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Applied Mechanics

27 August 2024

The Applied Mechanics theme is dedicated to understanding and applying the principles of mechanics to solve real-world engineering problems. This theme covers a broad spectrum of topics, including solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, dynamics, and materials science. Students and researchers in this area focus on the behaviour of materials and structures under various forces, the dynamics of mechanical systems, and the flow of fluids in engineering applications. By integrating theoretical analysis with experimental techniques, the Applied Mechanics theme aims to innovate and optimise mechanical systems for industries such as manufacturing, construction, and transportation, providing practical solutions and advancing technological progress

HOW TO APPLY

Research Theme Members

Areas of Expertise

Lightweight structures.

Research Interests

Non-linear finite element analysis, Structural design and optimisation, Damage mechanics, Multi-physics simulation, Mechanics of composite structures, Smart materials and structures.

Top Picture: Triply Periodic Minimal Surface-based structures that have isotropic properties (stiffnesss, strength, energy absorption)

Left Picture: Topology optimisation for high stiffness with constrained porosity. Porosity can impart pseudo-ductile failure modes and maintain high stiffness even though the base material is brittle


Areas of Expertise

Nonlinear Vibrations & Bifurcations, Coupled Oscillators, MEMS Oscillators and Dynamics, MEMS in Fluids & Fluid-Structure Interactions,  Experimental Continuation Methods (Control-Based), Multi-Physics Modelling

Research Interests

Nonlinear and active MEMS Dynamics and Mechanics for improving sensitivity metrics, MEMS Sensors, Bio-medical Sensors, Cochlear Implant Technology, CBC for MEMS systems and analysis

Photo: MEMS testrig  CBC - Seigan Hayashi

Photo: MEMS testrig - Seigan Hayashi

Current Postgraduate Opportunities

Project Title: Control-Based Continuation (CBC) for MEMS

Project summary: Control-based continuation (CBC) is a more recently developed experimental tool with which to systematically investigate the complex dynamics of nonlinear systems. CBC is powerful for studying phenomena such as hysteresis and bifurcation landscapes of the system because it also tracks unstable solution branches. Our research group is developing CBC for the analysis of MEMS.

Project Title: MEMS Array Dynamics in Fluids

Project summary: This project is part of ongoing fundamental research in the field of coupled oscillators in fluids. We investigate small to large-size arrays for bound and unbound fluid conditions, with fixed and moving boundary conditions. Associated applications are the study of hair-cell motions inside the human cochlea as well as the vestibular tubes.


Areas of Expertise

Experimental, numerical and theoretical modelling in solid and fluid mechanics, Composite materials, Design optimisation, Finite element analysis.

Research Interests

Design of composite propellors, Sports engineering, Lattice materials. 


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