Micron Resolution Full-Field Shape Metrology for High Value Engineering Applications

该项目旨在建立一种独特的形状测量方法所需的技术，以满足超出当前能力5倍以上的商业需求。该技术基于干涉传感器的优化方法，从而最大限度地提高测量范围和可靠性。预计将通过燃气涡轮机行业进行初步开发，在该行业中，商业驱动器将减少其发动机的燃料消耗，从而实现优于竞争对手的优势。这种发展也提供了一种保护世界自然资源的手段，提高了长期的可持续性。我们的合作者罗尔斯·罗伊斯提供的信息表明，控制和优化涡轮机叶片几何形状至微米级（1微米= 0.001 mm）的能力将节省0.3%至1.0%的燃油消耗率，相当于伦敦至纽约典型航班节省1000升煤油。除了涡轮机叶片制造商之外，在叶片维护公司和其他应用中，例如，高价值部件的自动去毛刺（也与劳斯莱斯有关），存在潜在的更大的市场。

This project seeks to establish the technology required for a unique shape measurement approach to fulfil a commercial need that is beyond current capabilities by a factor of >5. The technology is based on an optimisation approach for interferometric sensors whereby the measurement range and reliability are maximised. Initial exploitation is expected through the gas turbine industry where the commercial drivers are to reduce fuel consumption of their engines and thereby achieve an advantage over their competitors. Such a development also provides a means to conserve the world's natural resources improving long term sustainability. Information from our collaborators, Rolls-Royce shows that the ability to control and optimise the geometry of turbine blades to micron levels (1 micron = 0.001 mm) will generate specific fuel consumption savings of 0.3 to 1.0 % - equivalent to 1000 litres of kerosene on a typical London to New York flight. Beyond turbine blade manufacturers there is potentially a far larger market in blade maintenance companies and in other applications, for example, automated de-burring of high value components (also relevant to Rolls-Royce).