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Ligniflex: A synthetic biology platform to optimise the process and products of enzymatic lignin disruption |
Professor Alistair Elfick
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Bioengineering |
Our goal is to test the feasibility of producing low molecular weight aromatic chemical feedstocks from the lignin that is currently a waste product from wood processing and paper manufacturing, so that it may be used to manufacture useful products. We propose to develop a "front-end" to optimise the conversion of lignin into its constitutive aromatic chemical building blocks. This technology may be bolted to any "back-end" in a biorefinery to produce bioplastics, biosurfactants, biomaterials and so on. By exploring and optimising a technology which allows for the rapid tuning of bacteria or fungi for exploiting the conversion of lignin, we stand to limit waste by being able to optimise the degradation products being used as chemical feedstocks and diversify the range of end-bioproducts possible.
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Laser Imaging of Turbine Engine Combustion Species (LITECS) |
Dr Chang Liu
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Imaging, Data and Communications |
The ultimate ambition of the LITECS research programme is to reduce the environmental impact of aviation and industrial gas turbine engines by developing and deploying new measurement technologies to enhance the understanding and modelling of combustion and emissions generation processes and the role of alternative fuels.
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Land of the MUSCos |
Professor Gareth Harrison
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Energy Systems |
Present infrastructure service delivery, characterized by isolated supply streams for an uncontrolled demand, is uneconomical, inefficient, and ultimately unsustainable. What kinds of alternatives can be identified and implemented? In this project, we research and promote the establishment of Multi-Utility Service Companies, or MUSCos.
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LEANWIND: Logistic Efficiencies and Naval Architecture for Wind Installations with Novel Developments |
Dr Lucy Cradden
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Energy Systems |
LEANWIND is a 4-year project that started in December 2013. It is led by a 31-partner consortium and has been awarded €10 million by the European Commission, but its total value amounts to €15 million.
The primary LEANWIND objective is to provide cost reductions across the offshore wind farm lifecycle and supply chain through the application of lean principles and the development of state of the art technologies and tools.
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Joint Experimental Investigation of two-phase flows in microscale |
Professor Khellil Sefiane
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Multiscale Thermofluids |
The proposal aims to advance the use of microchannels based cooling technology by solving major outstanding issues.
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Investigation of particle breakage of dry granular materials using x-ray computed tomography and the DEM |
Prof. Jin Ooi
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Infrastructure and Environment |
When a load is applied to an assembly of particles and particle breakage occurs, the macroscopic behaviour of the assembly is greatly affected by changes in the micro-scale caused by breakage. In this project particle breakage is studied in 3D using x-ray tomography and simulating the process with the DEM.
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Investigating the micromechanics of granular soils subjected to cyclic loading using the discrete element method |
Dr Kevin Hanley
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Infrastructure and Environment |
The objective of this research is to investigate the behavior of Dunkerque sand under undrained triaxial cyclic loading using the discrete element method (DEM).
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Intelligent Egress: Real time modelling based upon sensor data to steer evacuation in case of fire |
Dr Stephen Welch
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Infrastructure and Environment |
Intelligent egress is a novel approach to enhancing evacuations from fire emergencies. It combines sensor-linked simulations and route-planning tools to provide real-time information to occupants on efficient egress. The specific issues associated with disabilities and mobility impairment are addressed. Mechanisms to provide “way finding” information to relevant end users are being studied. Detailed guidance and recommendations on use of such systems will be developed.
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Influence of snow structure and properties on the grip of winter tyres |
Dr Jane Blackford
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Materials and Processes |
The aim of this project is to investigate the friction of rubber and tyre treads on snow. It is a collaborative project with Michelin. We use tribological testing and materials characterisation techniques in a specially designed cold room facility to do this. Ultimately this knowledge will be used to improve tyre traction on snow.
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In-situ Chemical Measurement and Imaging Diagnostics for Energy Process Engineering |
Prof Hugh McCann and Prof Walter Johnstone
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Imaging, Data and Communications |
The primary focus of the programme proposed here is to build across two universities (Strathclyde and Edinburgh) a world leading UK research, development and applications capability in the field of in-situ chemical and particulate measurement and imaging diagnostics for energy process engineering. Independently, the two university groups already have globally eminent capabilities in laser-based chemical and particulate measurement and imaging technologies. They have recently been working in partnership on a highly complex engineering project (EPSRC FLITES) to realise a chemical species measurement and diagnostic imaging system (7m diameter) that can be used on the exhaust plume of the largest gas turbine (aero) engines for engine health monitoring and fuels evaluation. Success depended on the skills acquired by the team and their highly collaborative partnership working. A key objective is to keep this team together and to enhance their capability, thus underpinning the research and development of industrial products, technology and applications. The proposed grant would also accelerate the exploitation of a strategic opportunity in the field that arises from the above work and from recent recruitment of academic staff to augment their activities. The proposed programme will result in a suite of new (probably hybrid) validated, diagnostic techniques for high-temperature energy processes (e.g. fuel cells, gas turbine engines, ammonia-burning engines, flame systems, etc.).
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