Research themes within the Engineering, Modelling and Simulation Group (EMSG)

Within the Engineering, Modelling and Simulation Group (EMSG), we focus on five interconnected research themes.

TRACE: Thermofluids Research and Applications for Clean Energy

Led by Dr Budi Chandra

The journey towards clean energy production and utilisation starts with responsible engineering that encompasses the initial design, optimisation, and operation throughout the lifecycle. TRACE seeks to apply our knowledge and expertise in modelling and experimentation to meet your requirements from fundamental research to on-demand solution. We have extensive record of accomplishments of research projects and consultation works in various fields from renewable energy, propulsion, aerodynamics, to space applications.

SMART: Smart Material and Engineering Structures

Led by Dr Matt O'Donnell

The researchers in this theme design and investigate metamaterials and structures with unusual and/or optimised mechanical or thermo-mechanical properties. The base materials include composites materials (including lignocellulosic composites) but also more traditional materials in complex configurations.  The main tools are theoretical and computational with an emphasis on Finite Element Analysis, but expertise extends into fabrication (composite, 2.5D and 3D printing) and mechanical testing (including impact and explosive). Current research projects concern auxetic behaviour, non-linear mechanisms, morphing wings and impact resistant materials.

DRIVE: Digital Revolution Into Value-added Engineering

Led by Dr Shwe Soe

DRIVE ensures integrated approach to digital design and responsive manufacturing of smart and multi-functional products. Within DRIVE, we employ state of the art digital technologies integrating Additive Manufacturing (AM), Digital Twin (DT), Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Internet of Things (IoT). Research into these emerging capabilities drive (or enable) digital revolution into High-Value Manufacturing and Value-added Engineering Processes.

ISAAC: Intelligent System And Adaptive Control

Led by Dr Yaseen Zaidi

ISAAC actively collaborates with industrial and academic partners to innovate in intelligent systems and adaptive control topics, which are at the heart of almost all modern engineering systems. The ISAAC themes diverse activity encompasses fundamental and applied research in Dynamic System Modelling, Advanced Control, Intelligent Decision Making and Human-Machine Interaction. Applied research focus includes various applications such as Future Aircraft, Unmanned and Personal Aerial Vehicles, Space Technology, Bio-Instrumentation and Industrial Systems.

POISS: Performance-Optimised Infrastructure and Structural Systems

Led by Dr Tiago Miguel Ferreira

POISS focuses on the behaviour and enhancement of the response of civil engineering infrastructure and structures via modelling, simulation, monitoring, and advanced visualisation. This exploration takes into account the challenges posed by climate change as well as the imperative for urban risk assessment and resilience. This theme aims to enhance the understanding of structural performance and develop innovative approaches to improve engineered systems' reliability, efficiency, and sustainability in the context of these emerging challenges. This theme is organised in four research threads: Advanced Structural Analysis and Structural Optimisation, Sustainable and Resilient Structures, Structural Health Monitoring, and Urban Risk Assessment and Resilience.