Rolls-Royce patent award for aerospace technology

The University’s Professor Dragos Axinte and colleagues at Rolls-Royce have received the prestigious Rolls-Royce Best Patent award.

The University has been working with Rolls-Royce since 1998, developing a range of technologies at the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC).

Professor Axinte and his team worked with Dr James Kell and Dr Clive Grafton-Reed from Rolls-Royce on innovative methods to control a component restoration system for in-situ aero-engine repairs.

The collaboration came about after Dr Kell asked Professor Axinte to help adapt a miniature machine tool known as a Free-leg Hexapod or FreeHex, developed at UTC for repairs in confined areas.

The Professor of Manufacturing Engineering said: “We have been able to prove to Rolls-Royce that we can accurately control the component restoration system and to smartly move the beam so that in-situ repairs can be performed. We have also developed a unique delivery system which enables the end-effecter of the restoration technology to undertake repairs to parts of the aircraft that are normally inaccessible.”

Ric Parker, Director of Research and Technology at Rolls-Royce, said: “I am very pleased to be presenting the Best Patent award to Professor Axinte for the work that he and his team have done on the component restoration control system.

“This patent is one of a number of exciting cutting edge technologies being developed in our University Technology Centres across the UK which are enabling us to stay at the forefront of aerospace research.”

Chris Rudd, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Business Engagement at the University, added: “Receiving this award is a testament to the outstanding innovative work which Professor Axinte and his team have been undertaking on behalf of Rolls-Royce.”

Visit: www.nottingham.ac.uk/aerospace

Dedication to widening participation is recognised

Dr Penelope Griffin, Head of Widening Participation, has been appointed to the Office for Fair Access’ advisory group.

The Office for Fair Access (OFFA) is an independent public body promoting fair access to higher education. Dr Griffin (pictured) will advise the Director of Fair Access Professor Les Ebdon.

Dr Griffin has devoted much of her career to increasing access to higher education for people from less advantaged backgrounds. The University has a number of outreach programmes at primary and secondary school level, as well as bursaries and a flexible admissions policy. Intake of students from low income backgrounds has  risen over six percentage points since 2004.

Dr Griffin said: “I would like to help make OFFA policy even more effective in terms of influencing what happens in universities. I would also like to be able to influence broader services and policies nationally so that students from less advantaged backgrounds have a better experience of the whole higher education process. And I’m really keen to learn more about the sector and about Government thinking.”

UK leader in sexual health services for students

Sexual health services for students at Nottingham have topped a league table of 24 elite universities in the UK.

Dr Ed, an online medical service, placed the University top after compiling a sexual health report card of services at Russell Group institutions.