Dynamics Research Group

Engineering Dynamics is concerned with all aspects of the behaviour of machines, mechanisms, structures and processes under the action of variable loads.  To create technologies for the future, dynamics researchers strive to understand fundamental phenomena, sometimes on the nano-scale, to optimise the dynamic behaviour of complex systems.  Accurate measurement, advanced analysis, including modelling and simulation, and efficient motion control, both active and passive, are also key to success in the design and development of dynamic systems.  Exciting possibilities arise from the discovery of new, non-linear, dynamic phenomena and from the availability of new materials.  Dynamics research combines theoretical, numerical and experimental skills in a universal approach to the optimisation of engineering systems from the earliest stages of design.  Our own activity spans industrial sectors including aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, power generation, power tools and railways.

More information can be found at;

http://lupo.lboro.ac.uk/research/dynamics/

Current research

• Professor Memis Acar: Biomechanics modelling and design for injury prevention; Multi-body dynamic and FE modelling of spine segments and whole spine; Crash simulation and design for injury analysis; Active and passive vehicle safety systems.; Novel car passenger seat and head restraint design for whiplash prevention; Engineering processes of fibres and fibrous products; Modelling of nonwoven fabric structure; Modelling of airflow and heat transfer through fibrous webs; Application of air and water jets in textile industries; Design of textile machinery.

• Paul King: Vehicle dynamics, ride and handling, powertrain systems.

• Professor Homer Rahnejat: Powertrain dynamics: noise, vibration and harshness, transmission rattle and whine, driveline shuffle, clutch in-cycle vibration.  Spindle and rotor systems' vibration, ball and rolling element bearings.  Elastohydrodynamics: engine bearings, piston slapping, tribology of point and finite line contacts.  Vehicle Dynamics: ride and handling analysis.  Nano-technology: micro-scale physics of motion, molecular and surface structural interactions in contiguous body contacts.

• Professor Steve Rothberg: is the Pro Vice Chancellor (Enterprise).  His interests are: Noise and vibration measurement and analysis.  Modal analysis.  Non-contact vibration measurement using laser techniques.  Laser vibrometry for translational and rotational vibration measurements.  Human response to noise and vibration.  Impact analysis.  Rotating machinery vibrations.

• Dr Stephanos Theodossiades: Drivetrain dynamics, vibration of geared systems, elasto-acoustic coupling, noise radiation, impact dynamics.

The work of the Group is further supported by;

• Alan Wickens, OBE, FREng, Visiting Professor in Dynamics;
• Patrick Kelly, Visiting Professor and Lead Technical Engineer for Powertrain Synergies at Premier Automotive Group;
• Duncan Dowson, CBE, FREng, FRS, External Professor in Tribology,
  who is also editor of Proceedings of the IMechE, Part C: Journal of Engineering Science;
• Brian Fitzsimons, Visiting Professor
• Dr Mike Menday, Visiting Fellow.