Thermal Power. Cranfield University

With its very high power-to-weight and power-to-space ratios, the gas turbine engine dominates the world of aircraft propulsion. Continuous technological evolution has resulted in power plants with excellent reliability, fuel economy, low noise and low pollution levels. For similar reasons, gas turbine engines are finding increasing application in the power, oil, gas and process sectors. The world’s gas turbine industry is currently worth approximately £30 billion a year. Decision making skills based on detailed technical knowledge are therefore crucial in an industry with such a high cost base.