Research
Mechanics of Advanced Materials Research Group
The Mechanics of Advanced Materials (MOAM) Research Group carries out multi-disciplinary research into the response of advanced engineering and bio-materials to various types of external loading and environmental conditions, using a combination of analytical, numerical and experimental techniques.
Our Aim
Our analysis of deformation processes, damage evolution as well as failure initiation and development allows us to predict the properties, performance, reliability and structural integrity of modern materials and the components and structures made from them.
Among the materials we are currently working with are composites and nanocomposites, polymers and adhesives, steels and alloys, metallic glasses, biological and biomedical materials, materials for microelectronics, sports materials, ceramics and ceramic coatings, polymeric foams and non-woven fabrics.
Our Research Projects
More Research Projects
- Cryogenic Ultrasonic Impact Treatment for Surface Nanotwinning of Metal Alloys: This international exchange project, funded by the Royal Society, aims to develop a cryogenic ultrasonic-impact-treatment technique to manipulate surface microstructures of alloys in order to attain a unique combination of high strength and ductility, which has never been attempted before. It fits the long-standing research strength of the MoAM group in metallic alloys and structures and collaborates with G.V. Kurdyumov Institute for Metal Physics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.
- Ultrasonically Assisted Machining in Advanced Materials: Ultrasonically assisted machining (UAM) is a unique hybrid machining process that enhances cutting of intractable materials such as superalloys and composites. Loughborough is a recognised leader in this area.
- Surface engineering/reconditioning of hard/ultra-hard tool materials: This project, sponsored by MTC and Sandvik, aims at developing laser-based processes for the adaptive control of microstructural change, hardness, fracture toughness and surface integrity of cutting tool materials.
- Design and manufacture of added-value functional surfaces using laser technologies: Through the identification of a set of design rules based on the underpinning mechanisms for laser functionalization, this project aims at enhancing operational capability by novel processing techniques of substrates. It is sponsored by TWI.
- Laser functionalisation of polycrystalline materials: This project aims to develop a fundamental understanding of the process-function-models triangle to come up with new ways of approaching materials and product design.
- Low-energy shock processing of ultra-hard polycrystalline materials: This project investigates new laser-based processing techniques for the design of novel ultra-hard materials with self-generated solid lubricant.
- Deformation and Fracture Processes in Cortical Bone: Tissue Bones are the principal structural components of a skeleton; their structural integrity is vital for the quality of life. In this project, experimental studies and numerical simulations of deformation and fracture processes in cortical bone tissue are considered.
- Degradation of 3D printed bioresorbable polymers for biomedical applications
- Femoral Amputee Prosthetic Knee Joint: This research aims to design and develop a cost-effective and practical knee joint for people in need in the post-conflict regions. Collaborator: Meththa Foundation, UK
- Microscale characterisation of extrusion 3D printed structures to develop fundamental understanding of mechanics of the material and structure
- Novel printpath strategies for extrusion 3D printing to improve mechanical performance and enable a new design paradigm: This project is enabled by the mechanics of materials expertise - experimental and computational
- Computer simulation of material deposition in extrusion 3D printing for a priori characterisation (VOLCO)
- Microscale control of fibre-reinforced-polymer deposition in 3D printing for tailored anisotropic properties
- Parametric Modelling of Mechanical Performance of Nonwovens for Design and Manufacturing: This project aims to develop accurate and parametric finite-element modelling scheme for nonwoven fabrics to minimise time and cost for designing. Collaborators: The Nonwovens Institute, NC State University, USA; Reifenhäuser Reicofil, Germany
Our Team
Our Research Opportunities
Our PhD students play a central role in our wide-ranging research activities, making vital contributions to the success of the research itself. Find out more about our current research opportunities.
