UK strategy for advanced materials and metrology
The UK's National Physical Laboratory (NPL) calls for a national centre for materials verification and assurance.
NPL has launched its strategy for advanced materials and metrology
The strategy says that a national centre would bring together materials metrology and materials science with industry expertise.
It also recommends a nationwide materials database to empower innovation and a strategy, and a funding framework to maintain UK leadership in international materials metrology.
As the UK's National Metrology Institute (NMI), the NPL develops and maintains the national primary measurement standards, collaborating with other NMIs to maintain the international standard.
The Advanced materials metrology strategy has identified two broad themes through an in-depth review of UK and international strategies.
The first theme of Measurements at the frontiers states that as materials grow in complexity and are used in different conditions, metrology needs to adapt to allow measurements at multiple scales and under conditions that mimic real-world applications.
The second theme of Small and interconnected metrology describes single measurement methods as often being insufficient to fully characterise advanced materials.
These trends will allow efficient implementation of digital and vritual testing, fast materials innovations and robust selection of advanced materials.
CEO of Henry Royce, Professor David Knowles, says, 'I welcome this metrology strategy for the UK’s advanced materials community, one which supports and coincides with development of the UK’s Materials Innovation Strategy, both providing academia, national laboratories and companies with the challenges that must be addressed to provide a thriving advanced materials sector.'
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