Coatings, corrosion and magnetic bearings are to be studied by the Commonwealth Center for Aerospace Propulsion Systems. The CCAPS is a virtual institution set up by Rolls-Royce, the University of Virginia and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech).
Under the centre's five-year research agreement, Virginia's government is providing $2.5 million, with matching funds from R-R. The centre's researchers will explore "breakthrough concepts" for creating more efficient and effective jet-engine propulsion systems.
As a virtual centre, the CCAPS will use existing laboratory space at both of the universities.
"CCAPS represents the future of collaboration between industry and academia," says Rolls-Royce North American Technologies' chief operating officer Phil Burkholder. "It will play a central role in our company's global technology development strategy and help make the commonwealth of Virginia a world leader in innovation."
The CCAPS will also work with the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing, another R-R supported organisation.
Source: Flight International
