The analytical, computational and experimental work of the group covers a wide range of advanced structural and functional materials and material systems. It is aimed at understanding and predicting their mechanical behaviour at different lengths scales, leading to the development of new analytical and computational models that capture complex structure-property relationships in these materials. Ongoing research interests encompass multiscale mechanics of materials and processes, modelling of deformation, damage and failure, contact mechanics, wave propagation, conventional and unconventional manufacturing processes and their optimisation, development of multi-scale residual stress measurement methods, quantification of 3D damage in components using X-ray tomography, topology and design optimisation, data driven computational methods, and material degradation due to different corrosion mechanisms including hydrogen material interaction.
Members of the group are involved in the work of the Centre for Transport Research, which specialises in the sustainability of transport systems with emphasis on environment, society and technology, and the Centre for Micro- and Nanomechanics, which brings together researchers interested in various aspects of micro- and nanomechanics within solid mechanics, mechanical engineering and materials science.
Industry-focused research of the group is increasingly geared towards renewable energy systems and infrastructure and addresses the engineering challenges posed by the decommissioning of offshore oil & gas installations. The work of the group plays a significant role in the University’s Energy Transition strategic research theme and the recently established National Decommissioning Centre.