Brunel’s advanced Computational Mechanics research group is involved in developing numerical solutions and constitutive models for a number of engineering problems - research which has applications in the aerospace, offshore and medical engineering industries.
The Computational Mechanics research group is led by Head of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering department, Professor Hamid Bahai. Research in this area is vast and varied, with the aim to solve modern societal challenges through engineering.
Research in this area has included:
- Structural dynamics – inverse eigen value analysis; multi-body dynamics
- Nonlinear finite element analysis of structures – formulation and implementation of a new non-linear strain based shell element
- Finite element multi-physics analysis – fluid-solid interaction modelling
- Use of the FEA and explicit methods for analysis of general contact-impact and large deformation problems – development and implementation of a new condensation algorithm for modelling of contact problems
- Computational plasticity using FEA explicit methods in applications such as modelling of metal forming processes
- Simulation of hydrobulging process
- Structural design optimisation – inverse optimisation; factorial design methods; genetic algorithm
- Fatigue analysis of structure – modelling of crack initiation and propagation in structural components; weight function techniques: automatic mesh generation of 3D crack tip elements for J-Integral analysis
- Design and development of special purpose finite element algorithm and codes for a variety of different applications.
Conduct your research in a dynamic and supportive environment