Clean Sky 2 Award the direct result of MENSUS USRG

The MENSUS USRG at University of Southampton, led by Dr Ling Wang, has been awarded €712k as part of a €2M Clean Sky (H2020) project entitled ‘Integrated Intelligent Bearing Systems (I2BS)’ in collaboration with FAG Aerospace (Schaeffler Group). The project aims to develop smart bearings incorporating multiple sensors, energy harvesting, wireless communications and data analytics for intelligent monitoring of aero-engine bearings in the UHPE (Ultra High Propulsion Efficiency) Ground Test Demo.

This 5.5 year project started on 1st July 2016 and two research fellows have been appointed at the University of Southampton to conduct the research on sensors and energy harvesting investigations jointly with Schaeffler Group (Germany) and Snecma (France). This success is a direct result from the establishment of MENSUS USRG in October 2015.

Sponsored by Boeing, the MENSUS USRG has developed a Remote Access Laboratory (RAL) as a bearing vibration monitoring demonstrator that is used for teaching and outreach activities. The demonstrator enables bearing tests with varied rotating speeds and loading that can be ‘detected’ by the vibration sensors through the application of both conventional and advanced signal processing methods. The RAL provides a unique tool for large teaching classes especially on condition monitoring, sensing and related topics, where students can conduct experiment remotely at their own time.

MENSUS are exhibiting at Farnborough Air Show between 11th and 17th July 2016 and are pleased to demonstrate the Remote Access Laboratory in its first public outing on stand C21 in the Innovation Zone.