Physical Acoustics Ltd (PAL) is a Cambridge-based company providing acoustic emission and non-destructive testing solutions and instrumentation.This Programme came about as a result of previous work undertaken with Cardiff University, the Knowledge Based Partner. The aim was to refine acoustic emission testing so it could be exploited commercially.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Acoustic emission (AE) is capable of detecting micro-cracks in a bridge. It can provide information about active damage sources, including those that are inaccessible to conventional inspection. The project aimed to refine and develop AE.
PROJECT OUTCOMES
- The company was able to improve its competitive position
- A presence was established in the civil engineering market
- A technology package was created for bridge testing. This was subsequently successfully implemented world-wide.
- Method statements developed for bridge monitoring were incorporated into PAL’s quality system
- The creation of a subsidiary was proposed to market generic non-destructive testing techniques
BENEFITS
As a result of the Programme, PAL was able to establish a presence in the civil engineering market, thereby improving its competitive position.
Sales of the new system were expected to significantly increase turnover and there was the possibility of establishing a subsidiary to market generic non-destructive techniques.
AE technology has been used successfully throughout the world.
RESULTS
- PAL is now the market leader in the application of AE technology to civil engineering structures.
- The Company has been appointed as sub-consultant for bridge inspection to the Highways Agency and a firm of consulting engineers.
- Retention of the Associate as PAL’s Civil Engineering Applications Manager
COMPANY QUOTE
As a direct result of KTP Physical Acoustics is now the market leader in the application of acoustic emission technology to civil engineering structures.
ASSOCIATE
The Associate recruited for this Programme was a Civil Engineering graduate from Cardiff University.
BENEFITS
The Associate gained wide ranging experience, including conducting marketplace studies and producing publicity material.
RESULTS
At the conclusion of the Programme, the Associate was employed by PAL as Civil Engineering Applications Manager and now promotes the use of AE in the industry. He is the Company’s Quality and Health and Safety Manager. The Associate has also been awarded a higher degree and is pursuing Chartered Civil Engineer status.
THE ACADEMIC PARTNER
The Knowledge Based Partner for the Programme with Physical Acoustics Ltd was Cardiff University’s School of Engineering.
BENEFITS
Substantial benefits accrued to Cardiff University as a result of this Programme. The research profile of the institution was raised and it contributed to the development of the two Academic Supervisors, raising their awareness of the practical applications of the AE technique and the commercial aspects of product development.
The Project led to the publication of 4 journal and 4 conference papers, 3 undergraduate projects as well as providing material for teaching case studies. In addition, funding was secured for an EPSRC CASE Studentship and support was provided for an EPSRC research grant application.
The project received the highest recognition for a Knowledge Transfer Partnership at the annual KTP Awards ceremony in London.
Further Information
Physical Acoustics Limited
Cardiff School of Engineering
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) at Cardiff
KTP at Cardiff contacts:
Paul Thomas
ktp@cardiff.ac.uk
Tel: (029) 2087 5882
Dr Claire Harvey
harveycl1@cardiff.ac.uk
Tel: (029) 2087 9032