solutions to some of today’s toughestchallenges. While much of our research begins withconcepts at a fundamental level, we are passionateabout using the findings to make a real impact on theworld around us.

Transforming research into answers to real worldproblems produces business opportunities, enhancesquality of life, creates jobs, boosts the economy andhelps make our world safer and more rewarding. Ourresearch has already had significant impact on society,industry, government, and public service.

Decision analysis for the aerospace industryOur research has enabled major players in theaerospace industry, including Rolls-Royce, Airbus, andBoeing, to produce more fuel efficient, longer lastingengines and aircraft at reduced cost. Southamptonengineers have provided the aerospace industry withthe tools to assist companies in investigating complex new designs quickly while managing product risk in a competitive market.

Geoengineering of climateOur research has revealed the extent of the long-term damage caused to our environment by the burning of fossil fuels. We have developed a fast but realistic computer model of the Earth’s climate systems that can simulate changes over thousands of years. The results have informed and stimulated worldwide debate about whether deliberate modification of the climate may be needed to counter dangerous climate change.

Gait BiometricsWe are world leaders in biometrics and are at the forefront of research into gait biometrics that identifies and recognises people by the way they walk. This pioneering research has had a significant impact on public policy, national security processes, forensic service practice and the economy.

Industry impact

Autonomous and advanced systems

Advanced computing underpins everyday life across the globe in a way that affects us all. Our research seeks to understand, build, and apply human-agent collectives to symbiotically interleave human and computer systems with a view to realising the tremendous potential of intelligent systems whilst avoiding the pitfalls that come with dependence. We are using our world class scientists, engineers and facilities to develop the next generation of autonomous systems. We produced the world’s first 3D printed aircraft and this research has branched out into developing low cost aircraft capable of autonomously scanning our seas in search of accident victims and criminals and integrated printed electro-mechanical smart structures.

We are exploring and pushing the boundaries for intelligent distributed sensors that can harvest energy from their environment whilst monitoring the health and use of materials and structures. By combining our world class capabilities in computer science, noise and vibration, signal processing, engineering, electronics and opto-electronics we exploring how aircraft of the future will be able to predict and detect failures before they happen increasing safety while reducing maintenance requirements and cost.

Our key research strengths include:Artificial intelligenceAutonomous platformsEquipment health monitoringNano-technologyNovel sensorsOptoelectronicsRobotics

Work with Symetrica LtdUniversity spin-out SPI Lasers (www.spilasers.com) was established to develop special optical fibers and Bragg gratings were initially applied to the manufacture of optical components for long-distance, high-speed telecommunications. In 2002 the business was refocused on the design and manufacture of fiber lasers for manufacturing. University of Southampton continues to form a key part of SPI’s future by delivering advanced technology and know-how. SPI Lasers was listed on the UK stock market and since acquired by TRUMPF.

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Integrated opticalnetworked sensors

Pressure, temperature and chemical sensingOptical sensors offer lightweight and highly sensitive solutions to a wide range of sectors including aerospace. Unlike electronic alternatives they do not present a spark risk in flammable environments and are resilient to EM-interference.

Fibre optic sensors typically use Bragg grating technology for structural health monitoring. Through integrating the same optical fibre technology onto an optical chip (shown in figure – left) a multitude of parameters can be independently monitored including: • pressure (differential and absolute fluidic pressure)• temperature• chemical composition

The chips can be ‘daisy-chained’ along a single optical fibre span by using wavelength multiplexing. The technology is compatible and can be used in conjunction with existing fibre based structural health monitoring systems.

IONS is based upon IP owned by the University of Southampton. The technology has been licensed and commercialised by University spin-out company Stratophase Ltd for the application of chemical monitoring in the production of biopharmaceuticals. Licensing opportunities exist for non-pharmaceutical sectors, specifically temperature and pressure monitoring.

Technological advantages• Lightweight components• Based on optical fibre technology• No risk of sparks• Rugged chip design

Technology roadmapTo commercialise integrated pressure sensors based upon University owned IP, currently at a TRL 3.

Collaboration opportunityA Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) requiring a cash contribution starting at the level of £30k per year for 2 years. An amount topped up (for KTP eligible companies) in terms of research funding by the Technology Strategy Board (TSB).

If you would like to know moreplease contact Dr Chris Holmeschh@soton.ac.uk or Professor Peter Smith peter.smith@soton.ac.uk

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AETHER: tethered UAVlow-cost persistent stareunmanned aircraftThe ability to be able to conduct persistent stare on a target has long been sort after from both military and civilian security organisations. The current options are Helium balloons (blimps), observation masts, free flying multi-rotors and kites. Each solution has its drawbacks in terms of physical size, height limitation, endurance and wind speed direction.

Technological advantages• Low-cost system solution• PTZ gimballed camera with video and thermal image

capability (x8 Zoom)• Interchangeable pods for multi-tasking; Laser, Infrared

CCTV, High Definition Photography• The only tethered UAV in the UK with CAA permission to

conduct aerial work (<120 m)• Long endurance tactical stare capability (22 hrs before refuel)• iPad control interface and reliable flight controller• Failsafe technology built into the design• Self-contained trailer – totally mobile solution

Technology roadmapAETHER technology uses a powered tether to overcome issues of endurance, whilst also providing safety from runaway. AETHER has been developing to be a truly portable, low-cost system solution, based on COTS components. Developments will include greater height capability (up to 300 m).• Jan to May 2014: Aether’s initial system development phase• May 2014: First flight and validation period• 5 June 2014: CAA Aerial work permission• Q3 2014: Low volume production

Collaboration opportunityAETHER is ready to be developed into a commercial system. We are looking for a partner with the experience of small batch production of high-tech bespoke systems. This proof of concept prototype was developed in-house under a six-month consultancy project in collaboration with The Cardinal Group.

If you would like to know more please contact Dr Stephen Prior s.d.prior@soton.ac.uk

Autonomous System Laboratory:blog.soton.ac.uk/robotics/

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Anti-freezing coatingsnanostructured surfaces based on TiS2Anti-icing surfaces have been studied for several decades however the challenge of fabricating more efficient ice repellent surfaces remains. In particular, the short length of icing delay and the robustness of the coating remain issues.

Recent scientific literature suggests a nanostructured surface of ZnO can significantly delay the onset of freezing. The thin film deposition utilized involved multiple steps using liquid and vapour phases at a variety of temperatures over a period of 15-20 hours.

We have developed chemical vapour deposition (CVD) processes which yield similar nano-structured surfaces (as illustrated below). Our materials, based on transitional metal di-chalcogenides, are deposited in a single processing step and like ZnO are insoluble in water.

Technical advantages• Nanostructured coating can be deposited in one processing step

at atmospheric pressure• Process can be scaled up to be applied to large areas

Technology roadmap• 2013 - Proof of principle through small scale process • 2014 onwards - Material optimisation in parallel with

development activities

Collaboration opportunityWe are seeking end users for material testing in various application areas and investment to scale up to commercial volumes.

If you would like to know more please contact Professor Dan Hewak dh@orc.soton.ac.uk

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Anti-friction coatings

Tin sulphide is currently being developed as a friction material for automobile brake pads. Conventionally, antimony sulphide has been used as brake pad friction material but recently, especially in Europe and the US, antimony products are being used less frequently since they are suspected of causing environmental pollution. Development of tin sulphide as an alternative to antimony sulphide is currently in progress (reference: Nippon Chemical Industrial).

A number of patents have disclosed the use of the individual tin sulphides, tin(II) sulphide (SnS) and tin(IV) sulphide (SnS2) and these existing tin sulphide systems have already captured a significant share of the friction modifier market, especially in Europe. However, their relatively high price compared to antimony trisulphide has somewhat restricted their use. We have developed a preliminary process based on atmospheric pressure CVD for the deposition of tin sulphide of varying stoichiometry.

Technological advantages• Lower cost process at atmospheric pressure with minimal waste• Use of inexpensive precursors

Technology roadmap• Process developed and demonstration of multilayer films

Collaboration opportunityWe are interested in working with partners to define application requirements and those with abilities to scale up the process to commercial manufacturing scales.

If you would like to know more please contact Professor Dan Hewak dh@orc.soton.ac.uk

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HAWK: hand and wrist kinematics benchmarking human-machine interfacesThe intricacy of functional hand movements is very difficult to capture accurately, measure and quantify. HAWK provides a system for reliably assessing and benchmarking complex tasks such as piloting an aircraft or machining a component for use in the design process or training. HAWK is a unique and comprehensive platform technology that utilises a complex set of integrated algorithms to analyse the composite movements of the wrist, hand, fingers and thumb. It is the first technique to accurately measure all these dynamic movements.

Technological advantages• The only comprehensive measure of dynamic human hand

function • A 3D solution space• Validated for accuracy and reliability with a tolerance of <±0.5°• Can be expanded to include full body movements and with eye

tracking technology

Technology roadmapHAWK technology uses a fixed lab set up to measure complex movements. HAWK is developing a portable system based on the future generation of the Microsoft KINECT system capable of being placed in existing environments to measure human workload. • 2003 The HAWK system developed for stroke rehabilitation

for the EPSRC• 2007 Ring Splints project HAWK used as evidence base by

clinicians for Arthritis Research UK winning a silver medal for research excellence

• 2009 Used with robot arm for rehabilitation working with Hocoma AG, Switzerland

• 2010 Patent filed for HAWK algorithms• 2011 Using Microsoft Kinect to measure hand and finger

movements and calculate joint angles in real time – working with Chemring Technology Solutions

• 2012 Agreement signed with Shadow Robot Company• 2013 Piano HAWK system used to map movements of

pianists’ hands working with David Owen Norris • 2013 String Hawk used to map movements of string players’

hands and arms with NCKU, Taiwan

Collaboration opportunityHAWK is ready to be applied to practical benchmarking of systems and is available as a service or research collaboration. For the cost of a studentship (approx. £80K) the system can be further developed to integrated full body and eye movements to the greatest accuracy currently available in a mobile system.

A mobile system will cost around £5K for the hardware and a research assistant for 6 months approx. £40K. There are match funding schemes available to reduce the over cost.

If you would like to know more please contact Dr Cheryl Metcalf C.D.Metcalf@soton.ac.uk

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Bio-inspired robotsHarnessing nature’s solutions

Nature has an inexhaustible supply of systems that can both inform and challenge the robotic designer. Biologically inspired robotics is about studying biological systems, and look for the mechanisms, sensors and controllers that may solve a problem in the engineering field. Systems benefit from the cross-pollination of interdisciplinary teams using technology across sectors.

Technological advantagesThe use of biological inspired mechanisms, sensors and control will increase our understanding of the problem domain and possible solutions.

Inspiration can vary in scale ranging from the human immune system to enhance robotic swarms, to studying fish to optimise propulsion systems for underwater autonomous vehicles.

Technology roadmapInitial work included the development of a robotic end effectors modelled on the mechanics of the human hand. This methodology has been used in developing a wide range of small low cost robots that can operate in a wide range of environments. Current work is concentrating on swarms, including simulation of bee like behaviours; assemble of structures and fault detection and mitigation.

Collaboration opportunityRobotic PrototypesRobotic prototypes vary in development and hardware costs. The Fisher system was developed with £2000 of hardware and a student design team.A more complex system, an autonomous vehicle for undertaking reconnaissance after a natural disaster, could be achieved at a cost £10,000 in hardware and 6 to 12 months of a research assistant’s time at a total cost of £80K a year.

Fundamental ResearchOpportunities exist for fundamental research into swarm robotics, particularly to improve the robustness of the swarm and improve their flexibility. Examples of this include detecting and tracing pollutants utilising a PhD student over 4 years at £40K a year.

Funding mechanisms exist to subsidise research costs.

If you would like to know more please contact Dr Richard Crowder rmc@ecs.soton.ac.uk

2929

Distributed acoustic sensorsMapping vibration using optical fibre sensing

Acoustic emission can be used to monitor the health of a structure whether it is a gas turbine, landging gear or aircraft fuse. Currently the analysis requires a set of far-field microphone arrays which, can be used in ground testing but are not viable for flight. Distributed acoustic sensing, DAS, is a novel sensing mechanism which uses an integrated optical fibre as the sensing element to measure acoustic vibrations along the its length providing high resolution, low cost information for weight of a fibre and a laptop.

Technological advantages• High resolutions possible, in the order of cms• In-flight noise emission measurement over the frequency range

of 50Hz ~ 10kHz and sound pressure range of 80dBC ~ 140dBC• Higher frequencies possible• Possible to integrate the fibre in a structure to avoid

aerodynamic impact• Temperature distribution possible• Capable of simultaneously measuring frequency, amplitude and

phase as well as temperature

Technology roadmapDAS is a recent technology which has been used mainly in oil and gas industry to monitor pipelines. The spatial resolution of the commercially available systems is in the range of 1m~10m. We have demonstrated a DAS system with special resolution of 30cm. By developing the hardware and software used in the current setup, the spatial resolution can be improved by at least a factor of 30 while the frequency and sound pressure ranges can be expand beyond the current values of 50Hz-10kHz and 80dBC-140dBC respectively.

Collaboration opportunityThe estimated cost of this project is £400k over three years. The work includes developing a high-speed data streaming system, signal processing software, and boxing and testing the setup in the ISVR facility. There are TSB (Technology strategy board) funding schemes available to substantially reduce the overall cost.

If you would like to know more please contact Ali Masoudi a.masoudi@southampton.ac.uk

3030

Extreme NanostructuresNext generation nanomaterials and devices

Current methods of producing nanoscale devices such as transistors are rapidly approaching their fundamental physical limit. To continue the drive toward smaller, faster and more powerful devices requires a completely new manufacturing technique. Super-critical fluid electro-deposition (SCFED) integrates well proven technologies to offer a disruptive, scalable approach to building metal and semiconductor nanostructures an order of magnitude smaller than can be achieved using photolithography.

SCFED not only addresses the needs of the electronics industry, it is also a route to producing high quality nanostructured materials which can be exploited in a wide range of civil and defence and security applications. The flexibility and scalability of SCFED uniquely positions it to become the high technology device manufacturing technique of the future.

Technological advantages• The only scalable approach to manufacturing nanostructures on

the 1-10 nm scale• Device and nanomaterial applications• Proven for both metal and semiconductor nanostructures

Technology roadmapSCFED uses proof-of-concept and developmental test reactors to produce ever smaller and higher quality nanostructures. The SCFED programme also has access to the latest characterization technologies for demonstrating device performance. SCFED nanostructures can be tailored for a broad range of applications and the programme is positioned to develop these to meet the requirements of industrial partners.• 2009-2011 Method proof-of-concept study• 2010 First demonstration• 2010-2014 EPSRC programme grant SuperCritical Fluid

ElectroDeposition, SCFED• 2011-2015 SCFED development and application demonstrators

Collaboration opportunitySCFED nanostructures can be tailored for a broad range of civil, defence and security applications and the programme is positioned to develop these within the context of an established interdisciplinary research programme to meet the requirements of industrial partners.

If you would like to know more please contact Dr Kristian Thaller K.P.Thaller@soton.ac.uk

3131

The PRiME Project Power efficient, reliable, many core embedded systems

PRiME is a £5.6m EPSRC funded programme involving researchers from four UK universities in collaboration with five companies and seven international visiting experts. The vision is to enable the sustainability of many-core scaling by preventing the uncontrolled increase in energy consumption and unreliability through a step change in holistic design methods and cross-layer system optimisation.

Technological advantages• High-integrity adaptive mechanisms for many-core embedded

systems which manage and optimise trade-offs between performance, energy and resilience to hardware failures

• Ensures correct system behaviour in the event of hardware faults, in order to achieve the required quality-of-service for a given application

• Provides seamless and cooperative interaction across system layers to achieve desired system trade-offs, thus providing a step change in energy efficiency and reliability

• Dynamic reconfiguration of processing cores and interconnect to match functionality with application needs

• Evaluates research outputs through novel homogeneous and heterogeneous platforms and demonstrators, executing both recognised benchmarks and envisaged future applications

Technology roadmap• 2007 Pervasive Systems Centre formed at the University of

Southampton • 2008 ARM-ECS Research Centre formed at the University of

Southampton• 2008 EPSRC Platform Grant on System-on-Chip (GR/

S95770/01)• 2009 EPSRC project on Energy-Harvesting Electronics (EP/

G067740/1)• 2011 EPSRC Platform Grant on Electronic Design (EP/

E035965/1)• 2013 PRiME Project receives £5.6 of EPSRC funding (EP/

K034448/1) with industrial partners ARM, Imagination Technologies, Altera, Microsoft Research and Freescale

Collaboration opportunityWe are currently 1-year into the 5-year project. We are interested to hear from companies that are interested in PRiME research, either as potential users of the technologies developed or that have something to contribute.

We are looking to build further relationships with companies that can provide input into the debate on the current and future applications of many-core systems; we want to identify these in order to direct research and to develop industrially relevant technology demonstrators.

If you would like to know more please contact Professor Bashir Al-Hashimi bmah@ecs.soton.ac.uk

3232

UAVs for commercial enterprise Building a business caseFor both manufacturers of UAV’s and supporting software and end users of this technology, the development of a robust business case is indispensable. Although societal and environmental impact forms part of any business case, a strong financial case for investment, together with directions of how to develop the business in time, are crucial.

Such a business case is not only to be based on examining the operational costs of running and maintaining UAV technology and maximising levels of efficiency, but needs to look into possible futures of demand uptake in various potential areas of application, and the specific needs each of these areas might impose. Magnitude and timing of revenue streams in any potential area of application will depend on various factors, and requires an understanding of the benefits and hence eagerness to pay for UAV’s technology by commercial firms wishing to exploit this technology.

Technological advantages• Centre for Operational Research, Management Sciences and

Information Systems is a cross faculty inter-disciplinary team• Experience across multiple disciplines to bring a coherent

support function in the realisation of business cases• Sensitivity analysis of multiple parameters• Home to the Centre of Risk Management• Applying optimisation theory to business models

About CORMSISCORMSIS has been established over 15 years. During this time we have conducted intensive research in collaboration with international experts and Industry. We are in a unique position to offer integrated analysis by having a coherent team of academic experts in various relevant fields:• Operational research and logistics optimisation• Demand forecasting, customer insight, and revenue

management• Corporate finance and accounting• Decision making under risk and with multiple objectives and

stakeholders

Collaboration opportunityCORMSIS is open to explore collaboration with all relevant stakeholders, including:• Manufacturers of hardware

and/or software drone technology;

• Potential end users of drone technology applications;

• Research institutes or consultancy firms engaging in this area;

• Governmental bodies or sector bodies (societal and larger economic implications)

We provide our academic expertise to help organisations strengthening their bid for research council grants, EU grants, etc.

If you would like to know more please contact Dr Ian Rowley, I.T.Rowley@soton.ac.uk

3333

Electric space propulsion:no longer science fiction

An enabling technology for commercial and scientific spacecraft Electric space Propulsion (EP) brings many advantages to space science and technology. It has the potential to enable ambitious space exploration missions and can increase dramatically the fuel efficiency of spacecraft for orbital transfers or manoeuvres, lowering the cost of access to space by utilising smaller launch vehicles or increasing the capability of a given spacecraft.

Contrary to chemical thrusters, where the stored chemical energy in a propellant us used to accelerate it to high velocities to produce a thrust, in the EP systems the propellant is accelerated to very higher velocities by inputting electrical energy and utilising electrostatic or electromagnetic forces. As such, EP systems are capable of accelerating a propellant to much higher velocities than conventional systems, reducing the amount of fuel required for a given mission.

Electric propulsion in commercial telecom satellitesElectric propulsion has long been used for station keeping on commercial telecom satellites. Recently all-electric spacecraft have demonstrated commercially viability. These systems utilise the electric propulsion system for orbit-raising to the initial operation orbit, something previously performed by the upper stage of the launch vehicle. This has the potential to dramatically change the economics of commercial missions.

Electric propulsion in space explorationElectric propulsion systems can be used as the primary propulsion system for demanding deep space exploration transfers, which would take much longer with chemical propellants. These types of primary thrusters would enable high power (manned) interplanetary missions and cargo transfers and provide these missions with the necessary flexibility in case of unpredictable mission uncertainties and larger launch windows. The electric propulsion subsystems can also be used for fine positioning and precise attitude control. These are the requirements for the deep space and earth observation missions based on formation flying and precise attitude control.

Southampton Astronautics Research Group capabilities• Electric propulsion design, construction and manufacturing• Testing and qualification of electric propulsion thrusters and

systems including thermal vacuum tests, vibration tests, thrust measurement and diagnostics

• Subsystem design (power systems, propellant management, thrust control, diagnostics)

• Low thrust mission analysis for AOCS and transfer

Collaboration opportunityThe group has good connections to industry and the space agencies including ESA, NASA and is available as a development and testing service or research collaboration.

The group contains expertiseand capabilities for testing,qualification and consultingin electric space propulsion.

If you would like to know moreplease contact Dr Davar FeiliD.Feili@soton.ac.uk or Dr AngeloGrubisic A.Grubisic@soton.ac.uk

3434

Self-powered wirelessSensors distributed healthand useage monitoring

Health and usage monitoring systems (HUMS) are used in aircraft to monitor, for example, engine and gearbox performance by collecting and analysing data from a range of sensors. At the moment, wired sensors are widely used but their installation and maintenance costs are extremely high.

Batteries, as the primary power supply for wireless sensors, have a limited lifetime and consequential maintenance issues. By harvesting power from the environment, this issue is removed and so wireless sensors can offer the opportunity for simple deployment, and also for embedded deployment, with the sensors being an integral part of the fabric of the aircraft. Recent work at Southampton in the EU FP7 project TRIADE has demonstrated the viability of powering intelligent sensors from ambient vibration. This has resulted in a credit card sized self-powered sensor demonstrator.

Technological advantages • Easy deployment and ideal for retrofit on existing aircrafts• Fit-and-forget feature• Embedded intelligent sensors• Long lifetime power solution• Low maintenance cost

Technology roadmapTwo alternative technologies have been developed. A credit card sized (85×55×3 mm) wireless sensor node powered by a piezoelectric energy harvester was demonstrated under vibrations taken from a helicopter, resulting in the generation of 240 μW (3m/s2 at 67Hz). Such energy allows the node to transmit measured data over the Zigbee network every 10 minutes.

A low profile electromagnetic energy harvester was also developed. It has dimensions of 55×55×3 mm and has the smallest thickness among all reported non-MEMS electromagnetic energy harvesters. This achieves high energy density within a planar structure. The harvester generates 450 μW of power when excited under the same vibrations from a helicopter.

Collaboration opportunityWe have over 15 years of experience in developing kinetic energy harvesters as well as self-powered wireless sensors. Self-powered systems developed at Southampton have already been used in practical applications on trains and ferries. Opportunities exist for developing the technology for specific applications.

If you would like to know more please contact Dr Nick Harris nrh@ecs.soton.ac.uk

3535

Structronics Complex structures with integrated electronics

A world-class interdisciplinary Research Centre backed by a £3.5M investment from the EPSRC to pioneer new “structronic” devices. Included are advanced “smart” materials and structures with integrated sensors and electronics. Applications include equipment health monitoring, integrated systems optimised for weight, cost and assembly and fully functional devices such as actuators that are made using purely additive manufacture.

Technological advantages• Low cost printed electromechanical parts • Intelligent integrated structures optimised for multiple design

parameters• Reduced or no assembly required

Technology roadmapWe have considerable experience in pioneering electronic devices, additive manufacture and in particular autonomous vehicles. • 2008 Opening of £55m new clean room and nano fabrication

facility• 2009-2012- grant in excess of £750k awarded by EPSRC to

DECODE, which constructs advanced design tools and uses them to design, build and unmanned air vehicles with full autonomous control systems.

• 2010-2011- flight of the world’s first 3D printed aircraft SULSA (Southampton University Laser Sintered Aircraft) with wingspan of 2m and top speed of 100mph.

• 2012- Installation of new £300k state-of-the-art 3D printing facility. We are also home to new world class facilities for 3D printing and Laser Sintering of structures, one of Europe’s largest Nanofabrication Centres with world class facilities including Lithography, FIB, Etching, Wafer and Chip bonding, thick film printing, ceramic substrates and wafer processing.

Collaboration opportunityThe centre is seeking to partner with industry in order to construct a long term strategy for exploitation and technology transfer in this area. We are seeking to identify a partner who has a strong interest in sponsoring this vision and helping to steer the technology towards a successful outcome.

Collaborations include sponsoring PhD students or technology transfer partnerships.

If you would like to know more,please contact Professor JimScalan J.P.Scanlan@soton.ac.uk

The University of Southampton has a broad portfolio of research that can make our world safer, more secure andget help to those that need it most in the instance of a disaster. We host a GCHQ Academic Centre of Excellence for Cyber Security and focus on the security of cyber space from all digital and human threats whether malicious or not. Experts from Psychology, Law and Management work with our engineers and computer scientists to provide an interdisciplinary approach to issues surrounding security,protection, verification and privacy.

Our scientists are working on technology that allows more secure communications and baggage handling, tamper proof navigation and more reliable and flexible biometric systems. The Optical Research Centre is developing new materials that enable discrete communication, high power lasers for counter measures and flexible electronics that can be integrated into clothing turning ground forces into walking sensor and communication centres.

We are applying our technology to enhance coordination of disaster relief. When devastation happens without warning, autonomous and traditional systems are enabled to work seamlessly with humans in the most efficient way getting help where it is needed first. Once the initial relief effort is in place, our pop-up networks can help restore communication to the population and energy harvesting devices can provide off-grid power. Our intelligent systems fitted to aircraft can scan the seas for accident victims and patrol for pirates cheaply and autonomously. We are working towards a safer and more secure world.

Our key research strengths include:Cyber securityDisaster recoveryHardware securityInformation securityRisk management

Working with Symetrica University spin-out Symetrica Ltd (www.symetrica.com) was formed to commercialise proprietary, high performance gamma-ray spectroscopy, imaging hardware and software. Symetrica’s gamma ray spectroscopy technology has been applied to homeland security and specifically to scanning cargo for nuclear isotopes that might be used in a dirty bomb. Symetrica’s technology performs much better than predecessor and/or competing technologies leading to many benefits including far fewer false alarms. Symetrica now employs about 20 people in Southampton and a similar number in Boston, USA.

Defence and security

3838

Intelligent agent technologyCollectives of unmanned systemsand sensors

The evolution of unmanned vehicle technology and self-powered sensors points to large scale deployments of these technologies in a variety of applications ranging from emergency response and defence, to more civilian application such as the Internet of Things and Energy Systems (e.g., Smart Grid). Managing the interdependencies between sensors, humans, and autonomous systems will become a challenging task that will require the smarts that are adaptive to dynamic environments and can make decisions under significant uncertainty. Intelligent agents are seen as the key technology that underpin the design of complex networks of sensors, autonomous systems, and humans.

Technological advantages• Autonomy: agents act on behalf of their individual owner, to

achieve individual or collective goals• Dynamic: agents adapts to new tactical targets and low-level

operator decision-making• Resilience: decentralisation of decision making, information

fusion, coupled with risk-aware algorithms that coordinate unmanned vehicles, humans and sensors, to sense and avoid risky targets (e.g., fire/enemy)

• Robustness: agents are able to adjust to the addition or removal of an actor from the collective

• Efficiency: agent-based solutions provide quality guarantees and can scale to thousands through decentralised computation.

Combined technologies of active control and energy harvestingThe strength of Southampton is its applications-driven approach to research and this is evidenced by its partnerships with BAE Systems and Hampshire County Council to address disaster response and energy management challenges.• ALADDIN Project (BAE+EPSRC) – (2005) Decentralised data

and information systems intelligent agents deployed in UAV test flights (2010)

• ORCHID Programme (EPSRC) (2011) Human-agent collectives• MOSAIC project (EPSRC+AIS 2013) Flexible autonomy with

UAVs• ASUR Project (stg 1) (DSTL+ BAE) 2014 Human-UAS teams

Collaboration opportunityWe are open to collaboration within the H2020 programme, TSB calls, and ATI projects. We also provide consultancy services to aerospace and information management companies. Such collaborations can be through industrially funded research projects or PhD students.

We are particularly open to collaboration with BAE Systems sub-contractors.

If you would like to know more please contact Dr Sarvapali Ramchurn sdr@ecs.soton.ac.uk

3939

Integrated atom chipsEnabling quantum technology

Atom chips can be used in highly accurate, tamper-proof navigational systems, ultra-accurate clocks, or even to find oil underground. Getting atoms to a temperature a fraction above absolute zero takes a lot of equipment, most of which is not portable.

We are working on shrinking the ultra-high vacuum chamber needed to create ultra-cold atoms down from something the size of a fridge to a chip the size of a postage stamp. We have taken a bottom-up approach and have had to push standard silicon manufacturing processes to their limits. Using electron beam lithography, deep millimetre-sized features have been successfully etched with nanometre precision; and using an ultra-high vacuum bonding machine, a vacuum chamber is being fabricated measuring just a few millimetres across. The rubidium atoms inside the chamber are cooled using a magneto-optical trap powered by a laser which will eventually also be integrated into the chip.

Technological advantages• Cold and vapour phase atoms are the most sensitive detectors of

magnetic fields, rotations, accelerations, and gravity, as well as the tool at the heart of atomic clocks

• Because the vacuum chamber is based on a passive design, it needs no pumps and therefore no power. The other components being integrated on to the chip such as lasers, optics and detectors will need power but we anticipate being able to use a battery to support the whole system, making it ideal for mobile applications

Technology roadmapWhilst the physics behind cold atom sensors is mature, it has only been recently that focus has been applied to unshackling them from the laboratory. This is part of the exciting new field of ‘Quantum Technology’. Initial work has been on identifying atom manipulation schemes suitable for miniaturisation and industrial applications. This will feed into designs to reducing the size and integrating the vacuum systems, pumps, atom sources and optics. More sophisticated devices will incorporate vias to power on chip electronics and generate magnetic traps. In parallel, wavelength stabilised laser systems for atom cooling and manipulation will be integrated using optical waveguide technology. On top of this, computer automation will be required to control the numerous sub-microsecond processes and data analysis.

Collaboration opportunityWe would like to hear from partners who are interested in sealed microliter UHV devices, MEMs encapsulation, hermetic via technology, micro-optics, and ultra-stable integrated laser systems.

If you would like to know more please contact Dr Matt Himsworth M.D.Himsworth@soton.ac.uk

4040

BluPointLow cost and low energy, self-sustaining wireless pop-up infrastructure for off-grid communities

The majority of the next 3 billion Internet users will only use mobile phones and live in least economically developed countries. Access to relevant information about health, education, produce prices, weather, news and entertainment can lead to a better life and a route out of poverty. However many people are unable to harness the power of the internet due to both the availability/cost of data services and the type of handsets that they own being too basic. BluPoint is a disruptive concept that provides a physical access point to enable these people in off-grid low resources communities to both access free digital materials on their basic and smart mobile phones and create/share their own digital content within their community Smart Space.

Technical advantages • BluPoint is a smart-space solution that can be set up as a single

unit or a network• solar powered• content provided to the users’ mobile phone by Bluetooth, WiFi

or FM radio from the BluPoint cloud • wide variety of mobile devices can connect to BluPoint

Combined technologies of active control and energy harvesting• Prototype demonstrable [Feb 2014]• ITaaU Workshops in India and Africa rural communities [Mar/

Apr/May 2014]• 1st round funding [June 2014]:• 12 month pilot to prove the concept • Executive team on board ( IT, Operations/HR, marketing, sales,

digital entrepreneurship)• Advisory board together to influence the strategy• 2nd round of funding for ramp up and deployment [Jan 2015]

Collaboration opportunityBluPoint requires funding to“production-ise” the hardwareand software and run two pilotprojects in health and educationmarkets. It is anticipated that£1,000,000 is required to achievea scalable, robust, tested solutionwithin 10 months. Grant andcommercial funding opportunitiesare welcomed.

If you would like to know more please contact Dr. Mike Santer mhds@ecs.soton.ac.uk

4141

IED disposal robotsThe next generation of dexterous systems

Under-actuated robotic fingers in a robotic hand allow significant reduction in manufacturing cost and control complexity. Fingers are designed for rapid repair and low cost following damage sustained in the field. The development of under-actuated systems is a recent development that will allow a range of objects to be grasped with ease.

Technological advantages • Fully configurable to handle a wide range of shapes• Compact three fingered design, with minimal number of

individual actuators• Low mechanical complexity, with interchangeable parts• Sensors can be located aware from the finger tips to improve

reliability and robustness

Technology roadmapFollowing the development of the Whole Arm Manipulator with its anthropomorphic five fingered hand, a number of design variations have been studies or prototyped.

Collaboration opportunityThe time and cost for systems will vary based on requirements. An example could include the development a small robotic gripper using a research assistant for 12 months at approx. £80K together with hardware and software costs typically in the order of £20K.

Fundamental research, for example developing a fully functional dexterous hand, could be conducted by a research student over three years, into control including the development of sensors, particularly to improve overall performance and increase autonomy which typically costs £80k a year.

If you would like to know more please contact Dr Richard Crowder rmc@ecs.soton.ac.uk

4242

DAMAGE: debris analysisand monitoring architectureto the geosynchronousenvironmentRecent estimates by the European Space Agency (ESA) put the number of trackable objects in near-Earth orbit at more than 40,000. In addition, there are millions of objects in orbit that fall below the sensitivity threshold of ground-based instruments. This population of space debris poses a threat to the safety of satellites and the vital services they provide. Through the use of an evolutionary model, such as DAMAGE, it is possible to understand how the space debris threat can be reduced through the use of adaptation and mitigation (e.g. by changing the manufacture and operation of spacecraft), and remediation (e.g. targeting and removal of non-functional satellites). DAMAGE is used in this way to support the UK Space Agency in its role within the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC), the world’s leading inter-governmental forum for the discussion of space debris technical issues. Whilst DAMAGE is one of a few evolutionary models worldwide, it has unique capabilities that provide valuable insights into less well-understood issues.

As well as providing the means for the UK Space Agency to participate within IADC modelling studies (e.g. into the benefits of active debris removal), DAMAGE has been used to:• Understand the consequences of fragmentation events in orbit,

for ESA• Investigate disposal options for navigation satellites, for ESA• Quantify the effectiveness of debris mitigation measures, for the

European Commission

Technical advantages• A three-dimensional model and visualisation of the near-Earth

space debris environment• Fast implementation and straightforward deployment on

multiple computer cores• A satellite failure model to assess the consequences of non-

catastrophic impacts• A flexible and capable model of debris removal

Collaboration opportunityDAMAGE is ready to be applied to a variety of space debris modelling challenges and is available as a service or research collaboration. For the cost of a studentship DAMAGE can be further developed to meet new requirements.

If you would like to know more please contact Dr Hugh Lewis H.G.Lewis@soton.ac.uk

4343

Searching for threats in 3D spaceImproving airport security

Airport X-ray baggage screening is a uniquely difficult task. Screeners are required to rapidly search for threats (guns, knives, Improvised Explosive Devices) in the X-rays of passengers’ baggage. The X-rays are highly complex images, containing a large number of overlapping, transparent objects, and, as a consequence, require careful interpretation to positively detect (or reject) a target object.Over the past decade, we have engaged in extensive examination of several of the factors that make X-ray screening difficult. We have particularly focused on the fact that asking observers to search for multiple different types of threats leads to a cost in performance: compared to searching for a single target alone (e.g., just guns), searching for both guns and IEDs results in an increased time spent searching, coupled with a decreased likelihood that participants will detect targets. We have determined that this form of behaviour cannot be eliminated, even with extensive practice, suggesting that the limitations in searching for two targets result from fundamental limitations in the human visual system.

Current WorkWe are currently engaged in a project funded by the ESRC that is examining whether the problems associated with searching for multiple targets can be reduced by training observers to search more effectively. To achieve this, we are developing a training regime that involves presenting images in 3d (i.e., on different depth planes). The goal in doing so is to help train observers’ visual systems to better be able to segment the complex, overlapping objects in X-ray baggage images by giving them experience with understanding how they can be segmented in the third dimension. We are using a variety of different stimulus types (abstract polygons for maximal stimulus control, ‘real-world’ household objects, and X-ray baggage stimuli). An example of our transparent polygons are presented below.

Collaboration opportunityWe are always eager to explore potential opportunities for collaboration in relation to exploring potential routes to alleviate the problems associated with X-ray baggage screening, as well as behaviour when searching 3d visualisations.

If you would like to know more please contact Professor Nicholas Donnelly n.donnelly@southampton.ac.uk

4444

Embedded systemsbounded modell checkermodel-checking C programs

The C programming language continues to be popular for the programming of a wide variety of desktop, embedded and server systems. Whilst programming errors in C can create dangerous vulnerabilities, testing can only attempt to explore a representative sample of program behaviours in a few situations. A more effective approach to tool support is needed.

Taking advantage of recent advances in algorithms and in processorperformance , our experts, in collaboration with the Federal University of Amazonas, Brazil have developed ESBMC, a state-of-the-art bounded model checker for C which has a world leading ability to investigate multi-threaded (concurrent) C programs.

Technological advantagesESBMC uses a sequence of transformations to turn a C program into a set of mathematical constraints:• Library components are bound to the program text• The C control flow is converted into a simplified GOTO form• The GOTO program is converted into a single static assignment

form• We introduce additional constraints between the unknowns only

be satisfied if there is an error• A satisfiability modulo theory (SMT) solver investigates whether

constraints can be satisfied at once• Deduce the erroneous path through the program• ESBMC is especially capable in dealing with race conditions that

appear during executions of multithreaded C code which tend to be the most intractable C errors

Technology roadmapWe are also investigating a second technique for model-checking multithreaded C Programs:• Code-to-code translation (from concurrent to sequential C) • Symbolic modeling of thread interleaving (using non-

determinism + arrays)• ESBMC for bounded model-checking on the sequentialised

version

Collaboration opportunityExperts at the University of Southampton would be pleased to work with the aerospace, defence and security interests to help develop the next phase of program development.

If you would like to know moreplease contact Dr Denis Nicoledan@ecs.soton.ac.uk

www.esbmc.org

4545

High power fibre lasersMulti kW beam control for various applications

The fibre laser is the most important development in laser technology in recent decades. Born out of the revolutionary optical telecoms fibre amplifier developed at the University of Southampton, it offers a number of unique advantages extending from performance to size and reliability. Our research is focused on higher powers, new wavelengths spanning from soft x-rays to THz waves for pulsed and continuous-wave applications in areas such as materials processing, aerospace and defence, telecommunications, displays and accelerators. New fibre designs and materials underpin this research.

Technological advantages • Practical use, compact, highly efficient operation, mature, can be

customised according to needs, versatile technology• Unique power and beam control, spatially, spectrally, and

temporally, at kW power level• High reliability• Fibre delivery of laser energy • Fast development cycles with in-house fibre fabrication and

laser development

Technology roadmapDemonstrated world’s first > 1 kW diffraction-limited fibre laserCurrently working on: • New materials processing concepts (2014)• Raman fibre lasers (2014 - )• Multi-kW power scaling (2015 -)• Heat-free lasers (2015 -)• New wavelengths (mid-IR) using novel fibres (2016)• Phased-array lasers (2017)• Non-aging fibre concepts (2017)• High energy pulses for table top accelerators and beyond (2018)

Collaboration opportunityWe are interested in working with partners on the development and application of higher power fibre lasers with customised light properties including tailored pulse and beam shapes and spectrum.

If you would like to know more please contact Professor Johan Nilsson jn@orc.soton.ac.uk

4646

Infrared materials Optics and power delivery for IR applications

Since 1992, we have been undertaking research into a family of chalcogenide glass, now optimised for 1 - 6 micron applications. Our efforts are now focussed on developing a new family of IR glasses based on related compositions. These new glasses will transmitfrom 1 - 12 microns, covering the important CO2 laser wavelengths, thereby extending the transmission window. Our compositions are already proven to have higher thermal stability and hence a higher damage threshold. The fabrication of polished windows, lenses, microspheres and optical fibre is all routine. Applications couldinclude counter-measures, convert data transmission through air e.g. positioning, spectroscopy and speciality manufacture.

Technological advantages• Materials are based on low cost precursor in a process that is

easily scaled• Materials operate in important wavelength regime – CO2 lasers

for power delivery, molecular fingerprint region for sensing and atmospheric transmission windows for aerospace and defence

• Materials easily processed into, for example, lenses, and unlike conventional IR materials, do not require individual diamond turning to process but can be mass produced by a hot pressing method

Technology roadmap• 1992 First demonstration of new IR glasses based on gallium,

lanthanum and sulphur (GLS)• 1993 Start 3 year industry funded program to develop

chalcogenides optical amplifiers (patent granted)• 1995 World’s first demonstration of GLS optical fibre• 1999 Complete 5 year joint EPSRC/industrial programme to

develop chalcogenides glass lasers• 2002 First demonstration (EPSRC funded) of the synthesis of

chalcogenides by chemical vapour deposition (patent granted)• 2004 Commence work (EPSRC funded) on electronic memory

applications of GLS (patent granted)• 2010 Start 5 year programme to improve glass purity

and homogeneity through EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Photonics

• 2014 First demonstration of GLS thermoelectric device (EPSRC funded)

• 2014 onwards: now partnering with UK industry manufacturers and users of infrared components and fibre

Collaboration opportunityWe are looking for partners with interests in infrared materials and commercial applications, of which there are a wide range - check EOI.

We are also interested in working with partners with capabilities for improving and scaling up production processes.

If you would like to know moreplease contact Professor DanHewak dh@orc.soton.ac.uk

4747

Model-based Development and Verification for Software-Intensive Systems Event-B and the Rodin Platform

Event-B is a formal method for system-level modelling and analysis. A key feature of Event-B is the use of refinement to represent systems at different abstraction levels from system-level functional and safety requirements down to detailed component designs. Mechanised proof and model-checking are used to verify consistency and provide traceability between modelling levels.

The Rodin Platform is an Eclipse-based IDE for Event-B that provides effective support for refinement and verification. Rodin is open source and is further extendable with a range of plugins including graphical UML-based modeling, model-checking, simulation, requirements traceability and code generation.

Technological advantages• Traceable model-based development and verification from

conception to certification • Supports DO-254/178C flows for design assurance of airborne

electronic hardware and softwareo DO-331 addressing Model-based development and

verificationo DO-333 addressing Formal Methods to complement

testing• Formal proof, model checking, model-based testing, graphical

animation• Hybrid discrete/continuous multi-simulation supporting the

FMI standard• Combines formal and simulation-based verification with MC/

DC coverage closure

Technology roadmapDemonstrated world’s first > 1 kW diffraction-limited fibre laserCurrently working on: The development of Rodin is supported by the EU ICT Project ADVANCE, http://www.advance-ict.eu,(2011 to 2014). Originally Rodin development was funded by the European Union Project DEPLOY (2008 to 2012) and RODIN (2004 to 2007). • December 2013 - adopts the Functional Mockup Interface (FMI)

standard for multi-simulation• June 2014 - supports Model-based testing and MC/DC coverage• December 2014 – fully integrated proof, model checking and

multi-simulation in a model-based development and test environment

Collaboration opportunityRodin is already being applied to large-scale industrial developments in the railway, smart grid, defence and automotive domains. We are interested in collaborative R&D projects involving the incorporation of Rodin into industrial design and certification flows. Commercial services are available for Rodin training, plug-in development and consultancy.

If you would like to know more please contact Michael Butler mjb@ecs.soton.ac.uk

4848

Printed smart fabric antennas

Smart fabrics can sense and react to stimuli from the environment; the everyday fabric is modified to incorporate sensors/actuators/electronics. The fabric’s primary function (e.g. clothing), is therefore given a second high value-added function.

Technological advantages• The fabric antenna is easily integrated into clothing or may

form part of the structure of a vehicle or building• The fabric antenna is lightweight• Fabrics are flexible and bendable facilitating ease of

transportation

Technology roadmapSince 2008, we have developed a number of printable pastes to achieve printing functional electronic devices on fabrics. Since 2012 we have fabricated antenna structures on fabric with the University of Loughborough providing the antenna design expertise• MICROFLEX: EU Integrated project 2008-2012: microflex.

ecs.soton.ac.uk• CREATIF: EU project: 2013-2016: www.creatif.ecs.soton.

ac.uk

Collaboration opportunityWe welcome collaboration withindustrial partners. We are currently in the device prototyping stage and are looking for collaboration partners to industrialise our technology via consultancy, student projects and TSB and EU funding grants.

If you would like to know more please contact Dr John Tudor mjt@ecs.soton.ac.uk

Satisfying sustainability requirements is now prerequisite for aviation, defence and space technology developments. Experts at the University of Southampton are in the vanguard of science and innovation that delivers understanding of problemsand enables new solutions. The Institute of Sound and Vibration (ISVR) is a world leading centre working closely with the aerospace industry to control aircraftnoise from airframes and engines. Our Centre of Operational Research, Management Science and Operational Systems (CORMSIS) has a majorengagement with air traffic management optimisation and experts in chemistry and physics are working to understand upper atmospheric and local air quality pollution and climate change issues. The combination of these capabilities together with expertise in alternative energy and fuels represents a powerful research and consulting capability that is helping the aerospace sector ease its sustainability challenges going forward.

Our key research strengths include:BiofuelsEnergy harvestingModelling local and global systemsNoise and pollutionPerception of aviation in communityQuantifiable environmental impactRenewable energySocietal challenges of keeping pace with technology

Working with PerpetuumUniversity spin out Perpetuum (www.perpetuum.com) was established with the concept that mechanical vibration can be converted into electrical energy used to perpetually power autonomous, maintenance-free industrial wireless sensor nodes. The company has developed a number of vibration energy harvesters to convert vibration into usable electrical energy providing perpetual power for Industrial Wireless Sensor Nodes (WSNs) in a number of markets.

Sustainability and environment

5252

Flight Path OptimisationCo2 and NOx emissions reduction

Air traffic has been growing continuously over the last decades and this trend is expected to continue into the future. Major airports are facing more than thousand aircraft movements a day, leading to considerable impact of the surrounding communities in terms of noise and air pollution. To ensure air traffic growth that is environmentally sustainable and well accepted by the European population, the European Commission has formulated a 75% reduction in CO2 emissions per passenger kilometre, a 90% reduction in NOx emissions, and a perceived noise emission of flying aircraft by 65%. One possibility to reduce emission and noise is through aircraft trajectory optimization, which can contribute to benefits for all stakeholders. The AWACS project (Adaption of WORHP to Avionics Constraints) will improve and extend the functionality of existing computational tools to ensure that aircrafts can follow an emission-minimal flight path.

Technological advantages• Bases on high-performance optimisation code that can handle

billions of variables and constraints, and that is presently the trajectory optimization code of choice of the European Space Agency

• World-class computational performance• Highly robust solver; hardened against erroneous input values

and ill-scaled problems• Highly versatile; can make intermediate steps available as close to

optimal solutions

Technology roadmap• 2007-2010, eNLP: funded by European Space Agency TECECM

(GSTP-4 G603-45EC), in cooperation with Universities of Southampton, Bremen, and Coimbra, as well as Skysoft (now GMV) and Astos Solutions

• 2010-2011, eNLPext: funded by European Space Agency TECECM (GSTP-5 G517-045EC “Extension/Deployment of the European Mathematical NLP-solver”), led by Astos Solutions

• 2013-2015: Clean Sky (“AWACs”): funded by Clean Sky (JTICS-2012-3-SGO-03-020), joint project of Universitat Bremen, Universitat der Bundeswehr Munchen, Technische Universitat Munchen, and University of Southampton

Collaboration opportunityThe software can be tailored for a broad range of trajectory optimization applications and the programme is positioned to develop these within the context of an established interdisciplinary research programme to meet the requirements of industrial partners.

Examples could include simultaneous optimization of several objectives (i.e. NOx emissions and noise footprint), a multihreaded implementation towards high-performance computing, implementation on a mobile device towards usage in a flight bag, etc.

If you would like to know more please contact Professor Joerg Fliege J.Fliege@soton.ac.uk

5454

Energy harvesting from waste heat Thermoelectric materialsWe have developed deposition and fabrication capabilities for structured BiTe (Bismuth Telluride) films and scalable devices, and demonstrated energy conversion from heat to a measurable voltage proportional to the temperature. Our technology provides an advantage over conventional bulk structures, being based on thin films on low thermal conductivity substrates. A conventional BiTe semiconductor thermoelectric device is typically 5mm thick. Our approach, shown below, is based on thin films of the same BiTe materials but only 150 microns in thickness. We are now in the process of testing thinner lower conductivity ceramic substrates as an alternative to the glass which is currently used, including flexible substrates. Our approach will allow individual devices to be stacked, enabling a much larger set to be created in series or parallel and significantly increasing efficiency. Alongside our BiTe device work, we are also now evaluating new materials for thermoelectric power generation, in particular improving efficiency through increasing the temperature range at which these devices can be operated.

Technological advantages• Demonstrated higher thermal stability providing energy

harvesting over a larger temperature range• Use of low cost, earth abundant materials• Thin film design and can be applied to flexible substrates• Stacking of thin films provides scalable output

Technology roadmap• 2004 First demonstration of electronic application of

chalcogenides in our labs (EPSRC funded)• 2011 Commence program to dope chalcogenides to create

n-type and p-type seminconductors• 2012 First demonstration of carrier reversal through ion

implantation in a chalcogenides (EPSRC funded)• 2014 First demonstration of thermoelectric power generation

in a new family of chalcogenides (patent pending)

Collaboration opportunityWe are looking for partners who can contribute application-driven requirements, for example in the aerospace, automotive and rail industries where there are opportunities for large scale applications in power generation through harvesting heat excess.

If you would like to know more please contact Professor Dan Hewak dh@orc.soton.ac.uk or Dr Jin Yao J.Yao@soton.ac.uk

5555

Computing jet-noise generation mechanisms

Aero-engine manufacturers have so far been able to considerably reduce jet noise by increasing bypass ratios. Further progress on noise reduction now depends on a detailed understanding of the exact noise generation mechanisms. It is widely recognised that both large-scale structures and fine-scale turbulence contribute to the overall sound radiated from subsonic jets and that there is an additional noise source associated with the flow separation over the sharp corner that occurs in the region near the nozzle exit. However, previous simulations of jet noise have not been able to include all possible noise generation mechanisms. In the current project the recent increase in computing power will be exploited to perform DNS of fully turbulent high subsonic Mach number jets that include the nozzle using a computational domain large enough to directly compute part of the far-field sound. With such a direct simulation approach all possible noise generation mechanisms will be included.

Technical advantages• Cutting-edge flow-solver that has been purposely developed for

exploiting a range of modern high-performance systems• World-class computational performance – excellent scaling

demonstrated up to order 100,000 cores.• No turbulence modelling assumptions made, solution based

on first-principles so that simulations can be considered to be virtual experiments

Technology roadmap• 2007-2012: code development funded by Royal Academy of

Engineering and EPSRC research fellowship (EP/E504035/1): “Numerical investigation of the hydrodynamic and acoustic fields of compressible axisymmetric flows”.

• 2011-2011: CRAY Centre of Excellence: code optimization for many core platforms

• 2013-2018, further code development and optimisation of code through EPSRC grant EP/L000261/1 “UK Turbulence Consortium”

Collaboration opportunityThe code can be adapted to a number of other geometrical configurations and flow and noise control strategies can be tested using this virtual wind tunnel approach.

If you would like to know more please contact Professor Richard Sandberg R.D.Sandberg@soton.ac.uk

Current project funding: Active control of parametrically excited systems (PES) EPSRC, (Ref: EP/K005456/1), April 2013-April 2015

5656

Human Factors Research Unit

The Human Factors Research Unit (HFRU) laboratories have a unique range of human-rated test facilities for experimental studies of human responses to whole-body vibration, hand-transmitted vibration, and low frequency oscillation.

Human vibration simulation facilities The HFRU simulation facilities may be used for:• High fidelity laboratory simulation of vibration and mechanical

shocks recorded in land, sea, and air transport• Simulation of combined environments, e.g., vibration,

noise,thermal• Prediction of discomfort caused by multi-axis

multiplefrequency whole-body vibration and shock• Prediction and control of the effects of vibration on manual

control tasks, visual tasks and postural stability• Prediction and control of motion sickness in transport• Assessment of the performance of seats in accordance with

international standards

Collaboration opportunityWe are looking for collaboration partners for UK and EU projects. We also provide our services via consultancy.

If you would like to know more please contact Dr Henrietta Howarth H.Howarth@soton.ac.uk

5858

Energy-efficient activevibration controlof helicoptersActive control technology is applied to helicopters to control large amplitudes of vibrations to achieve improved performance, reduced maintenance and costs. An active control method was proposed based on the measured data taken from a helicopter and was implemented in ground vibration tests to demonstrate its feasibility. However, the dependency of active control on external energy supply can limit its practical applications, particularly in hostile environments, where energy is scarce or unreliable, or where it is impractical to route a power supply. This limitation also impedes the progression of the technology in applications where efficiency is important for environmental or economic reasons. The use of energy harvesters to harvest energy from sources such as thermal, vibrations and solar energy can provide a solution to produce an energy-efficient active control system.

Technical advantages • No requirement for mathematical models• Entirely based on measured data • Limited number of sensors and actuators

Combined technologies of active control and energy harvestingTo develop active control strategies with minimal energy requirements, in conjunction with developing novel energy harvesters with maximum efficiency to produce a self-powered control system.

Collaboration opportunityActive control is already applied to complex systems such as helicopters and cars. However, combining the active control technique with energy harvesting is a novel area of research and needs to be investigated. For the cost of two studentships the system can be theoretically developed and experimentally tested on an aircraft.

If you would like to know more please contact Dr Maryam Ghandchi Tehrani m.ghandchitehrani@southampton.ac.uk

Current Project Funding:Active control of parametrically excited systems (PES)EPSRC, (Ref: EP/K005456/1), April 2013-April 2015

5959

Understanding aerofoil noise Using simulation to reduce noise

Aerofoil self noise, that is, the noise generated by the interaction of an aerofoil with its boundary layers and wake, is one of the dominant noise sources in many applications, such as fan blades in aero-engines, flaps on airframes, or wind turbines.

Typically, only trailing-edge noise is considered. In the current project, direct numerical simulations are conducted of flow over aerofoils in order to investigate the mechanisms of noise generation and potentially identify sources of aerofoil noise other than trailing-edge noise. Also, noise reduction measures such as trailing-edge serrations are investigated to see their effect on both the acoustic and hydrodynamic field. Such serrated trailing-edges are used by owls to reduce their noise signature and to allow them to approach their prey nearly silently. Serrations also have been tested on full-scale wind turbines but the exact mechanisms of noise reduction are not yet known.

Technical advantages • Cutting-edge flow-solver that has been purposely developed for

exploiting a range of modern high-performance systems• World-class computational performance – excellent scaling

demonstrated up to order 100,000 cores• No turbulence modelling assumptions made, solution based

on first-principles so that simulations can be considered to be virtual experiments

• Novel immersed boundary method allows for investigation of complex trailing-edge geometries

Technology roadmap• 2007-2012: code development funded by Royal Academy of

Engineering and EPSRC research fellowship (EP/E504035/1): “Numerical investigation of the hydrodynamic and acoustic fields of compressible axisymmetric flows”.

• 2011-2011: CRAY Centre of Excellence: code optimization for many core platforms

• 2013-2018, further code development and optimisation of code through EPSRC grant EP/L000261/1 “UK Turbulence Consortium”

Collaboration opportunityThe code can be adapted to a number of other geometrical configurations and flow and noise control strategies can be tested using this virtual wind tunnel approach.

If you would like to know more please contact Professor Richard Sandberg R.D.Sandberg@soton.ac.uk

6161

University Technology Centre

Jet wing interaction noiseModern jet exhaust nozzles are becoming larger which means that the engines are closer to the wing. This in turn means that the exhaust stream and airframe surfaces can interact leading to additional noise. In ISVR’S Doak laboratory, we are researching this problem from both analytical and experimental standpoints, with the aim of finding ways of reducing this additional noise.

Engine noise installation effects ofblended wing passenger aircraftThe blended wing is one of several novel designs being considered for future aircraft as it may offer both fuel burn and noise benefits. We are experimenting to determine how such an airframe shields an observer on the ground from fan tone noise produced by the turbofan engine inlets. Using a 1:40 scale model of the SAX-40 was produced and hung from the ceiling of the ISVR’s anechoic chamber. By using the principle of acoustic reciprocity it is possible to build up noise maps at different frequencies and for the different fan modes. Higher modes are far less effectively shielded by the airframe.

RANS based jet noise predictionIndustry needs fast, reliable 3-D prediction methods for more complicated jet exhaust nozzle. At the ISVR we are developing a fast prediction code that can be used in nozzle optimisation studies. Known as RENOIR, the code uses RANS CFD as input to define the acoustic sources with the resulting sound propagation via ray theory.

Advanced open rotor noise This is an aeronautical engine concept which offers potentially significant reductions in fuel burn relative to current generation turbofan engines. The UTC works closely with Rolls-Royce plc to investigate the noise produced by an open rotor. Activities include developing analytical methods for predicting noise and developing methods for analysing noise data gathered from experiments conducted using model-scale advanced open rotors.

Collaboration opportunityThe University Technology Centre in Gas Turbine Noise (UTC) is a Rolls-Royce partnership however we do collaborate with other industry partners and seek new projects and opportunities.

If you would like to know more please contact noiseutc@southampton.ac.uk

The University of Southampton has widely recognisedcapability in operational research, managementscience and information systems, unrivalled in theUK. We have one of the largest operational research groups in the UK, spanning mathematics and management and including colleagues from other disciplines. We cover the whole spectrum of theoretical mathematical developments to problem structuring and knowledge management, and have internationally-renowned expertise in the specific areas of risk, optimisation, finance and health.

We work with some the world’s largest engineering companies to optimise operations, information management and workload control. We have pioneered value driven design tools that help identify and quantify key requirements and focus precious resource on extracting the greatest amount of value from a product. These optimisation capabilities are, for instance, deployed in support of safer and more efficient management of air traffic.

We are home the EPSRC Doctorial Centre in Next Generation Computational Modelling that will educate the future pioneers of the field while working with industry to push the boundaries of current ability. We are also investing in our engineering facilities and are home to μVis, a computational tomography facility capable of visualising microstructures on large components, a £120m new campus including an anechoic wind tunnel and 186m towing tank amongst others and one of Europe’s leading state-of-the-art clean room complexes.

Our key research strengths include:AerodynamicsComplex engineering design optimisationElectronicsHuman factorsLifecycle and cost engineeringNext generation computational modellingOperational and supply chain managementProcess excellenceQuantum dynamicsStructuresSystems engineering

Working with Plexus Planning University spin-out Plexus Planning Ltd (www.plexusplanning.com) evolved through research identifing fundamental weaknesses in process and program management tools for large and complex projects. Using years of combined experience in programme management and systems development, where astronomical programme overruns are all too common, Plexus Planning solution was developed. Since implemented by many of the world’s leading manufacturers in the aerospace and defence industry, clients include Boeing, GE, Raytheon, Rolls Royce and the US Navy.

Engineering and management

6464

Analyse to optimiseOperational research for supply-chain and performance improvement

For capital intensive industries such as Aerospace honing the supply chain and maximising use of assets makes a big difference to cost, performance and profit. However, these are often complex challenges requiring sophisticated techniques of analysis.

Staff and students from Southampton University have been researching and applying the analytical, modelling and optimisation techniques of Operational Research for many years to:• Identify bottlenecks in production processes• Better forecast demand for spares, so reducing stock holding

while maintaining service• Optimise aircraft trajectories to minimise noise and fuel burn

around airports• Minimise distribution costs through better logistics planning

warehouse use and vehicle routing;• Sequence aircraft landing to maximise runway utilisation• Reduce waste of expensive materials through optimal cutting

patterns for parts and components

Respected capabilityThe Southampton Centre for Operational Research, Management Sciences and Information Systems (CORMSIS) is the largest and most comprehensive such group in the UK with around 30 staff, and 60 PhD and 80 Masters students. Our researchers are leaders across the range of OR/MS tools and techniques:

Current and recent partners in aerospace and defence include Boeing Defence UK, ESA, NATS and Dstl. More widely we partner with leading organisations such Ford, RNLI, Tesco, Expedia, the AA, JP Morgan, F1 teams and various NHS Trusts.

Collaboration opportunityEach year around 60 of our MScstudents in OR, business analyticsand management sciencesundertake a business project asthe basis of their dissertation.The project provides sponsor organisations with an opportunity to use a motivated masters student, supported by a leading researcher, to an important business issue of your choice. It is an excellent way to kick-off a relationship with the University In some cases it is also a route to recruitment.

If you would like to know more please contact Dr Ian Rowleyi.t.rowley@soton.ac.uk

6565

Information managementFor complex, technical largescale operations

The design and operation of large engineering systems is a complex, costly and a highly technical operation. Our work considers the current and future impact of this a wide range of technology, including social media, within engineering, with particular reference to the design process.

Technological advantages• Understanding of the real world challenges of knowledge

management• Draw on expertise from a range of research groups to resolve a

wide range of issues ranging from ontology design through to the use of social media

Technology roadmapWe have been working on both the implementation of a knowledge application to support a specific application, together with increasing the fundamental understanding on how the information can be collected, stored and searched as well as its use within a design team. Below is a brief selection of some relevant projects:• 1992-1995 EPSRC Multimedia info systems as an operational

inter-face within the advanced manufacturing environment• 1996-1999 EPSRC Factory information resource management• 2000-2003 EPSRC Knowledge capture, sharing and reuse in the

design process• 2006-2009 DTI High Performance and Robust Systems• 2007-2010 3Clix rapidly search and access information within a

system

Collaboration opportunityDepending on the scale of collaboration a number of possible scenarios can be considered:

Small scale closed information systemA small scale closed information system can be developed for the cost of a research assistant for a year (approx. £80K). This type of system is appropriate for design teams in the order of 10-20 people working across international boundaries.

New complex systemThe development of a new concept using semantic technologies and social media would require a multi-year, multi-site research programme. Such programme could be partly funded by appropriate EU/UK funding programmes or alternatively utilise other funding mechanisms.

If you would like to know more please contact Dr Richard Crowder rmc@ecs.soton.ac.uk

6767

Software toolbox for spacecraft design optimisationOur research is enabling the European Space Agency (ESA) to design more efficient spacecraft. Today’s spacecraft play a vital role in scientific research, communications, meteorology, navigation and security. Putting new craft into orbit involves huge expense, so the design of efficient but lightweight system components is a crucial aspect of spacecraft development. We created an innovative software toolbox that enables ESA designers and engineers to find the best trade-off between efficiency and effectiveness, optimising the design of a variety of spacecraft parts including heat pipes, turbo pumps and injection chambers.

Technological advantages• Software library for engineering design optimisation, suitable

for solving problems with millions of variables and constraints• Optimization solver of choice of the European Space Agency

(ESA)• Flexible toolbox containing several state-of-the-art optimisation

and globalisation techniques.• Interfaces: C/C++, Fortran, Matlab, ASTOS, AMPL, CasADi,

various communication paradigms

Technology roadmap• 2006-2007, Sparse-NLP Solver: Funded by BMWi grant

50JR0688, led by OHB Systems and in cooperation with Astos Solutions (formerly TTI)

• 2008-2010, FGS Toolbox: Funded by European Space Agency TEC-ECM, in cooperation with Universities of Southampton, Birmingham, Bremen, Munich, and Coimbra

• 2007-2010, BlackBox Optimizer: Funded by BMWi grant 50RL0722, in cooperation with Astos Solutions

• 2007-2010, eNLP: Funded by ESA TEC-ECM (GSTP-4 G603- 45EC), in cooperation with Universities of Southampton, Bremen, and Coimbra, as well as Skysoft (now GMV) and Astos Solutions

• 2011 onwards: various extensions towards special-purpose solvers and particular design problems. Development ongoing

Collaboration opportunityThe toolbox is ready to be applied to practical engineering design problems and is available as a service or research collaboration. For the cost of a studentship or a postdoctoral fellow the system can be further developed to particular design paradigms, i.e. robust optimization, multiobjective optimization, optimization on a chip, and others.

If you would like to know more please contact Professor Joerg Fliege J.Fliege@soton.ac.uk

6868

Value driven designHierarchical manufacturing, maintenance and value models for revenue generating aerospace products

The design and manufacture of highly complex products such as aircraft, aero-engines, and satellites, are considered successful if they meet a number of economic, performance, and capability criteria. The needs and expectations of customers and various stakeholders have to be incorporated into the design cycle. The emerging field of Value-Driven Design promotes a cultural shift in the engineering design process and promotes the idea of ‘design for value’ as a complimentary solution to ‘design for performance’.

Technological advantages• Applicable to new product design, new service design, and

operation of existing products and services • Robust, scalable, collaborative, and traceable modelling

framework• Provides a single “design goodness” metric for assessing

different design solutions• Enables ‘what-if’ scenarios, sensitivity analysis, and design

optimisation• Component based models can be used in product level models• Collaboration and automation possibilities through web

services technologies and workflow execution environments

Technology roadmapThe development of maintenance and lifecycle costing models has been supported by the TSB funded “Integrated Products and Services” (IPAS) project, EPSRC funded “Decision Environments for Complex Designs” (DECODE) project, and the EU-FP7 funded “Collaborative and Robust Engineering using Simulation Capability Enabling Next Design Optimisation” (CRESCENDO) project. Current developments are supported by Clean Sky Sustainable and Green Engines (SAGE) Programme through Rolls-Royce plc under the project entitled “Systems modelling for unit cost, maintenance cost and value”.

Collaboration opportunityFurther national and international research collaboration opportunities through EPSRC and EU Horizon 2020 calls are sought. For PhD/EngD sponsorships current Doctoral Training Centres established at the University of Southampton provide excellent financial support by undertaking approximately 50% of the project costs.

If you would like to know more please contact Dr Murat Hakki Eres Hakki.Eres@soton.ac.uk

6969

Micro-scale laser machiningImage-projection based laser processing

Laser machining of complex patterns with sub-micron resolution is an industrially relevant process technology. However, this approach can be slow if only a single scanning beam is used. Our novel approach involves the use of a digital micromirror device (technology used by the cinema projection industry) to spatially pattern our laser pulses in order to machine entire structures at once, and obtain orders-of-magnitude speed improvements. We can machine cm-sized complex structures, with sub-micron resolution, within minutes.

Our current research is to extend our machining technique to the manufacturing sector, in areas such as security, safety, anti-counterfeiting, MEMS and silicon photonics, biocompatible templates and more.

Technological advantages• Fabrication of cm-sized structures, with sub-micron resolution,

within minutes• Applicable for subtractive (material removal) and additive

(material addition) laser machining• Technique can be used with many different laser conditions (e.g.

wavelength, power)• Patterning of identification codes on the surface of bulk

diamond has recently been demonstrated

Technology roadmapSubtractive machining via laser ablation (insets show the projected laser pattern) in thin films for a total machining time = 1 laser pulseApplications include: thin-film ablation, component trimming, forensic-level security marking

Additive machining via laser polymerisation, resulting in formation of complex polymer structures on a surface using a single laser pulseApplications include: bio-scaffolding fabrication, 3D waveguide and light-coupling structures

These approaches have been used for the fabrication of cm-sized objects on time-scale of minutes. A fully-automated prototype machining device, currently under construction, will be tested at several UK/EU commercial laser-machining companies during early 2015.

Collaboration opportunityIf you are interested in contract research opportunities, project partnerships, trial machining or would just like to learn more,please contact Dr Ben Mills bm602@orc.soton.ac.uk or Professor Rob Easonrwe@orc.soton.ac.uk

This work is funded under EPSRC grant numbers EP/L022230/1 and EP/J008052/1.

7171

Micro-scale laser machining3D mapping of material microstructures

We offer a dedicated centre for high resolution computed tomography (CT) at Southampton, providing complete support for 3D X-ray imaging across the engineering, biomedical, environmental and archaeological sciences. The centre encompasses six highly complementary scanners. In 2005 the EPSRC funded a project on the micromechanics of crack formation in CFRP’s: since then six subsequent PhDs and post-docs have developed various aspects of composite measurement and performance, including manufacturing aspects. The University has invested over £3m in a suite of world class imaging and computing equipment, drawing on the expertise of over 40 academic staff across the university.

Technological advantages• Comprehensive 3D mapping of materials structure/

microstructure• non-destuctive• imaged volumes up to 1.5 x 1 x 1m • resolutions down to ~200nm• Specialising in composite structures• World class academic staff and operators

Example projectsMulti-scale computed tomography of aerospace compositesThe multi-scale capabilities of the micro-focus CT at μ-VIS in combination with Synchrotron CT, enables three-dimensional data of the internal material structure in the meter range, down to the micro imaging the individual fibres. A wing section was loaded In situ enabling damage mechanisms within the material to be detected and segmented for analysis, showing the progression of damage to failure.

Online powder mixing technology and mixture characterisationA mixing technique has been developed by Dr. Shoufeng Yang, at Southampton, to produce repeatable homogeneous mixtures, and during this project a route was established to quantitatively assess the distribution of individual components within a mixture. Our custom CT scanner enabled the characterisation of a number of powder mixtures.

Collaboration opportunityShort term consultancy through to multi-year collaborative R&D supporting process optimisation, model initialisation & validation, calibration/validation of complementary NDE/NDT methods (e.g. ultrasound, backscattered X-ray, acoustic emission)

If you would like to know moreplease contact muvis@soton.ac.uk

www.soton.ac.uk/muvis

7272

Next generationcomputational modellingCentre for Doctorial Training

The University of Southampton recently established the EPSRC-funded Centre for Doctoral Training in Next Generation Computational Modelling (NGCM). It has dedicated space on our new £116m Boldrewood Campus and builds on our strong history in computer science and engineering. The £10m centre will produce the next generation of computational modellers empowered with the latest techniques and software to exploit hardware advances.

Technological advantages• The only UK CDT in computational modelling • Access to world class expertise and computing power• Complex systems modelling including CFD, nano and quantum

engineering and biological systems• Eight partial studentships available per year

Example projectsChallenging topological prejudice - automated airframe layout design There is little evidence that the commonly used, risk preventative ‘tube plus wing and cruciform tail’ type airframe layout is optimal. This project aims to answer an important question: Given a topologically flexible geometry description, would a sophisticated multi-disciplinary analysis driven optimization process yield a conventional airframe layout or would it yield unexpected results?

Flow control for aircraft manoeuvres and loads alleviation With high potential to set directives for the design of future air vehicles, this research project aims to develop computational fluid dynamics modelling techniques. With applications such as completing aircraft configurations employing fluidic controls as novel manoeuvre effectors and for load alleviation, this project may provide results with many benefits over conventional control surfaces.

High-fidelity simulations of the interaction of freestream turbulence with turbulent boundary layers In this project, novel numerical tools will be implemented into an in-house high-performance numerical solver to enable a series of direct numerical simulations and large eddy simulations.This will develop understanding of the fundamental physical mechanisms involved in the interactions between free-stream turbulence and the turbulent boundary layer, which could improve the performance of high-pressure turbines blades, wind- turbine arrays and flow-control technologies.

Collaboration opportunityWe are now ready to accept industry projects for summer and PhD research. There are 8 partial studentships available per year from the Centre to be matched by industry partners with at least £12,500 per year, over 4 years. Industry partners are welcome to invest more than £12,500 p.a. to either boost the student stipend or to fully fund studentships to attract students outside the 8 competitive studentships

If you would like to know moreplease contact ngcm@soton.ac.uk

7373

Thin film depositionCVD processing

We have developed chemical vapour deposition (CVD) processes to produce large-area thin films and 2D material systems. We are now working on investigating their properties and device functionality based on these materials.

Compound Synthesized Applications

Ge-SSb-SGe-Sb-SGe-Sb-Te (GST)Ti-SSn-SMo-SW-SCu-In-Ga-S / Se (CIGS)Cu-Zn-Sn-S (CZTS)Cu-Sb-STi-OZn-OSn-OHybrid Sb-O/Sb-SHybrid Ge-O/Ge-SGraphene

Optical, Electronics, NanoOptical, Electronics, NanoOptical, ElectronicsElectronicsTribology, Battery, ThermoelectricTransistorTransistor, TribologyTransistor, TribologySolarSolarSolarTransparent conducting oxides, solarTransparent conducting oxides, solarTransparent conducting oxides, solarMemristorMemristorSolar, Transistor

Technological advantages• Low cost, atmospheric pressure process, scalable to large areas• Large range of material systems with wide ranging properties

can be deposited using process

Technology roadmap• 2002 First demonstration (EPSRC funded) of the synthesis of

chalcogenides by CVD (patent granted)• 2004 Commence work on electronic memory applications of

GLS (EPSRC funded) • 2006 First demonstration of electrical phase change switching

and memory in GLS thin film (patent granted)• 2011 First demonstration of phase change switching in CVD

deposited thin film• 2012 Commence programme in 2D chalcogenides thin films

through the EPSRC Centre of Innovative Manufacturing in Photonics

• 2013 Commence programme in the use of atomic layer deposition of chalcogenides.

Collaboration opportunityWe are interested in working with partners with application-driven requirements for 2D material systems and thin films.

If you would like to know more please contact Professor Dan Hewak dh@orc.soton.ac.uk or Dr Kevin Huang cch@orc.soton.ac.uk

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Workload control Solutions for make-to-order companies

Production Planning and Control is an enduring challenge for manufacturers of high-value/high-variety/low-volume products, such as Make-To-Order companies. Many leading software packages are not designed for this environment but for high-volume low-variety flow shops. Workload Control (WLC) is optimised for SMEs to achieve best manufacturing practices, enhancing their competitive advantages as suppliers of bigger manufacturing companies.

Technological advantages• Designed for SMEs• Uses lean manufacturing principles where full implementation

is not possible• Quotation to dispatch• Reliable delivery performance • Realistic and competitive lead times

Technology roadmapThis work began in 1989 with a PhD study that resulted in the development of the WLC concept to apply lean thinking to make-to-order production systems, which enables streamlined production flows and controlled lead times. The WLC concept has been applied to a number of companies in the UK/EU including PDS Engineering (a small precision engineering company in the North West of England) along with the development of the WLC software system. The use of the WLC software has been demonstrated with significant improvements in customer quotation management, delivery performance, product quality, shop floor transparency, understanding of capacity constraints, and the ability to meet customer audits. Improvement opportunities were identified and in 2011 Version 4.0 of the WLC software system was developed in C# and supported by a MySQL database. Future developments will address different (company specific) product characteristics, shop conditions and manufacturing process.

Collaboration opportunityPotential collaborations can range from an MSc project (costing around £800 for travel and a stipend), one hit consultancy typically for 3months and in the order of £15K through to customised software systems to address specific production issues typically taking the form of a PhD over 3 years at (£12.5K/year).

If you would like to know more please contact Dr Yuan Huang yuan.huang@soton.ac.uk

#aerosoton@aerosotonwww.facebook.com/SouthamptonAerospacehttps://www.youtube.com/user/sotoncomms

www.southampton.ac.uk/aerospace aerospace@southampton.ac.uk +44 (0)7795 520532