Rolls-Royce German co-operation agreement

Citation

(2003), "Rolls-Royce German co-operation agreement", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 75 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2003.12775eab.016

Rolls-Royce German co-operation agreement

Rolls-Royce German co-operation agreement

Rolls-Royce recently signed a co-operation agreement with the Brandenburg University of Technology (BTU) in Cottbus, Germany, to establish a joint Engine Technology Competence Centre.

This, Rolls-Royce informs us, marks a further chapter in its history of forging strong links with the academic world on high-technology research in dedicated centres of excellence. Its pedigree in this area is truly international, with funded University Technology Centres (UTCs) established recently in Sweden and in North America as well as a broad network in the United Kingdom.

Under the latest agreement in Germany, BTU will bring to the partnership the combined research competencies of its Institute for Transport Technology, which has chairs in Combustion and Aero Engines, Aerodynamics and Fluid Mechanics, Structural Mechanics and Vehicle Vibration, Vehicle Technology and Drive Trains, and Machine Dynamics.

Research scientists at Cottbus are developing novel turbine and compressor technologies, combustion methods and engine concepts for Rolls-Royce, along with new measurement and analysis techniques for improved assessment of engine noise. The Materials Science and Modelling and Simulation departments will also potentially contribute research into lightweight design, construction and manufacture.

BTU President, Professor Dr Ernst Sigmund, said: "The collaboration will not only strengthen the scientific competence of both partners, but also ensure that the research results achieve rapid implementation in industry through Rolls-Royce in Dahlewitz and the regional suppliers. In addition, the collaboration will enable the university to expand the range of courses it offers to include subjects that have a real, current value on the labour market."

Joint research projects for both national and international sponsors were a key element of the agreement, Axel Arendt, Chairman of Rolls-Royce Deutschland, explained. A chair in Engine Technology at BTU is also being established, and projects defined jointly with Rolls-Royce will result in the creation of up to 14 new academic posts in the new Engine Technology Competence Centre. A further outcome of the co-operation is the introduction of the new engine technology course in the mechanical engineering at BTU Cottbus next winter.