The newly appointed Dyson professor of fluid mechanics will focus graduate- and undergraduate-level teaching, and research on the science and engineering behind air movement.
This is expected to lead to innovative technologies for high-efficiency and low noise in power ranges typically found in domestic, office and light industrial applications.
Philip Guildford, director of research in the Department of Engineering, said: ‘High-power applications, such as jet engines and aircraft, have naturally dominated research in fluid mechanics, yielding impressive returns in efficiency and performance.
‘The Dyson chair will bring world-class resources to bear on the smaller fans, compressors and other air-moving components that pervade our lives in factories, offices, and homes.
‘Some are hidden away in computers, printers, just behind the dashboard in our cars or buried within manufacturing processes.
‘Others are more easily seen in our fans and cleaners. But try adding up how many we see in a day and imagine the impact of making them all smaller, more efficient and quieter.
‘The Dyson chair aims to achieve this impact and inspire a generation of new engineers in the process.’
According to a statement, PhD and MPhil studentships will support the professor’s research programme through investment in research ideas and attracting talented young engineers to develop new technology.
James Dyson said: ‘Britain needs bright ideas. We need more British students to take on research projects at British universities; we are struggling to fulfil our engineering needs.
‘Forging working relationships with universities will help us solve our engineering challenges and continue to export the best technology.’
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