Engineering and Astrophysics
Not surprisingly one of the first questions that The Duke of Edinburgh asked Dr Tim Hughes was "What do you know about the Millennium Bridge?" Dr Hughes, an expert on bridge stability, was introducing His Royal Highness to ongoing research on historic masonry bridges, modern aluminium bridges and other structures.
"The Duke was particularly intrigued by a hole in a piece of aluminium bridge which I explained was typical of the plate damage caused by the recent bomb to the Hammersmith Bridge. " Dr Hughes was impressed by His Royal Highness's breadth of technical know-how. "Fatigue and flexibility are not easy concepts to get to grips with when you're talking about bridges, but The Duke of Edinburgh was incredibly knowledgeable about the whole subject. "
Rapid prototyping, laser milling, machine-condition-monitoring, high-speed automation and intelligent control were just some of the cutting-edge manufacturing techniques on show at the Manufacturing Engineering Centre. Professor Duc-Truong Pham explained how these facilities support research and technology transfer projects with more than 100 companies throughout the region.
"He was extremely interested in the work undertaken by Professor Pham and his team," said Professor Vernon Morgan, Head of the School of Engineering. Professor Morgan also referred to His Royal Highness's strong and long association with the Royal Academy of Engineering, with which Cardiff also has a strong association. Cardiff Professors Vernon Morgan, Fred Williams, Roger Falconer, Denis Towill and Brian Brinkworth are all Fellows of the Royal Academy of Engineering.
Reflecting on the royal visit, Professor Morgan remarked that the University President, Neil Kinnock, who accompanied His Majesty on the tour of the Queen's Buildings, is "an absolute first class ambassador for the University."
"He is already so knowledgeable about the School of Engineering and he is helping us to reinforce our strong links with many of our industrial collaborators."
On the last leg of his tour of the Queen's Buildings and his visit to Physics and Astronomy (see Astrophysics Research), The Duke of Edinburgh had his first opportunity to sit down. This was in preparation for a colourful presentation on scientists' theory of a 'flat' Universe and the birth of stars, which was given by one of the Department's newest professors, Walter Gear. This was not an opportunity for relaxing, however, as Professor Peter Blood, observed of His Royal Highness, "he was amazingly well-informed and asked all manner of pertinent questions."
As he was leaving the Queen's Buildings, The Duke of Edinburgh was surprised to see photographs of himself that were taken in 1960 on a previous visit to the University. He then signed an official portrait of himself, prior to rejoining Her Majesty at Glamorgan Building.
Dr Tim Hughes explains some of the work which is helping to save Britain's historic masonry arch bridges.
The Duke of Edinburgh with Professor Pham and collaborators in the Manufacturing Engineering Centre.
Professor Walter Gear and colleagues from the Department of Physics and Astronomy explain the exciting and leading edge research being undertaking in the department, indicating also the high value of research which is not directly commercially related.
Did I really look like that? The years roll back as The Duke of Edinburgh examines pictures taken when he opened part of the School of Engineering in 1960. The Prince Philip lecture theatre in the building is still well used. Professor Peter Blood, Head of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, looks on.