- 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
- Microplastics in drinking water 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 environmental impacts and sustainable systems for energy, water and materials. Specific areas of work include analysis and optimisation of energy pathways, investigation of microplastics in drinking water systems, 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.
sustainable energy, bioenergy, bioplastics, microplastics, environmental impacts, circular economy
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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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- Sustainable polymers and polymer nanocomposites
- Smart and multifunctional polymer nanocomposites
- Smart elastomer nanocomposites for energy and medical devices
- Biomimetic materials for soft tissue reconstruction
- Biodegradable polymers or multifunctional nanomaterials for drug delivery
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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- Nanocomposites
- Biomaterials
- Aerospace materials manufacturing
I have broad research interests and a wide spectrum of expertise in the following areas:
Functional composites for biomedical and aerospace applications
Nanocomposite synthesis and advanced manufacturing
Nanocomposites, Biomaterials, aircraft composites
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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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- Composite structures
- Mechanical metamaterials
- Numerical modelling
- Additive manufacturing
- Blast/impact loading
- Crashworthiness
Dr Kazanci is a Senior Lecturer at Queen’s University Belfast and director 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, ballistic impact and improving crush force efficiency.
composite structures, additive manufacturing, mechanical metamaterials, blast, impact, crashworthiness
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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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- 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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- Digital Manufacturing
- Automated Design Methods
- Through Life Engineering
- Rotational Moulding
- Supply Chain Modelling
- Manufacturing Automation
- Intelligent Autonomous Manufacturing Systems
- Virtual Reality
- Autonomous Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs)
I have a strong background in computer aided methods in engineering particularly those related to engineering design / simulation and digital manufacturing. As digital manufacturing is now evolving to answer the needs of a fourth industrial revolution (I4.0) my simulation work spans cyber physical systems extending virtual methods beyond the manufacturing domain to take account of through life needs, advanced simulation based concepts around global supply chains and future, circular economies. My research activities include: robotic simulation integrated with advanced metrology methods, intelligent / adaptive factory & supply chain simulation, image recognition methods for automated system control, the development of novel automated fixturing systems and advanced digitalisation methods for polymer manufacturing.
Digital Manufacturing, Automated Design Methods, Through Life Engineering, Rotational Moulding, Supply Chain Modelling, Manufacturing Automation, Intelligent Autonomous Manufacturing Systems, Virtual Reality, Autonomous Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs)
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Dr Joe Butterfield
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- Modelling and simulating processes in digital manufacturing
- Cyber-physical execution of manufacturing automation
- System design, reconfiguration, integration and production of manufacturing system
- Collaborative quality management of manufacturing system
- Individuals interested in working with Dr Arfauz are welcome to contact him to discuss ideas and/or possible collaborations.
Dr Arfauz is currently exploring new approaches to revolutionising manufacturing automation systems’ design, reconfiguration, integration, production, and final product servicing through digital manufacturing cooperation. His ongoing research focuses on effectively using new technologies in manufacturing, such as the internet of things (IoT), 3D scanning, virtual and augmented manufacturing and digital twinning. These methods are vital attributes of an entirely digitised manufacturing environment and how manufacturers can win the global race for acquiring new customers and engaging existing ones.
Digital Manufacturing, Manufacturing Automation, System Design and Integration, Reconfigurable Manufacturing System, Quality System Management
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Dr Arfauz A Rahman
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- Materials Science
- Advanced Metal based materials
- Titanium alloys
- Aluminium alloys
- High temperature materials
- Biomaterials
- Surface Engineering
- Neural Networks
- Artificial Intellect and Machine Learning
My research is concentrated in the area of new advanced metal based materials. This includes light materials with high strength to weight ratio (Titanium and aluminium alloys), Intermetallics and Superalloys, High temperature materials, Biomaterials. Another direction of my research is on Surface Engineering including surface coatings and surface thermochemical treatment. Another direction of my research is in computer modelling, simulations and optimisations in Materials science and engineering including Neural Networks, Artificial Intellect and machine learning
Titanium Alloys, Aluminium alloys, Intermetallics, Superalloys, Biomaterials, Surface Engineering, Neural Networks, Artificial Intellect
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Dr Savko Malinov
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- Human-like Planning and Control of Intelligent Vehicles
- Cooperative Decision Making of Moible Robots
- Interactive Autonomous Vehicle Decision-making and Planning
- Dynamics and Control of Mechanical Systems
- Tyre and Vehicle Dynamics
Chongfeng's Research focuses on Human-centric connected autonomous driving, Interaction-aware decision-making and control of mobile robots and autonomous vehicles. Our research aims to address the scientific and technological challenges of mobile robot, connected and autonomous vehicles, particularly under interactive and complex human-involved environments. We use both rule-based and learning-based methods to build the simulation models, control and decision-making algorithms to plan intelligent vehicles or mobile robots motion behaviour. Students from some other relevant research areas are also welcome.
Connected and Automted Vehicles, Dynamics and Control, Mobile Robot, Decision Making
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Dr Chongfeng Wei
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- Mechanics of fibre-reinforced composites
- Uncertainty quantification applied to composites
- Stochastic and multiscale modelling of composites
- Defect characterisation in composites over several manufacturing processes
- Structural optimisation for composites
My research aims to develop lighter, more damage tolerant, yet safer, composite aerostructures. Robust computational models will predict the mechanical response of fibre-reinforced composites under damage-inducing loads, accounting for material and manufacturing uncertainties, combined with a physically based damage model that spans across micro-macro scales.
Uncertainty quantification; Composite Structures; Multiscale modelling; Defects; Advanced modelling.
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Dr Humberto Almeida Jr
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- Design and development of robots for eye surgery
- Quality modelling and control in robotised manufacturing
- Energy oriented process optimisation in robotised machining
- Future adaptable hybrid human-machine supply chain
Parallel robot / manipulators / mechanismsDesign and development of robots for eye surgeryVariation propagation modelling and control in manufacturing processesRobotised intelligent manufacturingDrilling metallic/composite materialsScheduling and lean digital manufacturingSocio cyber physical systemsSustainable design and manufacturing
Parallel Robot, Robot, Manipulator, Mechanism, Smart Manufacturing, Intelligent Manufacturing, Process Optimisation, Scheduling
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Professor Yan Jin
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- CFD
- Combustion
- Chemical kinetics
- Hydrogen fuel
- Hydro-treated renewable diesel
- Internal combustion engines
- Emissions
Dr Xinwei Cheng is experienced in the development of reduced chemical kinetics of diesel and alternative fuels such as biodiesel, ethanol and iso-pentanol for high fidelity and efficient CFD modelling applications. She then integrates the reduced mechanisms into commercial CFD software to elucidate vital processes in different internal combustion setups. Currently, Dr Cheng is working in various research projects regarding combustion of natural gases (methane, propane), hydrogen fuel as well as jet A1 fuel. She welcomes PhD students.
Alternative fuels; chemical kinetics; computational fluid dynamics (CFD); combustion modelling; diesel fuel; hydrogen fuel; hydro-treated renewable diesel; internal combustion engines; reduction schemes; spray/flame structures; soot/NOx emissions
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Dr Xinwei Cheng
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