Rolls-Royce turns to IISc for greener engines

British aerospace major Rolls-Royce has tied up with the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, and Imperial College of the UK to work alongside in a new research project to develop alloys for use in 'greener' aircraft engines.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Sir Michael Arthur, British high commissioner to India, said, the research programme  was part of the UK-India Education and Research Initiative Award that encouraged links between the  our two countries.

"The research will help make products that are both environment-friendly and built for aircraft of the future," he said.

The lead collaborators on this project are David Dye from Imperial's department of materials and Upadrasta Ramamurty, from the department of metallurgy, IISc. In addition to this, there will be five studentships contributing to the project, two funded by Imperial and three funded by the IISc.

The alloys to be developed by researchers at the Imperial College-London, IISc and the Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay will lead to engine components that can change shape or position at a particular temperature. These components could be used in mechanical moving parts in aircraft, leading to lower engine weight and increased energy efficiency.

Rolls-Royce will collaborate on the project, working with teams from Imperial College and the Indian institutes to design 'self-actuating' components suitable for aero engines - likely to be applied initially for noise and emissions reductions systems.

"This collaboration builds on our existing industrial relationships here and marks the start of a new long-term partnership between Rolls-Royce and India on advanced technology development. Globally we operate 27 University Technology Centres and we are delighted that the UKIERI initiative allows innovative researchers here to be linked with that network through Imperial College," explained Tim Jones, managing director, Rolls-Royce India.

According to Sir Michael Arthur, a large UK delegation, organised by the Society of British Aerospace Companies, of these 50 are in Bangalore this week to demonstrate their interest in doing business with India in the defence and aerospace sectors.