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Engine manufacturer GE has announced Australian Nic Adams as one of 10 global phase one finalists in its Open Innovation Jet Engine Bracket Design Quest.
Launched in June, the competition invited individuals, companies and institutions to redesign loading brackets found on jet engines using 3D printing. The Quest combines additive manufacturing with open innovation and seeks design solutions which will not only reduce the bracket weight but also improve its strength and performance capabilities.
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Sydney-based Adams said he worked with his brother to keep his design organic in order to minimise sharp corners and used a hollow structure to best distribute material and stress. Adams predicts that his winning design will reduce the weight of the jet loading brackets by 80.4 per cent.
“After getting the final shape right with my bulletproof model, I worked to further reduce weight by removing material with circular cut outs at strategic locations,” said Adams.
Mark Little, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, GE Global Research Center said: “We have entered into a new era of manufacturing that is leveraging the proven power of open innovation. Additive manufacturing is allowing GE, together with the maker community, to push the boundaries of traditional engineering. These finalists have demonstrated what can be achieved by embracing this more open, collaborative model.”
As a phase one finalist, Adams will receive $1,000 and move onto the second phase, in which the jet engine bracket designs will be manufactured and subjected to load testing by GE. The second phase of the Quest will run from September 17 to November 15 and the top eight designs will receive awards from a total prize pool of $20,000.
