The Identity of the Mathematician in a Multi-Disciplinary Team

Transcription

1 The Identity of the Mathematician in a Multi-Disciplinary Team Fourth IMA Employers Forum (12 th Feb) Steve King EHM Specialist 2015 Rolls-Royce plc The information in this document is the property of Rolls-Royce plc and may not be copied or communicated to a third party, or used for any purpose other than that for which it is supplied without the express written consent of Rolls-Royce plc. This information is given in good faith based upon the latest information available to Rolls-Royce plc, no warranty or representation is given concerning such information, which must not be taken as establishing any contractual or other commitment binding upon Rolls-Royce plc or any of its subsidiary or associated companies.

2 Company Profile 2 o Global company deploying technology to customers across 120 countries o Global workforce of ~54000 employees in 50 countries o Primarily a power solutions provider across the following market sectors: Civil aerospace, Defence aerospace, Land & Sea (marine, nuclear and power systems)

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4 Meeting the challenges of modern technology Ultra efficient swept fan for reduced operational noise & optimum core protection High pressure turbine generates over 50,000hp. Each blade generates 800 hp formula 1 racing car Compressor exit conditions ~ 700 o C,50bar pressure 4 Delivers 75,000-97,000 lb f thrust with a 15% fuelburn improvement relative to Yr 2000 state-ofthe art Trent 700 Combustor incorporates advanced ceramic coatings to allow mix of air and fuel to burn at temps exceeding 2,000 o C Trent XWB Engine

5 Meeting the challenges of modern technology 5 Focus on Research and Technology activities therefore includes, but not limited to: o Continued improvement of design and analysis methods CFD, Finite element models, whole engine models, etc. o Turbomachinery o Combustion systems o Noise o Prognostics o Manufacturing Technology o Systems Integration

6 o Using Engineering to meet the challenges of modern technology What is Engineering? 6 Engineering is the practical application of science and mathematics to solve problems, & it is everywhere in the world around us. Engineering technologies improve the ways that we communicate, work, travel, stay healthy.. [taken from Georgia Tech at: o Mathematics enables us to model the physical world around us and is therefore at the heart of all the technologies that we have come to depend on. o As with other organisations producing high-integrity equipment, the act of developing and bringing to market such complex technology requires a broad mix of engineering disciplines working together to deliver a final working solution.

7 Using Engineering to meet the challenges of modern technology Prelim Design Whole engine modelling Develop manufacturing capability Component geometry Engine development/ certification Delivery of Aftermarket support Use of forecasting techniques and response surface methods to evaluate potential product attributes Optimisation of feature attributes (e.g. dimensions, material properties, etc) in response to target conditions via CDF/FE models Rotor dynamic models to assess structural loads Signal processing methods to support analysis of vibration and gas-path performance data. FE Models to support design of manufacturing process; computer based techniques for automated inspection; SPC based process monitoring Analytical methods to monitor trends in data and identify early indication of abnormalities augmented with decision support tools to direct maintenance work-scope 7

8 Using Engineering to meet the challenges of modern technology Prelim Design Whole engine modelling Develop manufacturing capability Component geometry Engine development/ certification Delivery of Aftermarket support Use of forecasting techniques and response surface methods to evaluate potential product attributes Optimisation of feature attributes (e.g. dimensions, material properties, etc) in response to target conditions via CDF/FE models Mathematics contributes to each step of the lifecycle of the Gas-turbine assess structural Rotor dynamic models to loads Signal processing methods to support analysis of vibration and gas-path performance data. FE Models to support design of manufacturing process; computer based techniques for automated inspection; SPC based process monitoring Analytical methods to monitor trends in data and identify early indication of abnormalities augmented with decision support tools to direct maintenance work-scope 8

9 What does a good candidate look like? 9 Solid education background Global and regional mobility Work experience -previous relevant work experience preferred Activities/interests - Several areas of interest and leadership level of achievement (e.g. sports, societies, committees, organising a significant event or trip, Duke of Edinburgh award, professional membership, languages, charity/voluntary work etc.). Career ambition - Clear motivation for the function they have applied for and why they have applied to Rolls-Royce. Language - Fluent in the English language required. Other languages desirable.

10 Key Employability Skills Self-management Team working Business and customer awareness (Product) Problem solving Communication and literacy Application of numeracy Application of information technology Definition of employability skills for RR and as defined by CBI

11 Conclusions 11 o o o Many engineers within the company will therefore have graduated in one of the specialised areas listed earlier, but with a good working knowledge of applied mathematics, possibly studying mathematics as their main subject. However, having a high calibre engineering workforce requires people with more than just technical knowledge/experience in specific disciplines. Staff will be expected to work in teams of mixed skills, apply their knowledge to solve engineering problems, communicate and share ideas with other groups o We therefore need to recognise that those that start life in industry as a mathematician may at some point see themselves belonging to disciplines other than Mathematics.