- Fibre reinforced composites
- Nano-enhanced polymers
- Design and manufacture of composite parts
- Injection overmoulding
My research interests are mostly focused on different aspects of fibre reinforced polymer composites, including design and manufacture, testing and characterization and finite element simulation. In particular, I am interested in nano-enhanced hierarchically structured advanced fibre reinforced composites, fracture behavior and toughness of polymer composites, and injection overmoulding of composite parts. I work closely with industry partners in aerospace sector including Bombardier, and Collins aerospace.
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Dr. M. Ali Aravand
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- Thermal comfort modelling and analysis in buildings and mass transport systems
- Numerical modelling of expansion device systems for the aerospace industry
- Numerical modelling of intra cranial human physiology
My research activity and interest focuses on the development and application of numerical thermos-fluid models to different disciplines. The different models utilised encompass both high fidelity methods (CFD) and low fidelity methods (state space models and POD).
Areas of interest have been:
Expansion device systems for the aerospace industry
Thermal comfort modeling in buildings and in mass transportation vehicles
Intra-cranial physiological fluid-dynamics
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Dr Marco Geron
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- Sustainable energy and environmental systems
- The circular economy for energy and materials
- Biogas, biomass and biofuels
- Energy, carbon and environmental life cycle assessment
Beatrice’s research is focused on the production and use of bioenergy. Specific areas of work include analysis and optimisation of energy pathways, bioresource quantification and mapping, energy and environmental/carbon life cycle analyses, and economic assessment. The interplay between systems is another area of interest, with topics such as the use of energy crops for alleviating water pollution currently under investigation. Other recent and ongoing research includes heat mapping for a local energy system and alternative packaging from agri-food waste.
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Dr Beatrice Smyth
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- Engineering design systems
- Simulation intent
- Composites simulation techniques
- Structural analysis methodology
I have a particular interest in the development of the next generation engineering design and analysis systems. Specific research topics encompass CAD-CAE integration, Composites Simulation Techniques, Simulation Intent and novel design system architectures. Prior to returning to academia I worked in multiple sectors with Michelin, Williams F1 and B/E Aerospace. My industry experience has given me insight into the deficiencies of current design and analysis approaches, which ultimately stifle product development and hinder innovation.
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Dr Declan Nolan
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- Accelerated test methods for predicting long-term performance of biomaterials
- Bioresorbable polymers used in orthopaedic and cardiovascular applications, for example PLLA, PGA and various co-polymers
- Influence of sterilisation technologies on performance of biomaterials
- Electron beam modification of polymers
- Calcium phosphate biomaterials
- Tissue scaffolds via layer-by-layer manufacture
Implants made from bioresorbable polymers are gaining significant interest in orthopaedic, sports-injury and cardiovascular markets. The advantage of such materials over permanent metallic implants is that they provide temporary support during healing, then gradually degrade, transferring mechanical loads to regenerating tissue. They are also utilised in drug and bioactive release systems owing to the ability to tailor their bioresorption rate via appropriate polymer selection and post-processing procedures.
Furthermore, they have potential for application in patient-specific tissue scaffolds produced by layer-by-layer manufacturing techniques such as fused deposition modelling.
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Professor Fraser Buchanan
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- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
My main research interests are in enabling and advancing the use of Computer-Aided Engineering in Engineering Design Systems. The research carried out is primarily computational, and involves finding new ways of doing tasks and the development of novel algorithms to enable, enhance and/or streamline aspects of the design process. We work with a range of leading companies and use a variety of leading CAD and CAE packages.
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Dr Trevor Robinson
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- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Polymer Science and Engineering
- Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering, or another relevant discipline.
My research interests are mainly focussed on polymers and polymer nanocomposites, aiming to gain a sound scientific understanding of the formation and reinforcement/toughening mechanisms in polymer nanocomposites, whilst also creating advanced polymers and polymer nanocomposites (e.g. smart and multifunctional) for a variety of applications including healthcare, energy and general engineering. To achieve these aims, my research takes a holistic approach, encompassing synthesis, functionalisation, processing, characterisation and application of polymers, nanoparticles and polymer nanocomposites
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Professor Biqiong Chen
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- Investigate improving the quality and usefulness of trials and reviews,
- Conduct health services research more generally;
- Conduct research relevant to humanitarian emergencies.
I have broad research interests and a wide spectrum of expertise in the following areas:
Design and fabrication of functional materials including hydrogels, nanoparticles, nanocomposites, hybrid materials, and functional coatings
Cold plasmas for advanced materials synthesis
Processing of polymers/polymer based composites
Aircraft materials (alloys, CFRP) manufacturing
Surface engineering and tribology
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Dr Dan Sun
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- Biomechanics/biomaterials for surgical planning
- Medical device design/evaluation
- Fundamental mechanobiology of cells/tissues.
Dr Lennon’s research seeks to apply engineering science to a variety of applications at the interface of physical and medical sciences, including surgical planning, medical devices, biomaterials, and regenerative medicine.
Specific research topics undertaken with colleagues in the Bioengineering Research Group, Health Sciences, Musgrave Park Hospital, and international collaborators include orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomechanics, mechanics of cells and tissues, and combining physical and computational testing to characterise short and long term performance of biomaterials and medical devices.
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Dr Alex Lennon
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- Finite elements, meshless and other advanced numerical methods
- Multi-scale and Multi-physics modelling of advanced composites
- Damage and fracture mechanics
- Contact mechanics
- Error estimation and adaptive analysis
- Finite deformation and elasto-plasticity
- Stochastic finite element method and reliability analysis
My research interests are broadly in computational mechanics. I have developed adaptively coupled finite element-meshless methods for the solution of nonlinear problems. I have also developed advanced-level finite element based multi-scale and multi-physics models for the prediction of long-term performance of fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. Moreover, I have expertise in computational contact mechanics and computational fracture mechanics.
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Dr Zahur Ullah
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- Aerospace structural design and manufacturing
- Process cost modelling
- Multi-physics simulations, e.g. Lightning strike on composite materials
Professor Murphy’s research interests are focused on predictive modelling, in particular developing methods to understand the influence of individual component and process parameters on product in-service performance and cost.
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Professor Adrian Murphy
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- Moving to a Plastic Packaging Free Society – Feasibility, Consumer Psychology and Environmental Impact
- The Valorisation of Poultry Industry Waste Streams
- Compostable Agri-Waste
- Derived Biopolymer Lidding Films
Recognising the accelerating depletion of natural resources and rampant disposal of valuable goods, my core research focuses on the valorisation of abundant and problematic industrial waste streams; specifically, their conversion into bio-based polymer fillers, functional additives and precursors.
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Dr Eoin Cunningham
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- Computational modelling
- Manufacturing and processing
- Nano-enhanced multifunctional composites
- Advanced composite aerostructures
Prof Falzon is the Director of the Advanced Composites Research Group undertaking research in a number of related research areas, including advanced computational modelling, multifunctional composites, nano-enhanced composites, auxetic composite structures for impact and blast resistance, crashworthiness, damage modelling, anti-icing/de-icing composite aerostructures, material characterisation, fracture mechanics, composite repair, lightning strike protection, buckling and postbuckling composite structures, manufacturing and processing of composites, sustainable composites, self-reinforced composites, structural health monitoring, and uncertainly quantification.
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Professor Brian G. Falzon FRAeS
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- Bone and cartilage tissue engineering, tissue regeneration due to mechanical stimulation and constitutive modelling of soft/hard tissue’s time-dependent behaviour, computational soft/hard tissue mechanics and fundamental mechanobiology of cells/tissues.
- Bioresorbable scaffolds for the repair and regeneration of natural bone
- 3D biofabrication of structurally graded scaffolds and tissue regeneration in vitro bioreactor system
- Characterisation of nonlinear time-dependent behaviour of bone
Dr Manda’s research interests are computational biomechanics, nonlinear solid mechanics, biomaterials and additive manufacturing, multiscale modelling of soft/hard tissues, musculoskeletal tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Dr Manda has been involved in various projects focussing on computational modelling of soft tissue (articular cartilage) and micro-macro-mechanical modelling of bone, constitutive modelling of time-dependent behaviour and mechanobiology of bone. His research has more recently focused on bioresorbable biomaterials, 3d printing, in vitro tissue regeneration in bone/cartilage scaffolds and developing predictive mechanobiological models.
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Dr Krishna Manda
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Polymer nanocomposites Polymer composites Graphene and graphene related materials 2D materials Polymer nanocomposite films Polymer nanocomposite foams 3D printing
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Dr Oana Istrate
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- Auxetic structures
- Additive manufacturing
- Numerical modelling
- Composite structures
- Blast/impact loading
Dr Kazanci is a Senior Lecturer at Queen’s University Belfast, UK and a senior member of the Advanced Composites Research Group. He is a recognised expert on the behaviour of composite structures under extreme loads and specialises in impact and blast loading. His research expertise encompasses auxetics, crash and crush analysis, bird-strike certification, improving crush force efficiency and ballistic impact.
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Dr Zafer Kazancı
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- Power and gas systems, turbine performance, life cycle analysis, wind power forecasting, unit commitment modelling, power from biogas, levelised cost of energy, demand response using intelligent ICT, energy storage, microgrids and electric vehicles, battery modelling and drive cycle analysis
I have three research areas under the ‘Clean Energies’ theme in my School; wind power integration, power and gas systems and transport electrification. Specific topics includes power and gas systems, turbine performance, life cycle analysis, wind power forecasting, unit commitment modelling, power from biogas, levelised cost of energy, demand response using intelligent ICT, energy storage, microgrids and electric vehicles, battery modelling and drive cycle analysis. I am interested in the global sustainable energy transition, smart cities and transport systems.
Another interest is the food energy water (FEW) nexus considering extreme weather events, global warming and the environment. A theme in my research interests, greenhouse gas emissions, energy economic and energy policy regulatory aspects in developed and developing countries.
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Dr Aoife Foley
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- Bio-inspired Design methods
- Distributed manufacturing systems
- Cloud based manufacturing
- CAD and Geometry in Design methods
I am exploring new approaches for integrating design and manufacturing to enable the effective use of new technologies in manufacturing. Bio-inspired design methods are proving to be very interesting and providing an effective and natural way to 'grow' designs that can be manufacturing using distributed systems over the cloud and allowing for a democratisation of manufacturing and design. These methods are being applied to general products and systems as well as aircraft structures and systems.
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Professor Mark Price
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- Stress Analysis
- Simulation for composite aero-structure material design allowables
- Analysis for structural integrity (metallic and composite methods) Structural Design
- Static, fatigue & damage tolerance design tools
- Structural optimisation (preliminary & detailed)
- Integrated CAD & Stress sizing environment Design for Manufacture
- Composite design for automated manufacture
- Advanced structural joining methods (LFW, FSW, thermoplastic bonding & co-consolidation)
Research focus includes the structural analysis and design of thin-walled structures, with a strong focus on aerospace applications. Research targeting both metallic applications (analysis and optimised design considering advanced alloys, novel geometric design and new manufacturing methods) and composite applications (impact modelling, structural analysis and integrated design for manufacture). Simulation interests are centered on the finite element modeling of thin-walled structural components across multiple scales, including the sizing of large scale aerospace components.
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Dr Damian Quinn
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- Computational Fluid Dynamics
- Turbulence Modelling
- Optimisation
- Numerical Methods for Partial Differential Equations
- Machine Learning for Numerical Simulation
My research focuses on the use of computational modelling to supplement experimental modelling, particularly in the aerospace and green transport and energy sectors. The increased use of faster and more reliable computational modelling is a key component in the international requirement to make environmentally friendly and sustainable technology a reality more quickly. This involves the use of advanced mathematical analysis, programming, and the use of high powered computational facilities.
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Dr Rob Watson
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- Biomaterials
- Bone tissue engineering
- Marine extracts
- Marine based animal feeds
Sustainable generation of algae extracts; valorisation of biomass; extraction and identification of biologically active compounds from marine biomass sources; marine based biomaterials for tissue engineering, biomedical applications of marine extracts; algal (micro/macro) animal feeds.
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Dr Pamela Walsh
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