We offer an in-depth understanding of fundamental and applied aspects of functional materials, composite systems and structural health monitoring.
About us
Structures and Materials is a vital research area for the world we live in. Our research focuses on a wide range of materials and their application in real-world projects. Our methods include research on coating and treatments, properties of materials and optimising materials for their use globally. The approach we follow is collaborative and we have a wide range of project partners. The world relies constantly on improvements in materials to withstand an increasing range of challenging external requirements. Our research group is working to meet this demand.
Research Activity
Our focus on complex real-world challenges means we work with companies including:
Energy-harvesting powered wireless monitoring systems based on integrated smart composite structures and energy-aware architecture
The research is part of a more extensive £1 million project led by BAE Systems called En-come, that aims to develop an aircraft able to stay in the air for long periods.
The researchers will use sensors made from macro fibre composites adhered to the surface of aircraft wing panels to collect vibrations in the wings. Initial research will focus on analysing the structure of the aircraft using simulations of various structural forms and vibration spectrums. They will then be able to estimate the amount of energy that can be “harvested” by looking at the location, geometry of the sensor and the distribution of the energy.
Multi-scale approaches to mechanical contraction and electrical wave conduction in a 3D model of human atria during fibrillation
The project is to tackle one of the grand challenges of integrative and systems biology that aims at predicting the behaviour of an organ under integrated actions of molecules, ions, cells and tissues operating at multi-physical scales.
The aim of this project is to tackle these challenges for the human atria (the upper chambers of the heart), malfunction of that cause morbidity and mortality. Specifically, we propose to:
develop a new generation 3D anatomical model of the atria with coupled electrical dynamics and mechanical kinematics in its microstructure
develop a new family of numerically stable and efficient algorithms based on finite element method (FEM) and particularly on discrete element methods (DEM), and compare their advantages and disadvantages in efficiency and stability
using the newly developed 3D model of human atria to quantitatively predict the functional impact of some gene mutations, pharmacological interventions and ageing on atrial electrical and mechanic dynamics under normal and atrial fibrillation (AF) conditions
The aim of the research is to enhance understanding of fibre-reinforced composites failure through a damage simulation. The proposed technique is equally applicable to other engineering materials, including biological materials where cells are the basic units.
Fibre-reinforced composites are extremely susceptive to micro damage, resulting in complex failure of their constituents and interfaces. The complex multi-scale failure process develops simultaneously on all length scales. Current models all failed to capture this process, resulting in an overly conservative design. A new modelling strategy is followed here by taking materials as assemblies of elementary micro-scale particles with macroscopic continuum behaviour. The new model gives the most significant advantage over the traditional methodologies: challenging problems, such as inhomogeneity, singularities, moving boundaries and fragmentation, can all be dealt with due to the discontinuous representation of the microstructure of composite materials.
Funded by QinetiQ and PhD projects.
Metamodel assisted design optimization of piezoelectric flex transducer for maximal kinetic energy conversion
Optimal designs are achieved using Sequential Quadratic Programming (SQP) on metamodels generated with Genetic Programming from optimal Latin hypercube design of experiments.
Energy Harvesting Devices (EHD) has been widely used to generate electrical power from, e.g. the bio-kinetic energy of human body movement. To further improve the efficiency of the device, optimal design of the PFT for maximum output power subjected to given constraints is investigated using Sequential Quadratic Programming (SQP) on metamodels generated with Genetic Programming from optimal Latin hypercube design of experiments.
Partially Funded by EPSRC and PhD project
Modelling and design of deep drafted paired columns Semisubmersible platform and oil/gas flow in the pipes in deep sea
The research aims at paired column semisubmersible platform design for rough weather conditions, considering recommended standards such as DNV and American Bureau of Shipping. The research will also investigate the design of risers using alternative materials.
Deep draft semisubmersibles hulls systems are mainly used for designing drilling and production units in the oil and gas industry and the recently developed paired column semisubmersible platform for dry tree use has been added to the fleet. The unique arrangement of columns of this hull formation creates flow circulation within the hull structure which in turn generates an uneven drag around the hull. These circulations coupled with the wave loading creates an unusual loading on the columns which result in additional deformations of the hull structure. Risers are conduits that are used for the transportation of fluid materials from the seafloor to production and drilling facilities on the water surface, as well as from these facilities to the seafloor. They are susceptible to pressure and motion in the sea as well as corrosion.
Funded by NDDC.
The production of cementitious materials accounts for approximately 8% of global CO2 emissions, necessitating innovative approaches to enhance their performance while minimizing environmental impact. This project aims to design a new generation of 2D bio-based nanomaterials, developed in collaboration with our industrial partners, to serve as additives in concrete. These nanomaterials, in the form of nano platelets, promise to significantly improve the hydration kinetics, mechanical properties, and fracture resistance of cementitious materials. By leveraging the concept of "doing more with less," we strive to create high-performance, sustainable concrete solutions that contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of the construction industry.
Funded by the European Research Council
Carriageways endure the pressure of millions of passing tires daily, presenting a unique opportunity to convert these mechanical stresses into renewable energy. This project aims to design innovative pavement roadways capable of transforming vehicular loads into storable energy. By harnessing this already available and renewable energy, we can enhance the sustainability of motorways and contribute significantly to the energy mix. The generated energy will power electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, alleviating the grid load, which is crucial as the number of EVs is projected to rise substantially. This initiative not only supports the transition to sustainable transport but also provides a scalable solution for integrating green energy into infrastructure.
Funded by the European Research Council and the Department of Transport (DfT)
Commercial and industrial buildings account for approximately 50% of total energy consumption, with a significant portion lost through building envelopes. To enhance the sustainability and energy efficiency of these structures, this project focuses on developing a new generation of cementitious composite-concrete envelopes. These innovative materials are designed to inherently convert waste energy into electricity, supplementing grid energy for heating, cooling, and supporting appliances. By transforming building envelopes into active energy-generating components, we aim to significantly reduce energy loss and promote more efficient use of resources, setting a new standard for sustainable building practices.
Funded by the Royal Society
Manufacturing cement is responsible for 8% of global CO2 emissions, making the sector one of the hardest to decarbonize. This is primarily due to the inevitable CO2 emissions from converting limestone to calcium oxide, the key ingredient in cement, and the fossil fuel-based energy required for production. This project aims to revolutionize the industry by developing a renewable-driven, zero-carbon emission cement manufacturing process. By integrating renewable energy sources and innovative production techniques, we strive to achieve a sustainable, carbon-neutral future for cement production.
