About the PTMC
The Centre was founded as the Fluid Power Centre in 1968. It has a world-leading reputation as a centre of excellence in fluid power, power transmission and motion control. Its research activities are funded by government and industry at around £1m per annum. Short courses in hydraulic systems and electrical drives have attracted over 4000 delegates, and consultancy projects allow industry to access the Centre’s expertise.
The Centre is linked to the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The Department’s 900 undergraduate students take 4-year MEng degrees, and most of its 150 postgraduate students are undertaking PhD research projects. With 45 academic staff, and top ratings for teaching and research, it is one of the largest and most successful Mechanical Engineering departments in the UK.
The Centre has specific objectives within the field of machine systems, namely:
- to stimulate high quality industrially-relevant research and teaching
- to ensure research activities and technical expertise are accessible to industry through research partnerships, knowledge transfer and consultancy
- to exploit intellectual property arising from research
- to serve the industrial community by:
- provision of continuous professional development (CPD) courses
- provision of contract services
The Centre’s activities are industry focussed. The Centre has had an Industrial Advisory Group since its inception to ensure that its research and teaching strategies remain relevant to industry. In addition, undergraduate and MSc projects are often industry-linked. Unusually, the majority of students spend at least one period on placement in industry during their first degree, and in turn this can ultimately help the company with graduate recruitment.
» PTMC brochure (.pdf)
» 40 years Anniversary Report (.pdf)
» Research showcase presentation (.wmv)