University partners with flight research centre

Keele University and the German Aerospace Center are working together on aircraft technology and materials research

A university has teamed up with Germany's national aeronautics and space research centre to look into new materials and technologies for aircraft.

Keele University's school of computer science and mathematics is working with the German Aerospace Center (DLR).

Projects include the mathematical modelling of an insulation material called aerogel, to see how it could cut aircraft noise and improve passenger comfort.

The partnership was "a very exciting move and expands Keele’s network of global research partnerships," said Prof Mark Ormerod, deputy vice-chancellor.

"A number of joint activities between the two institutions are in progress or just about to start, and the partnership will offer very significant potential for further collaborative developments," he said.

DLR also carries out research and development work in energy, transport and security.

The partnership with Keele aimed to "foster groundbreaking developments that will revolutionise the landscape of scientific research and application," said Prof Guillermo Requena from DLR.