Research

Published: 27.08.08

It was announced today by the University of Brighton and Ricardo UK Ltd that Morgan Heikal will become the Ricardo Professor of Automotive Engineering.

The funding provided by Ricardo for the post represents a three-year extension to the company's research contract with the university and is the latest development in the successful industry-university partnership, which was established some 16 years ago.

In 2006 the university launched its new £3m Sir Harry Ricardo engineering laboratories, which are operated by the university's Internal Combustion Engines Group. Professor Heikal (pictured right) heads up this group – now one of the largest UK research teams dedicated to internal combustion engines and the development of laser-based diagnostic measurement techniques, which are fundamental to modelling and computational simulation.

The facility includes a range of optically accessed engines to support fundamental diesel and gasoline combustion research using these laser based methods. For fuel spray investigation and characterisation research, it also has a high pressure rig that can be used with measurement techniques, including high speed imaging and phase-Doppler anemometry. A further steady flow rig enables the evaluation of fuel spray interactions with variable lift intake systems.

As an example of the joint research carried out at the facility, earlier this year Ricardo and the university announced the completion of a revolutionary new engine concept that offers a cost effective and greener alternative to conventional spark ignited combustion. The 2/4SIGHT engine presents the prospect of 27 per cent fuel savings compared with current engine technology by combining the benefits of two- and four-stroke combustion.

Professor Andrew Lloyd, the Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Brighton University, said: "The sponsorship of Professor Heikal’s professorial chair marks the latest development in this long and highly successful collaboration with Ricardo. Support of this nature ensures our ability to attract and retain the very best academic talent to further our collaborative research with industrial partners."

Commenting on the company's partnership with the university, Ricardo technology director Neville Jackson said: "We believe that combustion research work at the University of Brighton led by Professor Heikal is at the leading edge internationally. We have found that the fundamental research work at the university contributes enormously to our own work in engine research, design and development where we have complementary skills. The work led by Professor Heikal also provides both direction and comprehensive validation to our combustion system design tools."

Professor Heikal said: "This sponsorship is recognition of the talent, hard work, professionalism and dedication of the Internal Combustion Engines team at Brighton. They are the real reason for the success of the group".