Integrated Programme of Research in Aeronautical Engineering

Principal Investigator: Professor Christos Christopoulos

Starts: 1 September 2004
Ends: 1 September 2007

Value: £200000

This project initiates a substantial five-year, integrated programme of research that will deliver innovative technologies addressing the grand challenges. An aerodynamics programme will investigate various forms of flow control for trim and manoeuvre; Control Systems studies will develop sophisticated algorithms for control of both single and multiple pilotless vehicles, including investigation of control for distributed actuators and sensors. Linked to the control and communication aspects, survivability against hostile electromagnetic threats will be crucial in terms of practicality of UCAV capabilities. A programme of work to develop improved prediction and simulation capability for electromagnetics will specifically address survivability issues. It is in this area that the GGIEMR will be contributing to this project. Novel actuation and sensing requires improved communication between central processing and distributed devices; a programme to develop microdirect laser fabrication will be undertaken to develop built in electrical functionality in aeronautical systems. Manufacturing processes, especially those associated with composites will be investigated to provide low cost, high reliability capability, and technologies for accurate prediction of the lifetime of materials will provide methods for holistic life-cycle design and management. Demonstration of emerging technologies will be achieved through manufactured components and flight test of sufficiently mature technologies.