National Composites CentreThe National Composites Centre is an independent, open-access National centre, established as part of the Government's new Composites Strategy. It will deliver world-class innovation in the design and rapid manufacture of composites that will enable widespread industrial exploitation.
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Purpose built 6000mē facility in Bristol with workshop space, open-plan offices, meeting rooms and teaching facilities. Key Aspects * Led by the University of Bristol, the South West Regional Development Agency and companies including Vestas, Rolls-Royce, GKN and Airbus. * A highly collaborative environment characterised by applied research, industrial engagement and technology transfer. * Aims to exploit current knowledge and develop new technologies to make products more quickly and at a lower cost. * Strong links to other manufacturing and National Composites Network centres. * A focus for collaboration between companies, universities and research organisations across the UK. * New building fully operational in 2011. |
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Target applications include: Wind turbine blades: improve performance of materials used in blade manufacture and dramatically increase the speed at which they can be manufactured. Aerospace: deposit >30 kilos per hour over complex shapes and reduce weight by up to 20% by optimising design. Marine: design hulls with greater slamming. Off-shore oil and gas platform repairs: develop lay-up techniques suitable for use in wet, hostile conditions. Construction: develop design competence and large scale manufacturing techniques. Automotive: develop mass production solutions for low weight energy-efficient structures and complete structural body-shells. Defence: lightweight armour. |
For further details, please contact Dr Neil Bradshaw