The New Whittle Lab- Accelerating Zero-Carbon Flight and Land-Based Power

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Reworking innovation

Accelerating zero-carbon flight and land-based power

Reworking innovation

Our industry partners

We aim to improve the aero-thermal performance of turbomachines

Holistic approach

Wide-ranging innovation

Academic excellence

At the Whittle Laboratory we focus on improving the aero-thermal performance of turbomachines. These machines are the principle technology for the world's energy conversion processes and improving their efficiency is crucial for reducing the environmental impact of power generation and aviation. Our research projects cover virtually all types of turbomachinery technology and we work closely with industry leaders to ensure the results from our work are incorporated into future technological developments.

The lab

Our research projects cover a broad range of turbomachinery technologies

We have an extensive track record of successful collaboration with industry (particularly with Rolls-Royce but also with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Dyson, Siemens and others) and with other word-leading research organisations. Work is divided, approximately equally, between computational simulation of the flow and experimental measurements taken in a wide variety of facilities.

Our research areas

Research with a real-world impact

New projects are always being developed and applications from high quality graduate students and post-doctoral researchers are welcome at any time. Prospective PhD students are encouraged to apply to the new EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Propulsion and Power, an exciting joint-venture between the universities of Cambridge, Oxford and Loughborough with extensive support from several industry partners.

PhD opportunities

Latest laboratory updates

Raising ambition in net zero flight: A briefing from COP28

Published on December 4, 2023

“In this age of disruption, we not only need new models, but we need new mindsets if we are to raise our ambitions and ensure, in the words of The King, that this is 'a turning point ...

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Whittle at Farnborough International’s Sustainable Skies Summit

Published on May 4, 2023

On 17-18 April 2023, the Whittle Lab participated in several events at the Sustainable Skies World Summit, organized by Farnborough International, to highlight and support the aviation industry'...

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University of Cambridge leads team developing a simulator to accelerate the path to net zero flight

Published on August 25, 2021

Cambridge University announces the launch of the Aviation Impact Accelerator (AIA), an international group of experts in aerospace, economics, policy, and climate science, who are building an in...

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The Whittle Lab Open Day 2019

Published on March 27, 2019

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RAeS Heritage Plaque Award

Published on January 24, 2019

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Women in Engineering

Published on October 12, 2018

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CDT Innovation Day

Published on August 8, 2018

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2017 Whittle Lab Open Day

Published on March 10, 2017

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Whittle Lab Academics receive ASME IGTI Gas Turbine Award

Published on June 20, 2016

Congratulations to the ASME Gas Turbine Award winners Dr. Robert Grewe, Prof. Robert Miller, and Prof. Howard Hodson.

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Turbo-power! The Whittle Laboratory Open Day 2016

Published on April 2, 2016

On the 19th March 2016 the Whittle Laboratory opened its doors to the public for the first time since it was opened in 1973, to show the work we do on jet-engines and gas turbines as part of the...

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The Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Future Propulsion and Power

Learn about the CDT