Materials, Advanced Design
&
Manufacturing
109
6.1
Dynamics and control
Keywords
Measurement, modelling, identification, control
Expertise
The University has a reputation for innovative theoretical
research coupled with application to industrial-scale
engineering hardware. Key areas of expertise include:
•
Inverse problems (eg finite element model
updating and structural modification)
•
Active vibration control, especially pole/zero
assignment
•
Full-field measurement of vibration and strain,
including image decomposition and feature
recognition (eg for damage identification)
•
The evaluation of uncertainty in structural
dynamics caused by modelling inaccuracies,
manufacturing variability etc
•
Moving-load problems (eg bridge vibrations
caused by traffic, high-frequency vibration and
noise in disc brakes)
•
Multiphysics problems (eg the atomising disc, a
device for producing metal powders by pouring
molten metal onto a very high speed rotating disc)
•
Nonlinearity due to joints and connections between
structures
•
Robust performance nonlinear control of
automotive engines and powertrains.
Capabilities and facilities
•
Four LMS Test-Lab modal test systems for vibration
testing of large scale structures
•
A Linux-Solaris cluster running MSC-NASTRAN,
the aerospace and automotive industry standard
finite element code, enabling research on
industrial-scale structures
•
A 120kW 1.2m diameter rolling-road vehicle
dynamometer, a 120kW transient engine
dynamometer, a 75kW clutch dynamometer
and an electric low inertia (idle speed) engine
dynamometer
•
A disc brake test rig set up for measuring disc
vibration as well as torque, speed and temperature
measurements.
Relevant centres and groups
•
Institute for Risk and Uncertainty.
6.
Design and concepts
6.2
Structural mechanics
Keywords
Composite, cellular, micro lattice, sandwich structures,
impact behaviour, buckling
Expertise
The University has expertise in the structural performance
of lightweight structures and materials under extreme
loading conditions, including a wide range of materials
including metals, foams and polymer composites. We
have particular strengths in the examination of pressurised
shells, all aspects of buckling, and the use of advanced
finite element analysis techniques.
Our expertise extends to the structural impact behaviour
of various composite sandwich structures. This can be
applied to develop properties such as; crashworthiness
and resilience against the impact of foreign objects (for
example, the effect of hail, runway debris or accidentally
dropped tools on the composite and twin skinned
structures of civil aircraft). Our skills span the manufacture
and testing of components, and the analysis and
optimisation of structures.
A major focus of work has been on the characterisation
and development of cellular core materials. We have
worked on the progressive collapse of polymeric and
metallic foams, and the use of selective laser melting
(
SLM) to create bespoke cellular materials for optimised
structural performance.
Capabilities and facilities
•
Gas gun
•
Powder guns
•
Drop hammers
•
Hyperbaric chamber
•
Catapults
•
Hopkinson bars
•
High rate servohydraulic test machines
•
Pressure pulse rigs (PPR).
The pressure pulse rig is a differential pressure
device capable of applying a repeatable uniform
dynamic pressure load of the form that simulates a
vapour cloud explosion (VCE) with a finite rise to
peak pressure and finite decay to ambient pressure.
Relevant centres and groups
•
Impact Research Centre.
APPLICATION AREAS
•
Aerospace and automotive
•
Civil engineering
•
Financial and business services
•
Information and communication
technology (ICT)
•
High value manufacturing
•
Transport and infrastructure
