A recent example of University of Bradford boffins applying their minds to providing practical solutions to business is a £1m project with a leading West Yorkshire engineering company.

Researchers from the university’s School of Engineering, Design and Technology are working with engineers at Cummins Turbo Technologies to develop test methods for turbo-chargers, a key component for reducing emissions in engines worldwide.

The pioneering project has secured £478,000 of funding from the European Regional Development Fund and Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency.

University academics and Cummins engineers will collaborate on finding ways of cutting carbon emissions and improving fuel consumption in diesel engines.

The work is the latest pioneering development in turbo-charger technology by Cummins, which produces technology for some of the world’s leading engine manufacturers.

Professor Andrew Day, director of the university’s Automotive Research & Knowledge Transfer Centre, said: “The project partnership will enhance the technology base of the region in the important high value-added automotive field and will strengthen these links to increase the possibilities for future collaboration.

“The university will also extend its academic expertise to enable training of future graduates in high-technology knowledge and skills for the benefit of this crucial sector in the region and nationwide.”

Dr John Allport, Cummins’s project director, said: “Cummins Turbo Technologies are delighted to work in partnership with the University of Bradford on this ground-breaking project.

“In turn, the university will develop new areas of research expertise, particularly in heavy-duty engine research where facilities are rare, through the development of this world-class large engine research facility.”

The methods being developed in the project will measure turbine blade vibration in turbo-chargers. Initial investigations will focus on adapting existing methodology used in the aerospace industry.

Kambiz Ebrahimi, professor of mechanical engineering, said: “This is an advanced project, with the university and Cummins working together at an international level in automotive testing and research innovation.”