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REF impact found 4 Case Studies

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Inerter

Summary of the impact

The "Inerter" is a completely new mechanical device and suspension component that was conceived by Professor Malcolm Smith at University of Cambridge Department of Engineering (DoEng), as a result of his fundamental study of the possible behaviour of passive mechanical systems. Penske Racing Shocks purchased a license to produce versions of the Inerter for sale to Formula 1 (F1) teams and in IndyCar racing in 2008, once the Inerter's use in the McLaren cars that won 10 out of 15 races in the 2005 F1 season was widely known and McLaren's exclusive licence had lapsed. The use of the Inerter is now endemic in F1 and IndyCar racing.

Submitting Institution

University of Cambridge

Unit of Assessment

General Engineering

Summary Impact Type

Technological

Research Subject Area(s)

Mathematical Sciences: Applied Mathematics
Technology: Communications Technologies

Cavendish Kinetics

Summary of the impact

University of Cambridge research led to the creation of spin-out company, Cavendish Kinetics which developed a micro electro mechanical (MEMS) process technology that allows MEMS devices to be fabricated in a standard silicon foundry. The company is now producing RF MEMS technology for mobile phone applications allowing faster data transfer and lower power consumption. It initially developed a non-volatile memory product for harsh environments. The company has provided more than 350 person years of highly skilled employment (of which 140 person years are within the period) at offices in the US, UK, the Netherlands, and Korea. It has developed a large patent portfolio and raised tens of millions of US dollars in VC funding.

Submitting Institution

University of Cambridge

Unit of Assessment

Physics

Summary Impact Type

Technological

Research Subject Area(s)

Engineering: Biomedical Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Materials Engineering

Informing the Decoration, Renovation and Understanding of Historic Buildings through Architectural Paint Research

Summary of the impact

Crick Smith Conservation conducts architectural paint research for external clients: internationally renowned historic properties, museums and commercial enterprises. The application of knowledge gained from this research sustains and enriches our cultural heritage and in turn improves the economic prosperity of the sector through improved cultural tourism, access to investment and increased visitor numbers. Direct beneficiaries include conservators, institutions that manage heritage properties and visitors that benefit from good research and well-presented sites. In supporting heritage organisations to reinstate authentic interior schemes, our high quality research has also improved their visibility and success in gaining grant applications.

Submitting Institution

University of Lincoln

Unit of Assessment

Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory

Summary Impact Type

Cultural

Research Subject Area(s)

Built Environment and Design: Architecture
History and Archaeology: Archaeology, Curatorial and Related Studies

Advances in Physical Vapour Deposition based on High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering (HIPIMS)

Summary of the impact

Ehiasarian and Hovsepian of the Materials and Engineering Research Institute (MERI) have achieved significant economic impact through industrial uptake of their innovations in High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering (HIPIMS). Exploiting these innovations, HIPIMS treatments have been used by manufacturers to enhance the surface properties of millions of pounds worth of products. Applications include industrial blades, components within jet turbines, replacement hip joints, metallised semiconductor wafers and satellite cryo-coolers. Patents based on Ehiasarian and Hovsepian's research have achieved commercial success. In the REF impact period, HIPIMS machines equipped to deliver MERI''s HIPIMS surface pre-treatment have achieved sales of over £5m, and income generated through SHU's HIPIMS-related licences has totalled £403,270. In 2010 Ehiasarian's group established the Joint Sheffield Hallam University-Fraunhofer IST HIPIMS Research Centre, the first such Centre in the UK. This has broadened the industrial uptake of MERI's HIPIMS technologies and stimulated a network of sub-system providers.

Submitting Institution

Sheffield Hallam University

Unit of Assessment

Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Metallurgy and Materials

Summary Impact Type

Technological

Research Subject Area(s)

Chemical Sciences: Analytical Chemistry, Macromolecular and Materials Chemistry
Engineering: Materials Engineering

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