Centre members
The experience of our members covers a range of sectors including Manufacturing, Offshore, Energy, Automotive, Defence, Aeronautics and Space. The membership also has strong experience with European funded research under Horizon 2020 as well as previous framework programmes.
Leader(s)
Hughes
dr kevin hughes graduated from cranfield university where he obtained an msc in astronautics and space engineering, prior to achieving his phd in improving helicopter crashworthiness for impacts on water. kevin has extensive experience in teaching (including development and delivery of new modules) at msc / continued professional development level, operating as an msc course director since 2005, kevin achieved senior fellow status with the higher education academy and has supervised over one hundred msc industry supported dissertation projects to completion. kevin's research interests are focused on the development of numerical simulation methods for non-linear structural analysis (including crashworthiness), which includes coupling finite element analysis to optimisation methods. utilising high fidelity modelling of structures and materials has led to research colloborations within automotive, aerospace and rail sectors. kevin’s research started with improving the level of crashworthiness for helicopters impacting onto hard and water surfaces through his phd, which led to his interest in applying non-linear transient numerical simulation methods (mesh based and mesh free) to understand the response of structures and materials to a range of dynamic loading. applications include the use of optimisation approaches to develop robust design solutions (by taking into account sources of uncertainty) for industrially sponsored research / eu collaborative projects. this led to kevin’s involvement with a number of companies with challenging engineering problems, including jaguar landrover and aston martin related to car crashworthiness, failure assessment for network rail and led to a product to market by developing protection concepts for electronic devices in conjunction with logitech (resulting in a us patent). non linear transient finite element method crashworthiness and impact response of materials and structures analysis led design and optimisation prior to moving to brunel university london, kevin has been involved with post-graduate and cpd training since 2005 and is based around the application of non-linear numerical simulation methods and optimisation approaches to understand the response of structures and materials to dynamic loading, covering: structural mechanics / stress analysis simulation for impact and crashworthiness (explicit fea) design of automotive integral vehicle structures material characterisation for simulation applied finite element modelling (static and dynamic) thin-walled structures kevin leads strategic development of the off-campus msc programmes delivered through nsirc (national structural integrity research centre), located at granta park (near cambridge) and is programme director: structural integrity (asset reliability management) msc and mscr programmes lightweight structures and impact engineering: msc and mscr programmes kevin also coordinates and delivers credit bearing engineering cpd courses to industry (see link opposite), providinga flexible route towards post-graduate qualifications (pgcert, pgdip, msc and msc by research).
Dr Kevin Hughes
Dr Kevin Hughes graduated from Cranfield University where he obtained an MSc in Astronautics and Space Engineering, prior to achieving his PhD in improving helicopter crashworthiness for impacts on water. Kevin has extensive experience in teaching (including development and delivery of new modules) at MSc / Continued Professional Development level, Operating as an MSc Course Director since 2005, Kevin achieved Senior Fellow status with the Higher Education Academy and has supervised over one hundred MSc industry supported dissertation projects to completion. Kevin's research interests are focused on the development of numerical simulation methods for non-linear structural analysis (including crashworthiness), which includes coupling finite element analysis to optimisation methods. Utilising high fidelity modelling of structures and materials has led to research colloborations within automotive, aerospace and rail sectors. Kevin’s research started with improving the level of crashworthiness for helicopters impacting onto hard and water surfaces through his PhD, which led to his interest in applying non-linear transient numerical simulation methods (mesh based and mesh free) to understand the response of structures and materials to a range of dynamic loading. Applications include the use of optimisation approaches to develop robust design solutions (by taking into account sources of uncertainty) for industrially sponsored research / EU collaborative projects. This led to Kevin’s involvement with a number of companies with challenging engineering problems, including Jaguar Landrover and Aston Martin related to car crashworthiness, failure assessment for Network Rail and led to a product to market by developing protection concepts for electronic devices in conjunction with Logitech (resulting in a US Patent). Non Linear Transient Finite Element Method Crashworthiness and Impact Response of Materials and Structures Analysis Led Design and Optimisation Prior to moving to Brunel University London, Kevin has been involved with post-graduate and CPD training since 2005 and is based around the application of non-linear numerical simulation methods and optimisation approaches to understand the response of structures and materials to dynamic loading, covering: Structural Mechanics / Stress Analysis Simulation for Impact and Crashworthiness (explicit FEA) Design of Automotive Integral Vehicle Structures Material Characterisation for Simulation Applied Finite Element Modelling (Static and Dynamic) Thin-Walled Structures Kevin leads strategic development of the off-campus MSc programmes delivered through NSIRC (National Structural Integrity Research Centre), located at Granta Park (near Cambridge) and is programme director: Structural Integrity (Asset Reliability Management) MSc and MScR programmes Lightweight Structures and Impact Engineering: MSc and MScR programmes Kevin also coordinates and delivers credit bearing engineering CPD courses to industry (see link opposite), providinga flexible route towards post-graduate qualifications (PgCert, PgDip, MSc and MSc by Research).
Vignjevic
professor rade vignjevic joined brunel from cranfield university, where he was head of the applied mechanics and astronautics department. his area of technical expertise includes nonlinear transient finite element method, sph, impact mechanics, crashworthiness and structural integrity. together with his research team, they have achieved international recognition for work on modelling the transient response of materials and structures, specifically meshless methods; impact and crashworthiness of aerospace structures; and shock waves and damage in metals and composites. professor vignjevic’s research interests over the last 25 years, have been focused on solids and structures under extreme loading and resulted in the output of over 70 journal papers. this includes the development of first principle-based simulation tools for analysis and the simulation based design (sbd) of structures including structural integrity, safety, crashworthiness and impact resistance. to be precise, professor vignjevic has been working on two important modelling aspects: i) development of improved constitutive models; and ii) improved spatial discretisation techniques. these two aspects combined are the key enablers for accurate modelling of progressive damage and failure in solids and structures. his research has contributed to the improvement of simulation tools applicable to range of industrial problems. rade, his team and students have been working with a number of companies in dealing with challenging engineering problems. for instance bird strike on fan blades with rolls royce; aircraft (fixed wing and rotorcraft) ditching and crash worthiness with airbus, westland helicopters and eurocopter; modelling of shockwaves in solids with awe; car crashworthiness with jlr, aston martin, mercedes petronas and williams f1teams; and high velocity impact on composite structures with bae systems and airbus. finite element and meshless methods material models for metals and composites impact mechanics crashworthiness and structural integrity shockwaves in solids professor vignjevic, dip.ing. in mechanical engineering, msc and phd in applied mechanics, is a fellow of the royal aeronautical society. he was head of the department of applied mechanics and head of the crashworthiness impact and structural mechanics group at cranfield university and has over twenty five years of experience in postgraduate teaching, training and supervision of masters and phd students. at cranfield university he delivered a number of modules including: finite element method impact dynamics continuum mechanics rade continues to contribute to teaching in the msc structural integrity course based at nsirc, granta park and his current teaching modules include: numerical modelling of solids and structures continuum mechanics (next academic year)
Professor Rade Vignjevic
Professor Rade Vignjevic joined Brunel from Cranfield University, where he was Head of the Applied Mechanics and Astronautics Department. His area of technical expertise includes nonlinear transient finite element method, SPH, impact mechanics, crashworthiness and structural integrity. Together with his research team, they have achieved international recognition for work on modelling the transient response of materials and structures, specifically meshless methods; impact and crashworthiness of aerospace structures; and shock waves and damage in metals and composites. Professor Vignjevic’s research interests over the last 25 years, have been focused on solids and structures under extreme loading and resulted in the output of over 70 journal papers. This includes the development of first principle-based simulation tools for analysis and the simulation based design (SBD) of structures including structural integrity, safety, crashworthiness and impact resistance. To be precise, Professor Vignjevic has been working on two important modelling aspects: i) development of improved constitutive models; and ii) improved spatial discretisation techniques. These two aspects combined are the key enablers for accurate modelling of progressive damage and failure in solids and structures. His research has contributed to the improvement of simulation tools applicable to range of industrial problems. Rade, his team and students have been working with a number of companies in dealing with challenging engineering problems. For instance bird strike on fan blades with Rolls Royce; aircraft (fixed wing and rotorcraft) ditching and crash worthiness with AIRBUS, Westland Helicopters and EUROCOPTER; modelling of shockwaves in solids with AWE; car crashworthiness with JLR, Aston Martin, Mercedes PETRONAS and Williams F1teams; and high velocity impact on composite structures with BAE Systems and AIRBUS. Finite element and meshless methods Material models for metals and composites Impact mechanics Crashworthiness and structural integrity Shockwaves in solids Professor Vignjevic, Dip.Ing. in Mechanical Engineering, MSc and PhD in Applied Mechanics, is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society. He was Head of the Department of Applied Mechanics and Head of the Crashworthiness Impact and Structural Mechanics Group at Cranfield University and has over twenty five years of experience in postgraduate teaching, training and supervision of Masters and PhD students. At Cranfield University he delivered a number of modules including: Finite Element Method Impact Dynamics Continuum Mechanics Rade continues to contribute to teaching in the MSc Structural Integrity Course based at NSIRC, Granta Park and his current teaching modules include: Numerical Modelling of Solids and Structures Continuum mechanics (next academic year)
Members
Gintalas
dr marius gintalas obtained his doctoral degree in mechanical engineering studying fracture toughness measurement methods under impact load. he continued research in fracture mechanics field on crack tip constraint in specimens and large scale pipes as a postdoctoral research associate at manchester university. later, marius joined the university of cambridge for his second postdoctoral project. he worked on characterisation of heavily plastically deformed martensitic carbon steel using transmission electron microscopy and synchrotron radiation. also, analysed strengthening mechanisms in non-deformed and deformed quenched and tempered martensite. marius joined the welding institute (twi) ltd as a senior project leader after postdoctoral period of five years. in 2020 returned to academia as a lecturer at brunel university, national structural integrity research centre (nsirc).
Dr Marius Gintalas
Dr Marius Gintalas obtained his doctoral degree in Mechanical Engineering studying fracture toughness measurement methods under impact load. He continued research in fracture mechanics field on crack tip constraint in specimens and large scale pipes as a postdoctoral research associate at Manchester University. Later, Marius joined the University of Cambridge for his second postdoctoral project. He worked on characterisation of heavily plastically deformed martensitic carbon steel using transmission electron microscopy and synchrotron radiation. Also, analysed strengthening mechanisms in non-deformed and deformed quenched and tempered martensite. Marius joined The Welding Institute (TWI) Ltd as a senior project leader after postdoctoral period of five years. In 2020 returned to academia as a lecturer at Brunel University, National Structural Integrity Research Centre (NSIRC).
Cardoso
modelling for manufacturing modelling for additive layer manufacturing modelling of cold spray processes development of innovative numerical methods computational mechanics for structural analysis finite element method meshless methods isogeometric analysis with non-uniform rational b-splines (nurbs) modelling of plasticity crystal plasticity and multi-scale modelling modelling of metal forming processes fundamentals of solid body mechanics aerodynamics aircraft design aircraft structures
Dr Rui Ramos Cardoso
Modelling for Manufacturing Modelling for Additive Layer Manufacturing Modelling of Cold Spray Processes Development of Innovative Numerical Methods Computational Mechanics for Structural Analysis Finite Element Method Meshless Methods IsoGeometric Analysis with Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines (NURBS) Modelling of Plasticity Crystal Plasticity and Multi-Scale Modelling Modelling of Metal Forming Processes Fundamentals of Solid Body Mechanics Aerodynamics Aircraft Design Aircraft Structures
Parker
academic with research interests in design and analysis of experiments; statistics of networks and related areas. design of experiments, particularly optimal design; statistics of networks, specialising in data communications networks and social networks; statistical inference of queues; computer simulation. computational statistics, particularly algorithms for design. biostatistics.
Dr Ben Parker
Academic with research interests in Design and Analysis of Experiments; Statistics of Networks and related areas. Design of Experiments, particularly optimal design; statistics of networks, specialising in data communications networks and social networks; statistical inference of queues; computer simulation. Computational statistics, particularly algorithms for design. Biostatistics.
Shaw
simon shaw is a professor in the department of mathematics in the college of engineering, design and physical sciences, and belongs to the applied and numerical analysis research group. he is also a member of the structural integrity theme of our institute of materials and manufacturing, and of the centre for assessment of structures and materials under extreme conditions, and of the centre for mathematical and statistical modelling. shaw was initially a craft mechanical engineering apprentice but (due to redundancy) left this to study for a mechanical engineering degree. after graduation he became an engineering designer of desktop dental x ray processing machines, but later returned to higher education to re-train in computational mathematics. his research interests include computational simulation methods for partial differential volterra equations and, in this and related fields, he has published over thirty research papers. he is currently involved in an interdisciplinary project that is researching the potential for using computational mathematics and machine learning as a noninvasive means of screening for coronary artery disease. personal home page: computational science, engineering and mathematics: finite element and related methods. dispersive media (viscoelasticity and lossy dielectrics); deep neural nets and machine learning. finite element, and related, methods in space and time for partial differential equations arising in continuum mechanics. particularly interested in dispersive materials such as polymers and lossy dielectrics for which the constitutive laws exhibit memory effects. currently interested in using real or (from forward solves) virtual training data to solve inverse problems using machine learning, with a particular focus on deep neural networks. the motivating application for this inverse problem work is in screening for coronary artery disease.
Professor Simon Shaw
Simon Shaw is a professor in the Department of Mathematics in the College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences, and belongs to the Applied and Numerical Analysis Research Group. He is also a member of the Structural Integrity theme of our Institute of Materials and Manufacturing, and of the Centre for Assessment of Structures and Materials under Extreme Conditions, and of the Centre for Mathematical and Statistical Modelling. Shaw was initially a craft mechanical engineering apprentice but (due to redundancy) left this to study for a mechanical engineering degree. After graduation he became an engineering designer of desktop dental X Ray processing machines, but later returned to higher education to re-train in computational mathematics. His research interests include computational simulation methods for partial differential Volterra equations and, in this and related fields, he has published over thirty research papers. He is currently involved in an interdisciplinary project that is researching the potential for using computational mathematics and machine learning as a noninvasive means of screening for coronary artery disease. Personal home page: Computational Science, Engineering and Mathematics: finite element and related methods. Dispersive media (viscoelasticity and lossy dielectrics); deep neural nets and machine learning. Finite element, and related, methods in space and time for partial differential equations arising in continuum mechanics. Particularly interested in dispersive materials such as polymers and lossy dielectrics for which the constitutive laws exhibit memory effects. Currently interested in using real or (from forward solves) virtual training data to solve inverse problems using machine learning, with a particular focus on deep neural networks. The motivating application for this inverse problem work is in screening for coronary artery disease.
Doctoral Researchers
Abate
i am selamawit. i am a graduate of bachelor of science in materials science and engineering from one of the reputable universities in ethiopia, adama science and technology university. after my bsc, i had worked as an academic and research assistant at my university for a year. i got an opportunity to do my msc in erasmus mundus program in materials science exploiting large scale facilities. i finished my msc on july 31, 2020. i am recently doing a phd. my research topic is magnetic-based approach for qualitative and quantitative characterization of localized and general corrosion in pipelines. magnetic-based approach for qualitative and quantitative characterization of localized and general corrosion in pipelines
Miss Selamawit Abate
I am Selamawit. I am a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering from one of the reputable universities in Ethiopia, Adama Science and Technology University. After my BSc, I had worked as an Academic and Research Assistant at my university for a year. I got an opportunity to do my MSc in Erasmus Mundus program in Materials Science Exploiting Large Scale Facilities. I finished my MSc on July 31, 2020. I am recently doing a PhD. My research topic is Magnetic-based approach for qualitative and quantitative characterization of localized and general corrosion in pipelines. Magnetic-based approach for qualitative and quantitative characterization of localized and general corrosion in pipelines