working with industry

Engineering and Physical Sciences

Distinctly Ambitiouswww.hw.ac.uk

Engineering & Physical Sciences

Heriot-Watt University runs a multi-disciplinary Engineering & Physical Sciences School, split into the following specialist institute

Institute of Chemical Sciences (ICS)

Institute of Mechanical, process and Energy Engineering (IMPEE)

Chemical Sciences research at Heriot-Watt encompasses both pure and applied chemistry, as well as interdisciplinary activities with physics, the biosciences and engineering. Our applied research has attracted collaborations with industry in areas such as drug discovery, diamond fi lm growth, polymers and thermoelectric materials. Research areas include:

• dynamics and spectroscopy

• surface science and photochemistry

• modelling, computational and

theoretical chemistry

• properties and synthesis of polymers

• solid state chemistry for energy applications

• catalyst development

• biological and medicinal chemistry

• synthetic and supramolecular chemistry.

Institute of Sensors, Signals and Systems (ISSS)

Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences (IPaQS)

Institute of Bio-Physics, Bio-Chemistry, Bio-Engineering (IB3)

Heriot-Watt has well-established

strengths in a broad range of photonics,

from applied physics to some of the

more fundamental aspects of the optical

physics. Interdisciplinary and industry-

focused research underpins our long-

established reputation for cutting edge

solutions. Our research represents a

wide range of interests including:

• laser physics

• semiconductor optoelectronics

• photonics in manufacturing

• solar energy

• ultrafast photonics

• quantum optics and information processing

• nonlinear optics.

We are focused on applying advances in the chemical, physical, and engineering sciences to enable and enhance life science research. The interdisciplinary research interests of the members and the state-of-the-art facilities provide a unique environment for integrative research.

Research at the interfaces between quantitative biological research and the physical sciences and engineering is recognised as a high impact and growth driver for the UK economy. Our research includes:

• optical instrumentation and signal processing

for bioimaging

• membrane biology and cellular secretion

• optical manipulation

• biosensing technologies

• biological dielectrics

• bioprocessing and biomimetics

• microfl uidic waveguide devices.

Our research is multi-disciplinary and has

a mission to foster excellence across all

technology readiness levels, particularly

in partnership with industry. Much of our

work involves strong industrial links across

a range of sectors with our staff having

a combination of skills and experience

which allow us to identify of new areas of

interest. Our research focuses on:

• digital tools and virtual reality for

manufacture

• dynamic analytic modelling and control

• fl uid mechanics, multiphase fl ow modelling

and simulation (CFD)

• process intensifi cation, sustainable and

environmental engineering

• reactor design and engineering

• robotic kinematics and computational

biomechanics

• micromechanics and condition monitoring

• renewable energy modelling

• carbon capture and storage

Our institute has a team of world-leading

scientists and engineers with expertise

ranging from fundamental theory to

applied systems. We have a wide ranging

programme of current work with many

industrial companies in key impact

areas, including:

• security, surveillance and defence

• autonomous systems and transport

• wireless and wired communication networks

• electronics and microelectronics

• microsystems engineering

• environmental monitoring and

remote sensing

• robotics and human-computer interaction.

Institute of Bio-Physics, Bio-Chemistry, Bio-Engineering (IB3)

We are focused on applying advances in the chemical, physical, and engineering sciences to enable and enhance life science research. The interdisciplinary research interests of the members and the state-of-the-art facilities provide a unique environment for integrative

Research at the interfaces between quantitative biological research and the physical sciences and engineering is recognised as a high impact and growth

• modelling, computational and

theoretical chemistry

recognised as a high impact and growth driver for the UK economy.

Institute of Chemical Sciences (ICS)

Chemical Sciences research at Heriot-Watt encompasses both pure and applied chemistry, as well as interdisciplinary activities with physics, the biosciences and engineering. Our applied research has attracted collaborations with industry in areas such as drug discovery, diamond fi lm growth, polymers and thermoelectric materials. Research areas include:

• dynamics and spectroscopy

• surface science and photochemistry

Institute of Bio-Physics,

Bio-Engineering (IB3)

We are focused on applying advances in the chemical, physical, and engineering sciences to enable and enhance life science research. The interdisciplinary research interests of the members and the state-of-the-art facilities provide a unique environment for integrative

Research at the interfaces between quantitative biological research and the physical sciences and engineering is recognised as a high impact and growth

People we’ve worked with

Distinctly Globalwww.hw.ac.uk

Heriot-Watt UniversityEdinburgh ScotlandEH14 4AS

res@hw.ac.uk / 0131 451 3070

The extent of our industry and business links at Heriot-Watt is well-known and we have established a signifi cant number of partnerships and collaborations. We play a major role in addressing critical global challenges and delivering leading-edge business solutions to organisations throughout the world.

How can we help your business?Heriot-Watt University has an established record of addressing the needs of industry through:

• Collaborations• Joint industry projects• Strategic alliances• Knowledge transfer partnerships• Continuing professional development• Licensing• Consultancy• Joint funding applications

Case Studies

Industry Challenge

New optical shape measurement techniques Renishaw is a world leader in metrology and spectroscopy. They want to be recognised as world leaders in their field and to engage with leading research institutions to develop new product ranges and to address new markets.

Solution

Renishaw wanted a prototype of the methods required to integrate optical fringe projection extended to coordinate with measuring machine (CMM) technology. If successful this prototype would be the first demonstration of methods to integrate photogrammetry with CMM.

Working closely with Renishaw, Heriot-Watt University’s researchers devised novel optical shape measurement techniques and technologies to be compatible with industrial CMM technology.

Results

Nick Weston, Manager of Renishaw Edinburgh stated,“Renishaw would not have been able to get so far in our research without the interaction and research knowledgeof the James Watt Institute and it has given us a three year head start on our development.”

Industry Challenge

Balfour Beatty Rail technologies is a global manufacturer and supplier of cast railway crossings. The company identified problems with their machining capacity and lead times, as well as associated work-flow and scheduling difficulties.

Solution

The principal objectives of the partnership were to reduce costs by cutting machining time enabling increased capacity and throughput, whilst protecting margins. Heriot-Watt identified a detailed plan to address these issues. This included the study of design of experiments methods and their application to machining, and analysis of product flow through factory.

The project has allowed the company to realise the crucial areas where change is required to allow significant improvement in its manufacturing capabilities. As a result of this, a new three year knowledge transfer project was awarded to look at implementing a strategy for product engineering integration and knowledge capture.

Results

• The key achievements of the partnership were:

• Proving the applicability of Design of Experiments.

• Construction of process map for cast manganese crossing manufacture.

• Cost reductions of 10% through improved milling and drilling processes for austenitic manganese steel.

• Identification of KPI’s for machining railway crossing products.

Distinctly Ambitiouswww.hw.ac.uk