Example engineering dissertation topic 14:

An evaluation of the validity of testing for the Rolls Royce ‘environmentally friendly engine’

The ‘environmentally friendly engine’ (EFE) currently on test at Rolls Royce Bristol is creating industry buzz as the ‘next generation of civil aerospace gas turbines’ (Hibbert, 2012). This dissertation examines the validity of the testing procedures for the engine to determine whether such procedures are an accurate representation of the challenges the engine will face in the real world. This is particularly pertinent given how much a company’s share price may move in consideration of claims of new technologies’ viability. The study features a general review of test procedures before focussing on the specific procedures on the test bench for the considerably modified Trent 1000 engine. Finally, it comments on improvements to the testing process that may not yet be economically feasible, but offer a more in-depth examination of the item on test.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Carazas, F.J.G. and de Souza, G.F.M. (2012) ‘Reliability analysis of gas turbine’, Thermal Power Plant Performance Analysis, Springer Series in Reliability Engineering, pp. 189-220.
• Hibbert, L. (2012) ‘Green sky research’, PE, May, 2012.
• Nagpal, M., Moshref, A., Morison, G.K. and Kundur, P. (2001) ‘Experience with testing and modelling of gas turbines’, IEEE Power Engineering, Vol. 2, pp. 652-656.