Design, Manufacture and Materials
We develop innovative and novel materials, structures, products and processes.
We focus on the design, development, analysis and testing of novel materials, structures and processes. Our scientific foundation is in:
- additive manufacture and biofabrication
- materials testing and modelling
- precision engineering
- micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS)
The Design, Manufacture and Materials (DMM) group comprises approximately 14 academic staff, along with postdoctoral researchers and PhD students. We actively contribute to teaching and supervision within the mechanical discipline degree programme.
Our research
The research in DMM is driven by the need to develop best practice for new materials, products and processes with increased efficiency and effectivity. We work with industry to carry out much of our research. The main application areas are:
- mechanical power transmission (with Design Unit)
- medical devices
- tissue engineering
- microsensors and microsystems
- energy storage
Our core research topics include:
- mechanical power transmission
- medical devices
- tissue engineering
- precision engineering
- microsensors and microsystems
- robotics and digital twin
- battery manufacturing
- material testing and modelling
Research themes
Sustainable and resilient development
One of the main focuses of our research is developing new structures, materials and processes. We are dedicated to carrying out this work with sustainability and resilience in the forefront of all planning and practical decision making. Research projects we are working on that relate to this theme include our work in advancing sustainability in electric vehicle battery recycling in partnership with Innovate UK.
Impact
We have developed and patented a new 3D bioprinting technique called reactive jet impingement (ReJI). We have also established a spin-out company (Jetbio; www.jet-bio.com) to commercialise the technology. The company is currently seeking investment to bring the technology to market.
We have developed a rapid micro machining process for brittle materials. It will add new capabilities to the domains of custom micro products with application from biosecurity to consumer electronics. The patent (WO2018065783A1) has been granted in the EU and US. It is being transferred to a University spinout company Microbritt.
PhD Opportunities
We’re keen to hear from prospective PhD students interested in pursuing doctoral research in any area of design and manufacturing. We particularly welcome those whose interests align with the research specialisms of our research group. Contact the academic staff member whose research interests match your own to discuss things further.
Potential PhD projects:
- machining of hard-to-machine materials through vibration assisted micro machining and machine learning integration
- modelling and experimental investigation of compound restriction aerostatic bearings
- autonomous mobile robots
- bioprinting of cardiovascular in vitro models
- tissue engineering for musculoskeletal regenerative therapies
- novel biomaterials for fixation of small fractures
- modeling and control for multi flexible body dynamics
- manufacturing and testing of all-solid-state lithium battery cells
- synthesis and characterization of electrochemical actuators
- multiaxial fatigue life prediction for high-performance lightweight alloys
- multiaxial dynamic behaviour of emerging lightweight alloys in impact environments
- developing a high-precision shear wave experimental platform
- developing environmental and biological sensors
For a list of currently available PhD projects within the School of Engineering, please see our PhD Opportunities page.
Teaching
The group contributes to teaching and supervision across all stages of the Mechanical Engineering degree programme. Our expertise is particularly focused in the areas of design and manufacturing, mechanics, materials, and mechatronics. The group is also coordinating Mars Rover and Formula Student teams. Modules taught by group members include:
- ENG1007 Mechanics 1
- ENG1009 Sustainable Design, Creativity and Professionalism
- ENG2022 Materials Science II
- ENG2023 Engineering Mechanics: Statics
- ENG2034 Engineering Mechanics: Dynamics
- MEC2007 Design and Manufacturing II
- MEC2008 Mechanical Engineering Professional Skills II
- MEC3029 Advanced Mechanics and Structural Optimisation
- MEC3030 Digital Manufacturing Processes and Systems
- MEC3033 Introduction to Mechatronics Design
- MEC3098 Mechanical Engineering Project
- MEC8029 Design of Mechanical Power Transmissions
- MEC8024 Vehicle Dynamics
- MEC8057 Mechatronics and Mobile Robotics
- MEC8063 Introduction to Mechatronics Engineering
- MEC8099 Mechanical Engineering Team Project
- MEC8095 MSc Project: Mechanical and Systems Engineering
