Innovation Centre for Structural Integrity from Coventry University and TWI

Coventry University and TWI have set up the research and development (R&D) focused Advanced Structural Integrity Innovation Centre (ASIIC).

The Centre’s mission is to advance cutting edge technologies, and develop novel methods, for safety-critical applications that will make operations in the field more reliable, and incorporate industry 4.0 elements such as internet of things (IoT) and machine learning. The key focus of the collaboration will be to create new systems that can predict asset integrity more accurately, extend their lifespan and improve the overall performance of structures.

ASIIC will exploit the facilities of both Coventry University and TWI to undertake joint research programmes, utilising public funding, that can build a portfolio of novel technologies, methods, and techniques, and stimulate new design in structural integrity solutions.

Key research areas for the Centre include - residual stress analysis for improved structural integrity life prediction and life enhancement; novel condition monitoring techniques including novel sensing technologies; digital twin for real-time monitoring of in-service assets and provision of operational and planning date; and research and guidance development on the effect of simulated service environments, for example hydrogen gas, for structural integrity applications.

In addition, ASIIC will concentrate on the integrity of advanced materials components, such as complex geometries, for additive manufacturing; development of advanced, non-destructive (NDT) testing and inspection techniques for industrial application; and utilisation of data modelling to enable industries such as construction and engineering to take proactive measures to keep buildings and large infrastructure safe for use.