The first major engineering works on FASTBLADE, a state-of-the-art composite structures research facility will begin in July as part of an industry-academic partnership between
A team of Babcock engineers will begin construction of FASTBLADE's 75 tonne structural reaction frame early next month, and will begin fit out of the new facility, based at Babcock's Rosyth site near
It will initially be used for lifetime fatigue testing of renewable energy tidal turbine blades, using pioneering technology which will be the first of its kind in the world.
The facility is funded to a value of
Cutting-edge digital and hydraulic technology systems developed by the university are more energy efficient than existing processes and will simulate real testing environments. Advanced analytics will assess structural performance in real time.
Engineers, working within COVID guidelines, will build and assemble the reaction frame which will span 16.2m long, 2.5m wide and 7.1m high and is expected to be complete by December.
The frame will withstand huge forces cycled millions of times over its lifespan as it tests composite structures and has been designed for future needs as structures such as tidal turbine blades become bigger and materials continue to develop.
The process will also create immediate benefits for product developers with savings on time and costs, reducing risk and improving safety.
The partnership with the
Neil said: 'Babcock likes to work in innovative, collaborative ventures for long term value and this is a fantastic example of that. We're bringing together the best engineering minds with technology innovation from
'We have optimised the facility design in partnership with the university and the next step is the physical build of the facility which, when complete, will be a world-class centre of innovation in composite testing, as well as a fatigue test facility for developers.'
The development of the facility supports the digital skills agenda for both parties, and follows the University's signing of the
FASTBLADE strengthens the industrial academic partnership between Babcock and the
Professor Conchur O Bradaigh, Head of the
'This is a significant milestone towards this unique facility opening for business to the global composites manufacturing market. The reaction frame is the backbone of the FASTBLADE system, holding clients' structures in place in order to carry out research and testing.'
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