Rolls-Royce Hydrodynamic Research Centre Open Test Arena

Purpose and goal

The project, together with Swerea and Kristinehamn municipality, has investigated the possibility of opening up the RR Hydrodynamic Research Centre to external customers / stakeholders by creating a more open environment for cross-border cooperation. The test bed´s offer consists of a combination of experimental hydrodynamics testing and simulations linked to knowledge and experience in fluid mechanics. Projects for external customers can be run through the RR organization, but in the longer term, through cooperation with neutral players through organic growth.

Expected results and effects

The market size has been estimated and linked to the test bed´s available capacity. Through collaboration with research institutes and external customers, the knowledge of ship propulsion and hydrodynamics at the test bed can be utilized to strengthen the competitiveness of customers and reduce the environmental impact of products, e.g. by reduced fuel consumption of pleasure crafts. An organization for how internal projects can be combined with external customer projects and public research has been defined with the aim of the new overall being more competitive and innovative.

Planned approach and implementation

Through meetings and visits of external stakeholders, universities, industry organizations, regions and other relevant test facilities, the test bed´s customer offer has been defined and differentiated for potential customers in various adjacent areas of expertise. The focus has been on how the test bed can technically and competently contribute to customers´ operations and technological development and how the test bed´s ability can complement other existing infrastructure.