Solid mechanics
Leaders in computational research, advancing methods to predict material behaviour across length scales. Our expertise is cross-disciplinary, addressing critical challenges in nuclear, aerospace, and civil engineering.
£6M+ in research funding secured since 2020.
Partners include EDF Energy, Rolls-Royce, DSTL, Cummins, UKAEA, Amentum, HSE.
Leader of the Fusion Engineering Centre for Doctoral Training.
Associated with four key research institutes and centres in Manchester and Oxford.
SUBHEADING NEEDED
We develop new fundamental, physics-based, and discrete approaches to materials modelling, scaling and scaled experimentation, fracture, and understanding the dynamic response of materials and structures to extreme and seismic loading.
We combine an understanding of welding processes and welding metallurgy to develop novel weld models for the prediction of microstructure and residual stress.
Our dynamics and vibration researchers are world leaders in the modelling and control of dynamic performance for engineering structures.
Many of the engineering challenges we face ahead can only be addressed if we deploy materials under conditions that are currently beyond established limits. Our mission is to develop the fundamental understanding that is needed to change these limits and to demonstrate that it is safe to do so.
Professor John Francis - Group Lead
Research
Our areas of research
Dynamics and vibrations
We support the expansion of environmentally friendly oil-free turbomachinery technology, through experiments and multi-physics modelling.
Intelligent solid mechanics: Data, models, and uncertainty
Fusing data, physics, and uncertainty to build intelligent solid mechanics models for robust, adaptive, and predictive engineering performance.
Structural performance of welded and additively manufactured components
Unique capability to combine manufacture, characterisation and modelling of power plant welds, in support of safety cases for fission reactors and the design of fusion power plants.
Transdisciplinary risk and regulatory science
Together with HSE we draw on cross-disciplinary expertise to respond to challenges for safety and regulation in the built environment.
Study with us
Explore postgraduate options in solid mechanics
- We contribute to the delivery of master's degrees and continuing professional development (CPD) courses in nuclear science and technology.
- We lead the Fusion Engineering Centre CDT, providing unique research training to STEM graduates, helping them develop skills to design, build and operate the first fusion energy power plants.
- We have doctoral projects linked to the SATURN Centre for Doctoral Training.
Connect with us
Our people
- Philip Bonello - Reader in Engineering Dynamics
- Elijah Borodin - Lecturer in Solid Mechanics
- Neil Bourne - Professor of Matter in Extreme Environments
- Keith Davey - Reader in Structural, Materials and Mechanical Engineering
- John Francis - Professor of Materials Welding and Joining
- Andrey Jivkov - Professor of Solid Mechanics
- Kali-Babu Katnam - Senior Lecturer in Structural Engineering
- Qingming Li - Professor of Applied Mechanics
- Parthasarathi Mandal - Reader in Bioengineering
- Lee Margetts - UKAEA Chair of Digital Engineering for Fusion Energy
- Sunday Oyadiji - Reader
- Matthew Roy - Senior Lecturer in Materials for Demanding Environments
- Mike C Smith - Professor of Welding Technology
- Azam Tafreshi - Lecturer in Engineering
- Anastasia Vasileiou - Lecturer
- Zhenmin Zou - Lecturer
- Zeng Chen
- Pedro Fernandes Oliveira
- Robin Laurence
- Zeyuan Miao - Research Associate
Get in touch
Contact our team
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