WASHINGTON -- Rolls-Royce,
world-leading provider of power systems and services for use on land,
at sea, and in the air, has donated a 501-K5A Industrial Turbine to The
George Washington University's School of Engineering and Applied Science
(SEAS). GW engineering
students will use the gas turbine to develop a finite element computer
model and conduct analysis in jet engine failure preventions, as well
as a range of other topics. They also will use digitized data from
the 501-K5 to help create a generic engine model. The engine will
be housed on GW's Virginia Campus in Ashburn, Va., at the National Crash
Analysis Center (NCAC), a collaborative effort among the Federal Highway
Administration, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and
GW.
"We view this donation as an investment in future engineers and in the
future of engineering," said Pat Marolda, GW M.E.A. '86, president, Rolls-Royce
Naval Marine. "The 501-K5 is a great engine with a wonderful history,
and SEAS is an outstanding program with a bright future. Together
they're a perfect fit."
The process began nearly two years ago when Rolls-Royce learned the
school was looking for a gas turbine engine to enhance the learning experience
for its students. Marolda worked with the Rolls-Royce Heritage
Trust in Indianapolis, Ind., to identify and refurbish the 501-K5A. Earlier
this year, the engine was shipped to the NCAC, and it was formally unveiled
during a dedication ceremony on Wednesday, June 28, at GW's Virginia
Campus.
Marolda currently is a member of the School of Engineering and Applied
Science National Advisory Council and recently participated in a panel
discussion at the school entitled "A Day in the Life of an Engineer." He
has arranged several internships for GW students at Rolls-Royce Naval
Marine and has hired a number of graduates to work at the company's locations
around the world.
"We thank Rolls-Royce and GW alumnus Pat Marolda for their generous
gift to GW," said Timothy Tong, dean of GW's School of Engineering and
Applied Science. "This donation will provide the opportunity for SEAS
students to engage in hands-on research with a gas turbine engine produced
by an industry leader and to conduct research to improve engine safety
for future generations."
James M. Guyette, president & CEO, Rolls-Royce North America, said, "This
donation to GW's SEAS is one more way we're working to improve education -
particularly science education - here in the U.S."
Rolls-Royce is an active supporter of education around the world, especially
in those communities where it has facilities. The company's regional
corporate headquarters is located in Chantilly, Va., near GW's Virginia
Campus and the NCAC.
Rolls-Royce operates in four global markets - civil aerospace,
defense aerospace, marine, and energy. It is investing in technology,
capability and infrastructure that can be applied across these sectors
to take a competitive range of products to market. The company
has established strong positions in programs that will shape the power
systems market for years to come. Rolls-Royce has a broad customer base
comprising nearly 600 airlines, 4,000 corporate and utility aircraft
and helicopter operators, 160 armed forces and more than 2,000 marine
customers, including 70 navies. The company has energy customers
in nearly 120 countries.
GW's School of Engineering and Applied Science prepares engineers to
address society's technological challenges by providing outstanding undergraduate,
graduate, and professional educational experiences and by stimulating
and providing innovative, fundamental, and applied research activities.
The George Washington University Virginia Campus offers graduate courses
and academic and research initiatives in transportation safety and security,
public health and homeland security, professional and executive education,
and information technology and telecommunications. The 15-year-old campus
comprises 95 acres in Loudoun County.
For more information about GW's School of Engineering
and Applied Science, visit www.seas.gwu.edu.
For more information about GW's Virginia Campus, visit www.gwvirginia.gwu.edu
For more news about GW, visit the GW News Center at www.gwnewscenter.org.
-GW-
