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Experience:
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Qualifications
Ph.D., University of Wales, Structural Engineering, 1994.
B.A., Cambridge University, Mathematics / Engineering, 1978.
Expertise and Research Interests
My current research centres on the solution of nonlinear structural eigenvalue problems by exact (as opposed to finite element (FE)) methods. The characteristic approach is to assemble the static or dynamic stiffness matrix of the structure using exact member equations (eg for plane frames, space frames and plate assemblies) and to guarantee convergence on all required eigenvalues by using the Wittrick-Williams algorithm. Collaborative work with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and British Aerospace has led to the release of buckling and vibration programs for 3-dimensional lattice structures (BUNVIS-RG) and for prismatic plate assemblies (VICONOPT). VICONOPT includes a design capability, and is used in the aerospace industry in the UK, Europe and the USA. Particular emphasis has been placed on the efficient implementation of the numerical algorithms used to converge on the eigenvalues, including parallel processing techniques and optimisation strategies. Current research areas include postbuckling analysis, accurate mode-finding methods, discrete optimisation and delamination of carbon-fibre composites.
In 2007 I undertook an industrial secondment at Airbus UK, funded by The Royal Society, developing software tools for the postbuckling analysis of composite aerospace structures.
Other Expertise
In my previous employment at Scicon Ltd, I was engaged in the development and support of the mathematical programming system SCICONIC/ VM. With support from the BP Venture Research Unit, I spent 2 years carrying out research into methods for nonlinear optimisation. Some of the resulting special problem structures and techniques to improve the branch and board search were incorporated in SCICONIC/VM.
Future Research
Accurate mode-finding techniques using the Wittrick-Williams Algorithm.
Multi-level optimisation strategies for lightweight structural design.
Postbuckling of aerospace structures.
Delamination of carbon-fibre composites.
Industrial Relevance
Aerospace industry. Automotive industry.
Keywords
Aeronautical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer and Information Sciences, Structural Analysis, Structural Design.
Additional Terms
Branch and Bound, Buckling, Composite Materials, Computational Technique, Eigenvalue, Mathematical Programming, Nonlinear Optimisation, Parallel Computer, Postbuckling, Structural Analysis, Structural Design, Vibration.
Languages
(Reading, Writing, Speaking)
English: (fluent, fluent, fluent)
French: (basic, basic, basic)
Memberships
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (Senior Member)
British Computer Society
Chartered Engineer, Engineering Council
Chartered IT Professional
Royal Aeronautical Society
Previous Positions
2005-2009, Reader, Cardiff University, Structural Engineering
2000-2005, Senior Lecturer, Cardiff University, Structural Engineering
1991-2000, Lecturer, Cardiff University, Structural Engineering
1987-1993, Senior Research Associate, Cardiff University, Structural Engineering
1983-1987, Research Associate, Cardiff University, Civil Engineering and Building Technology
1978-1983, Scicon Ltd, Analyst/Programmer
1981-1983, Scicon Ltd, BP Venture Research Fellow
Major Funding Received
Royal Society Industry Fellowship: Software tools for postbuckling of aerospace structures, £24635, Feb 1, 2007 to Sep 30, 2007.
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council: Mode finding when using the Wittrick-Williams algorithm, via linear eigensolution analogy, £140229, Jan 11, 2001 to Jan 10, 2004.
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council: Initial and advanced post-buckling of optimized stiffened panels, £71763, Nov 23, 1998 to Nov 22, 2000.
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council: Algorithms for avoiding local optima in aerospace panel design, £101889, Apr 1, 1994 to Mar 31, 1997.
Science and Engineering Research Council: ITE: New solution methods for exact structural eigenvalue problems using parallel computers, £81487, Jun 22, 1992 to Jun 21, 1995.
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