A project led by Professor and Department Chair Hossein Haj-Hariri and Mr. Joey Wyatt (MAE BS’06, MS’08) resulted in the development of a carbon-fiber tape laying machine. This patented technology has been incorporated into the manufacturing of mostly carbon-composite jet engine which is claimed could dramatically cut the amount of fuel used by airlines. The amount of time to manufacture fan blades has been reduced from weeks to several hours. See a video of the carbon fiber jet engine plant recently opened on the Isle of Wight: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-16538586
Mar
08
