Mechanical Engineering

Research groups

Dynamics and Control

The Dynamics and Control group’s research activities span fundamental engineering science, where new insights are developed and experimentally tested, and applied research. These activities are split into four overlapping themes: nonlinear dynamics, vibration suppression, experimental testing and control.

Solid mechanics is about understanding the way engineering materials respond to loading to improve the efficiency and safety of structures. The Solid Mechanics group at Bristol has a long tradition of undertaking industrially-motivated research, studying how materials behave when they are subjected to thermal and mechanical loads. The main interests of the group are residual stresses, fracture, fatigue and the behaviour of materials at high temperatures.

The Engineering Systems and Design group is concerned with researching and creating tools, methods, models and strategies to improve the engineering and operation of our future infrastructure and industrial systems. Fundamental to our research approach is the need to understand how the process of modelling relates to the process of practical intervention, with a particular focus on the methodological challenges of modelling and designing complex technical and socio-technical systems. The group’s research interests and current projects reflect the industrial and societal challenges of energy, sustainability, resilience, demand responsiveness and flexibility, cost and frugality, users (stakeholders), risk and uncertainty, informatics and emerging technologies.

The Ultrasonics and Non-destructive Testing Group undertake research into the fundamentals and applications of ultrasonics. We are particularly active in the following areas: array imaging; materials characterisation (eg nonlinear ultrasonics); NDT of composites; structural health monitoring; ultrasonic particle manipulation (ie acoustic radiation force devices). Our philosophy is to undertake a balance of fundamental engineering science ultrasonics research alongside more applied research. We see this mix of fundamental and applied as incredibly valuable and our aim is to see selected topics through from conception to industrial uptake. This means that most of our projects are collaborative, sometimes with industry and sometimes with other university groups.

Robots are set to impact on all aspects of our lives, from robotic exoskeletons that enhance our strength and mobility to robots that search for life in the solar system and beyond. Through the Bristol Robotics Laboratory, the largest robotics laboratory of its kind in the UK, Bristol is at the forefront of the robotics revolution. This innovative collaboration is a partnership between the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England. Our research in robotics spans many key areas from soft actuators and flying robots to safe systems and vision for robotics.

The Fluid and Aerodynamics Group undertakes computational research (using numerical methods and algorithms to solve and analyse problems that involve fluid flows) and experimental research. Areas of key current research include: aerodynamic optimisation, computational aero-servo-elastics, hypersonic vehicle technologies, high speed intakes, mesh deformation and generation, parallel processing, rotorcraft aerodynamics, incompressible flows, interface capturing and cavitation, nonlinear aeroelastic prediction, adaptive aeroelastic structures, aeroelastic design and reduced order modelling.

Careers

Mechanical Engineering PhD graduates are found in a variety of careers all over the globe, including world-leading research. Many work as consultants or as part of large-scale engineering industries.