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Pre-lecture seminar – materials for extreme environments

Prior to the main lecture, the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is hosting a free to attend afternoon seminar to look at some of the measurement issues that need to be considered when using materials in extreme situations – such as the Bloodhound SSC world land speed record run.

Places are limited, so early booking is recommended. Download the event flyer for registration and further information.

About the Wheatstone and London Network Christmas Lecture

Suitable for ages 11+, This lecture on Project BLOODHOUND will be delivered by Wing Commander Andy Green and systems engineer Dr John Davis.  

Project BLOODHOUND is more than a World Land Speed Record attempt: while it aims to push the boundaries of technology by building the world’s first 1000 mph car, the wider aim is to re-invigorate national interest in science and engineering, particularly in schools.  After 2 years of research and testing, the team is now starting to build the BLOODHOUND car, with over 2000 UK schools already signed up to follow the project’s technology over the next 2-3 years.

Andy and John will describe the project’s aims and some of the huge technological challenges involved as BLOODHOUND SSC (SuperSonic Car) accelerates from rest to 1000 mph and back to a stop in just 100 seconds; covering 16 km in that time.  The car is built around a state-of-the-art jet fighter engine (the Eurojet EJ200, delivering 90 kN of thrust) and the purpose-build Falcon hybrid rocket (120 kN thrust), which will consume one tonne of High Test Peroxide in 20 seconds.  

The wheels will have to survive 50 000 radial ‘g’, aerodynamics loads will reach 12 tonnes/square metre and suspension loads will exceed 30 tonnes.  Throughout this extraordinary process, measurement and control of the car’s systems and its dynamic performance will be absolutely critical to its safe operation.  This huge responsibility falls squarely on Dr John Davis, who will describe how he plans to prepare, monitor and control the fastest car in history.

Visit the Bloodhound SSC website to read more about the project.

Drinks reception

Following the lecture there is a Christmas themed reception, kindly sponsored by the following Knowledge Transfer Networks: