Loughborough University and Derby-based SCITEK Consultants Ltd collaborated to develop a solution to an emerging challenge within the aerospace industry.
Lightweight composite components have made obsolete conventional tip timing and clearance sensors that rely on the metallic properties of gas turbine blades.
A two-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) allowed SCITEK to work with Loughboroughs Optical Engineering Research Group (OERG) to develop a novel prototype optical sensor capable of monitoring both parameters tip timing and clearance.
The close-to-market, functional prototype has stimulated demand for the new technology with customers in the UK, Germany and China. As a result, the company forecasts a rise in annual turnover, largely as a result of increased exports.
Marios Christodoulou, Director at SCITEK says of the partnership: We enjoyed a good working relationship with Loughborough University. The partnership has enabled us to create a new technology that didnt exist before and potentially offer it to the market.