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Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number EP/M013863/1
Title Small is Beautiful
Status Completed
Energy Categories Not Energy Related 50%;
Energy Efficiency(Industry) 50%;
Research Types Basic and strategic applied research 100%
Science and Technology Fields PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Metallurgy and Materials) 25%;
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering) 75%;
UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation Not Cross-cutting 100%
Principal Investigator Dr M (Mark ) Jolly
No email address given
School of Applied Sciences
Cranfield University
Award Type Standard
Funding Source EPSRC
Start Date 27 March 2015
End Date 31 December 2016
Duration 21 months
Total Grant Value £233,012
Industrial Sectors Manufacturing
Region East of England
Programme Manufacturing : Manufacturing
 
Investigators Principal Investigator Dr M (Mark ) Jolly , School of Applied Sciences, Cranfield University (99.997%)
  Other Investigator Dr PD Ball , School of Applied Sciences, Cranfield University (0.001%)
Dr K Salonitis , Sch of Energy, Environment and Agrifoo, Cranfield University (0.001%)
Dr F Charnley , Sch of Energy, Environment and Agrifoo, Cranfield University (0.001%)
  Industrial Collaborator Project Contact , Cast Metals Federation (0.000%)
Project Contact , ESI UK Ltd (0.000%)
Project Contact , Granta Design Ltd (0.000%)
Web Site
Objectives
Abstract The aim of the this project is to introduce the concept of "small is beautiful" into a conservative relatively low technology manufacturing sector where the "economies of scale" argument has been used for the last decade to build ever more so-called efficient process lines. This will be a major challenge. The new philosophy, "small is beautiful", starts by encouraging the use of high quality feedstock, only melting what is required and only when it is required. Recycling of internal scrap is not necessarily acceptable but an aim for higher yields is. Applying counter gravity casting methods to improve yield and give enhanced quality is encouraged as is the recovery low grade heat from solidification. The project will achieve this by the development of a software tool incorporating a new philosophy/methodology and metric for the handling of materials and energy throughout the process in foundries using computer numerical process simulation to support the decision making. The project would also look at the full energy chain from charge materials through to waste heat and energy in the process and identify the opportunities for scavenging waste heat and the costs associated with the whole process. This will therefore enable cost/benefit analysis to be undertaken so that companies will be able to make informed decisions about design, material and process at a very early stage
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Added to Database 16/07/15