IOP Applied Mechanics Group

The group is concerned with the application of the principles of mechanics to a wide variety of important problems in science and engineering. 

Although these underlying principles can be traced back to Newton and beyond, the discipline is still evolving and currently encompasses advanced computer simulations, stochastic and well as deterministic methods of analysis, design optimisation methods, novel experimental techniques, and applications to the wide range of materials now available, e.g. advanced composites. 

The focus of the group is on the static and dynamic analysis of solid structures and materials (i.e. condensed matter) but the role of the surrounding fluid medium is also of consideration – as in problems of aeroelasticity and vibro-acoustic response. The headline event of the group is the triennial International Conference on Modern Practice in Stress and Vibration Analysis (MPSVA), the next running of which is scheduled for July 2022 at St Anne’s College, Oxford.

We cover topics that include:

• materials characterisation
• measuring and modelling residual stresses
• damage assessment
• identification and control
• multi-functional and smart structures
• multi-scale analyses
• damping materials
• mechanics of advanced materials under vibro-impact loading

What the group does

Our key activities focus on the understanding of:

• stresses
• deformational processes
• failure of components
• structures and materials exposed to arduous loading and service conditions 

Enabling technology

Our remit covers the enabling technology that underpins analysis such as:

• sensor development
• full-field optical systems for experimental analysis
• development and application of modal analysis
• inverse methods
• advances in the finite element and boundary element methods

Application

The application range covers the design, manufacture and static/dynamic behaviour of components and systems in the following areas:

• aerospace
• automotive
• composite materials and structures
• energy technologies
• marine systems
• medical engineering