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Port co-opetition: revisited after 20 years
Get PDFThis paper revisits the concept of port co-opetition with the aim to understand how it has evolved over time since the publication 20 years ago. In so doing, the paper does also attempt to project its future research direction by synthesising the same concept applied to a wide range of academic disciplines. The first aim is of retrospective, while the second of prospective—looking for the future by looking back to the past. The study highlights that co-opetition, defined as doing both collaboration and competition at the same time, has seen noticeable changes over the past two decades by chasing the evolving nature of co-opetition within the port industry from actor-centric and activity-centric perspectives. The focus was initially on individual firms and their interactions; however, there has existed a greater emphasis on the broader activities and their processes as defined co-opetitive relationships. This shift reflects the general trend in the global economy where co-opetition has become increasingly relevant for players to successfully navigate ever more complicated market dynamics. Despite significant progress made in the field of port co-opetition, much of the existing literature remains cantered into the actor-centric view, having limitedly explored the other side of the concept. As a way to fill in this less considered perspective, this paper aims to propose a framework in which the port co-opetition per se could be more systematically analysed, leading us to gain a valuable insight into the field for the benefits of researchers and practitioners. This line of study will make us to better understand the concept in a context of port industry as a potential instrument of implementable strategies.Maritime Policy & Managemen
A holistic methodology for value-driven conceptualisation of passenger cabin interiors
Get PDFJia, Huamin - Associate SupervisorThe design of aircraft cabin interiors is a multi-disciplinary, multi-domain activity
challenged by the need to satisfy technical, operational, and commercial product
requirements simultaneously. Addressing these in isolation proves ineffective in
delivering cabin interiors destined for long-term success in the modern market
driven by holistic forces. However, no unified approaches exist for their integrated
co-development. Engineering tools like Multi-Disciplinary Optimisation resolve
the technical challenges, but are unable to integrate the commercial factors.
Resource-efficient innovation is further perplexed by the competitive data-sharing
practices and conflicting priorities pursued by the many cabin stakeholders. As a
result, the parties involved in cabin interior design lack awareness of each other’s
preferences, needs, and constraints. The integration of contrasting stakeholder
priorities can be streamlined by conceiving a holistic methodology for early-stage
cabin product design. It shall implement effective decision-making practices into
a collaborative cabin design toolset to facilitate co-creation. This thesis proposes
such a methodology, which was developed in a multi-step approach. First, the
identification of a suitable design assessment basis is enabled by deriving a
synoptic taxonomy of discrete Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis tools. It is then
employed to map the diverse multitude of drivers relevant to cabin interior design
and prioritise among them using context-based logic defined by the case being
addressed. Industry expertise was gathered to consolidate multiple stakeholder
preferences into a robust capability for the evaluation of potential interior design
solutions. Finally, the holistic cabin design approach proposed is used to assess
the sustainability of cabin interior products as the most pertinent issue faced by
the industry at the moment. This is achieved in a cost-efficient manner at a scale
unachievable with existing Life Cycle Assessment methods. The effectiveness of
the toolset proposed is validated by its application to a hypothetical case study.PhD in Aerospac
Effect of intake length on flow interactions in a coupled compact intake-fan in crosswind
Get PDFMore compact and short intakes can be a key enabler for the design of Ultra-High Bypass Ratio (UHBR) large civil aero engines. Under key design conditions such as crosswind significant flow distortion at the fan face can adversely affect the performance and engine compatibility. Shorter intakes may result in stronger intake-fan aerodynamic coupling, and the resulting unsteady interactions currently remain insufficiently understood. This study investigates how the intake length and crosswind direction can affect the intake-fan unsteady aerodynamics and distortion. Two computational models are used: a steady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes method with an Immersed Boundary Method with Smeared Geometry (RANS-IBMSG), and a time resolved fully coupled model (URANS-TRF). Swirl distortion is quantified in the relative frame of reference using a blade tracking method based on blade incidence angle. For the combination of research fan and intake analysed, the findings show that the fan proximity can reduce the onset of gross separation for shorter intake designs. This effect enables a reduction of intake length by about 25% while still meeting a crosswind operating condition requirement. In general, the RANS-IBMSG method predicts the main characteristics of the onset of gross intake separation and is in good agreement with the unsteady URANS-TRF simulations. Based on the unsteady simulations, a gross separation on the intake surface occurred at a lower crosswind velocity for the co-rotating configuration compared to the counter-rotating case for the research fan and intake studied. The RANS-IBMSG method does not capture some of the aerodynamic features responsible for differences between counter- and co-rotating configurations. Overall, while low-order fan models are useful for early-stage intake design evaluations, coupled unsteady simulations are required to fully capture the effects of crosswind direction and intake-fan interactions.L. Lobuono was supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council [grant number EP/W524529/1], Rolls Royce plc., and Cranfield University. D. MacManus and R. Christie were partially funded by Innovate UK ATI FANFARE project (Ref: 113286)AIAA Aviation Forum and Ascend 202
MARIO-LAND: a multi arm robot for in-orbit operations at laboratory for autonomous navigation demonstrations
No full textWith the rapid expansion of space activities, sustainability has become paramount to mitigating orbital debris and supporting long-term operations. One promising approach is the development of infrastructure and systems assembled directly in orbit. Enabled by advanced space robotics, In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM) is central to realizing these capabilities. To ensure mission reliability and maximize performance, ISAM technologies require thorough ground-based validation within controlled laboratory environments before orbital deployment.
To address this need, Cranfield University has developed a robotic platform—MARIO (Multi-Arm Robot for Inorbit Operations)—and a dedicated test facility—LAND (Laboratory for Autonomous Navigation Demonstrations)—to verify and validate ISAM hardware and control algorithms under space-analog conditions.
MARIO is a modular and reconfigurable robotic system designed for in-space servicing and assembly operations. It comprises three 6-degree-of-freedom manipulator arms mounted on a pneumatic floating base that glides over a polished epoxy floor, recreating a frictionless microgravity-like environment. The control system is built on ROS2,
providing a robust and flexible framework for real-time coordinated multi-arm manipulation, trajectory planning, and dynamic collision avoidance.
Experimental tests have evaluated MARIO’s performance in representative ISAM tasks, including docking, undocking, anchored motion, and the assembly of modular structures. Results demonstrate reliable and repeatable performance, showcasing MARIO’s adaptability and capability to perform complex operations required in orbit. Data gathered from these experiments has been instrumental in refining control algorithms, improving locomotion stability, transition handling, and overall operational efficiency. The MARIO-LAND facility has proven effective for validating ISAM concepts and advancing ground-based testing methodologies.
Future work will focus on enhancing system autonomy through advanced navigation, improved sensing, and refined control strategies. These developments aim to increase the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of MARIO and support the broader goal of advancing autonomous robotics for sustainable and scalable space operations.IAF Materials and Structures Symposium, Held at the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2025
Post-mortem CT for coronial death investigation: a local authority managed service evaluation
No full textIntroduction Post-mortem CT (PMCT) is increasingly used in coronial death investigations. This service evaluation assesses the new PMCT service at the East London Forensic Centre (ELFC), focusing on turnaround times, conversion rates to invasive post mortems, and radiology-pathology concordance. The goal is to measure key performance indicators and guide future service development. Methods Data from 356 cases were retrospectively reviewed using emails, Civica, and a PMCT log. Information on scan and report timings, conversion rates, and radiology-pathology agreement was analysed. The impact of contrast-enhanced PMCT on workflow was also assessed. Timing data were grouped into September–January, with January separated due to holiday-related delays. Forensic and non-East London cases were excluded. Results Of the 356 cases, 35% underwent angiography. Unenhanced scans averaged just under 13 min; angiography scans took nearly 30 min. 15% required further invasive examination. Among these, nearly 80% showed at least partial radiology pathology concordance, with 6 fully concordant cases. The average turnaround from start to cause of death determination was 4.2 days. Conclusion PMCT is an effective alternative to traditional post-mortems, though 15% of cases still required invasive follow-up. Most showed good radiology-pathology agreement. Delays in January highlight operational challenges. ELFC’s turnaround aligns with other services, affirming PMCT’s feasibility in coronial settings. Continuous refinement of case selection is needed to reduce conversion rates. Further research should explore PMCT failure rates and compare outcomes with traditional post-mortems. Implications for practice The service evaluation supports a local authority managed service which compares to existing, successful models elsewhere in the countryForensic Imagin
Preliminary design of integrated power and thermal management systems for hybrid electric VTOL aircraft architecture
No full textHybrid and fully electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft present promising solutions to improve urban traffic congestion but face challenges such as limited power and energy density and stringent thermal constraints, requiring effective thermal management. Optimizing the available onboard electrical energy in hybrid-electric aircraft is crucial, and this can be achieved through the implementation of an effective power management strategy. This paper presents a design methodology for an integrated power and thermal management system (IPTMS) using a parallel hybrid-electric civil tilt-rotor aircraft modeled after XV-15, as a case study. A multidisciplinary optimization platform is developed, integrating IPTMS optimization with rotor aerodynamics, flight dynamics, gas turbine performance, mission analysis, and electric powertrain performance models. The study evaluates both direct air-cooling and liquid-cooling options, incorporating Phase Change Materials (PCMs) for heat storage to identify the most effective thermal management solution. A design space exploration is conducted across various degrees of hybridization (DoH) to assess performance impacts both with and without the integration of the thermal management system (TMS). The results indicate that lower DoH with air-cooling TMS result in energy efficiency and emission improvement, while higher DoH configurations encounter thermal load and payload constraints. For shorter-range, double-leg missions, air-cooling with PCMs proved beneficial, achieving up to 8.76% improvement in energy efficiency and emission reductions of 12.95% for CO2 and 1.66% for NOx. Although electrification optimizes energy use and emissions, conventional aircraft still outperform when the maximum payload constraint is lifted through enhanced payload allocation. This work provides a comprehensive framework for IPTMS design in hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft, balancing power and thermal management for efficient and sustainable operation.Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and Powe
Digital twins for a floating photovoltaic system with experimental data mining and artificial intelligence modelling
No full textFloating photovoltaic (FPV) systems face complex multi-physics interactions from wave-induced hydrodynamics and solar variability, yet there is a lack of a digital framework to balance the large amount of data, modelling accuracy, and real-time adaptability. This study addresses this gap by developing an AI-driven digital twin framework that integrates physical experimentation, data integration, and neural network-based modelling. A novel FPV system was experimentally tested under 150 + scenarios in different solar irradiance and water wave conditions, capturing hydrodynamic, thermal, and power performances. A two-tier artificial neural network architecture was implemented, providing a high-fidelity model for detailed analysi and a reduced-order model for real-time applications. The virtual twin can predict key outputs, including heave, surge, pitch, mooring forces, PV temperature, and power output, which potentially reduces the need for sensors on the physical twin and provides more comprehensive information. In summary, the proposed digital twin framework enables remote monitoring, prediction, and intelligent management of FPV systems. Moreover, it holds the potential to support wave-adaptive panel control energy system management, and predictive maintenance. These functions position the digital twin as a core enabler for efficient, reliable, and scalable offshore solar energy deployment.Luofeng Huang acknowledges grants received from Innovate UK (No. 10048187, 10079774, 10081314), the Royal Society (IEC∖NSFC∖223253, RG∖R2∖232462) and UK Department for Transport (TRIG2023 – No. 30066).Solar Energ
Comparison of the time varying mesh stiffness of gears with single and multi-mode damage
No full textGears in service conditions experience inevitable tooth damage. These damages can cause changes in the time-varying mesh stiffness depending on the mode of damage. The time-varying mesh stiffness of gears is an essential input in calculating gear dynamic responses. Several researchers have evaluated the mesh stiffness of gear teeth with single-mode damage like pitting, spalling, root cracks and wear using either or any combination of analytical, numeric and experimental models. However, limited research has been done on investigating the mesh stiffness of gear teeth undergoing multi-mode damage. In this work, an analytical model is proposed to evaluate the mesh stiffness of a tooth on the pinion with single-mode damage, including pitting, spalling, and surface crack, separately. In addition, a gear tooth with a combination of pits, spalling and surface cracks is also evaluated. The volume of damage on the tooth is kept constant to provide a basis for comparison. The comparison highlights the possible effects of the combined damage modes, which is a more realistic occurrence in gears in service.Key Engineering Material
Optimise a solar thermal cooling system using combined simulation TRNSYS and Genopt software for refrigeration demand in various African climates
No full textThis study presents an optimisation simulation-based approach for the ideal solar absorption cooling system design, including a thermal storage tank and a solar thermal collector. The strategy aims to reduce the costs of solar chilling systems by determining the optimal collector area and storage capacity while minimising electricity consumption to operate system. A hybrid approach is used to achieve the optimal configuration by combining dynamic simulation with TRNSYS and an optimisation algorithm using Gen-Opt. The system’s life cycle cost, over 20 years, serves as the optimisation goal. The study examines the effects of three economic factors: solar collector area, storage capacity, and electricity prices, on the design. The outcomes are analysed from technical and economic perspectives across various African locations. Additionally, techno-economic optimisation was conducted to identify the best set of system design parameters. The findings illustrate how electricity prices and climatic conditions influence the techno-economic feasibility of the system. Alkufra demonstrates and achieves the best techno-economic performance due to its high solar radiation and lower reliance on auxiliary power, which reduces electricity costs throughout the system’s lifetime. Cairo achieves a fairly reasonable performance, providing satisfactory economic viability compared to Lagos or Accra, due to sun availability and electricity costs.Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part A: Journal of Power and Energ
Entrepreneurship education for climate action: the role of universities in developing NetZero startups
Get PDFPurpose:
As climate imperatives escalate, higher education institutions are expected to mobilise entrepreneurship education for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) delivery. This study aims to examine how entrepreneurship education shapes graduates’ creation of NetZero-oriented ventures and explains the institutional conditions that enable or inhibit this pathway.
Design/methodology/approach:
Using an interpretivist qualitative design, study conducted 32 semi-structured interviews with graduates (undergraduate n = 14; postgraduate n = 18) from four UK universities (graduation 2020–2023) engaged in NetZero ventures. Data was analysed using the Gioia method; demographic identifiers were used to contextualise quotations.
Findings:
Five cross-institutional challenges constrain the translation of sustainability awareness into entrepreneurial action: (1) limited embedding of NetZero content in core curricula; (2) inconsistent sustainability terminology; (3) insufficient implementation guidance and venture-building support; (4) over-reliance on classroom-based instruction relative to experiential learning; and (5) fragmented, weakly coordinated support across units. This study explains how these patterns arise from curriculum design choices, capability gaps in NetZero pedagogy and siloed governance that dissipate resources.
Research limitations/implications:
The qualitative, UK-based sample limits generalisability; future research should test these mechanisms in other contexts using mixed methods and multi-stakeholder data.
Practical implications:
Recommendations include embedding NetZero across entrepreneurship teaching, establishing shared terminology, providing tailored implementation support (incubation/mentoring), extending experiential learning and coordinating cross-unit ecosystems aligned with policy partners.
Social implications:
Stronger university ecosystems can accelerate graduate-led NetZero innovation, advancing SDGs 4 and 13.
Originality/value:
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study offers one of the first empirically grounded accounts linking entrepreneurship education to NetZero venture creation, integrating institutional and graduate perspectives.International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Educatio