models, allowing for the control of highly nonlinear and even chaotic systems. Practical applications include construction and nuclear decommissioning robotics, environmental control, motorway traffic networks, wave energy converters and the Earth system under mitigation for climate change. The group has developed a Captain toolbox for time series analysis, forecasting and control.
Mobile Robots
Pioneering work on construction and decommissioning robotics has included a project to demonstrate intelligent rule-based control for digging machinery, which is an international “first”. With support from JCB, a robot excavator was developed which is capable of autonomous operation. This work involves fundamental research in computer control, sensor systems, drives, mechanism design, and the development of intelligent knowledge- based systems. Work has also included adding intelligence to the world’s first heavy tool-deployment manipulator designed for use in construction. Recent projects include a double-arm manipulator designed for nuclear decommissioning work.
Advanced Structures The main focus of the research is on reinforced polymer composites, and smart structures. Composite structures is one of the principle research themes of the North West Composite Centre – a collaborative venture involving the universities of Lancaster, Manchester, Liverpool and Bolton. The research is recognised internationally through strong EU and US academic industrial contacts.
The research includes analysis of the performance of structural grade GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) and HF (Hybrid Fibre) composite profiles, made by pultrusion (an efficient and economic composites manufacturing process), which are widely used in secondary structures in aggressive environments.
Micro and Nano Technology The Centre for Microsystems Engineering at Lancaster University is involved in research and development activities in the fields of system-on-chip and microsystem test and reliability engineering. The Centre works in partnership with the Institute for Systems Level Integration in Livingston,
182 Science and Technology
Scotland (
www.sli-institute.ac.uk). The team have recently built up expertise in the specific problems relating to the integration of micro-technologies into highly integrated systems; design methodologies and functions to aid manufacture of Micro and Nano Technology based systems; and the integration of test support functions into both system-on-chip applications and microsystem devices. The team lead a major European Network of Excellence in the field of ‘Design for Micro and Nano Manufacture’ that involves 24 laboratories across Europe.
Active projects currently running at Lancaster in this area include a bio-MEMS project related to the development of an integrated microfluidic sensor chip; design and test of data converters; novel modelling and design techniques for MEMS; modelling and analysis activities in nano electronic system design; and nanomagnetism.
Sustainable Energy Research into sustainable energy is an exciting field and one where researchers realise they can make a difference to the world. At a practical level, engineers at Lancaster are involved in research projects capturing the renewable energy of sea waves, hydropower and tidal currents. They are investigating the potential for renewable energy in NW England and developing micro-generation systems that could bring electricity to the third world. This work is undertaken in collaboration with industry and consortia of universities and is supported by a combination of European and UK funding.
Energy policy is one of the most challenging research areas in the modern world. After decades of steady growth, consumers recognise that they have to use less energy and much of that will be generated from renewable sources. Lancaster is at the forefront of research in this field. At the policy level, Lancaster academics provide research and consultancy to Government departments and industrial bodies on subjects as diverse as the effect on greenhouse gas emissions of rail electrification, energy used in aggregate extraction, safety management of nuclear facilities and the siting of new power stations. A new rig has been built to evaluate a low-head small-scale hydropower system based on converting a water head to air pressure which is used to drive an air turbine.
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