Research & Innovation
From Microstructure to Structural Performance
My research connects mechanisms across length scales – from material microstructure and deformation to manufacturing processes, component behaviour and structural integrity. Across this programme, I combine computational mechanics, experiments and data-driven methods to understand and predict deformation, damage and failure in advanced materials and engineering systems.
01
Microstructure → Damage & Failure
Understanding how microstructure, crystallography, interfaces, defects and environmental interactions govern deformation, localisation, damage initiation and fracture.
Metastable β Titanium Alloys
This research advances understanding of deformation and damage in metastable β titanium alloys such as Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al through crystal plasticity modelling and finite element simulations. A novel constitutive framework captures the interplay of slip and stress-induced martensitic transformation, revealing how transformation accommodates strain and inhibits void growth. The integrated studies provide new insights into the mechanisms that govern strength, ductility, and fracture resistance in high-performance β-Ti alloys.
Effect of Hydrogen on Plastic Slip Evolution in Poly-crystalline 316 Austenitic Stainless Steel
Hydrogen–Defect Interaction in Austenitic Stainless Steels
This crystal plasticity study reveals how hydrogen influences void growth and fracture in single-crystal austenitic steel. Results show that hydrogen initially suppresses void growth but later enhances it as deformation localises, with effects strongly dependent on stress triaxiality and Lode parameter — advancing our understanding of hydrogen embrittlement at the microscale.
Multiscale Ductile Damage in Metals & Alloys
Ductile damage in metals is the main focus of the research. My research group is involved in understanding and developing multiscale computational frameworks for materials undergoing ductile deformation and failure. We have investigated single and dual phase alloys in this context and developed computational frameworks to simulate ductile damage at various length scales.
Intergranular Stress Corrosion Cracking in 304 Austenitic Stainless Steel in Acidic Environment
Stress Corrosion Cracking
Stress corrosion cracking is a common failure mode for steels and other high strength alloys in corrosive environments. The aim of this research is to understand underlying physical mechanisms of stress corrosion cracking in steels and develop multiscale computational framework by incorporating these physical mechanisms for better predictions.
Selected Foundational Research
Earlier work that established the foundations of my current research in multiscale deformation, interfaces and failure.
Metal/Ceramic Interface Fracture
Metal/ceramic interface fracture of niobium/alumina bicrystal interface had been studied at Max-Planck Institute for metal research, Stuttgart, Germany since last three decades. It was found that fracture energy of the system changes in some case by 20 times for different orientations of the bicrystal specimen. In this work a length scale bridging procedure was proposed to simulate the interface fracture of niobium/alumina bicrystal specimens.
Fiber–Matrix Interface Modelling
This study investigates the mechanical behavior of a copper matrix composite reinforced with silicon carbide fibers through fiber push-out experiments and cohesive zone finite element simulations. The research demonstrates how matrix plasticity and interfacial bonding—enhanced by titanium coatings—govern debonding, sliding, and overall load transfer at the interface. The combined experimental–computational approach accurately captures nonlinear push-out responses and provides insight into interfacial damage mechanisms in metal matrix composites.
Fibre Reinforced Composite Damage
This research has focussed on state of the art computational methods such as finite element methods and peridynamics to predict the deformation and failure in composites. We deal with wide variety of composites, such as fibre reinforced composites, metal/matrix composites, syntactic foams, etc.
Nanocrystalline Materials
This research focussed on developing a multiscale constitutive model for nanocrystalline materials to predict the deformation and failure at microscale by taking into account loading rates and underlying physics in a phenomenological manner.
Porous Shape Memory Alloys
This work presents a two-phase constitutive model capturing the pseudoelastic and pseudoplastic behavior of porous shape memory alloys (SMAs). The model combines dense SMA and porous plasticity phases, enabling simulation of deformation, transformation, and failure under tension and compression. Validated through finite element simulations and experiments, it provides insights into the deformation and fracture mechanisms of porous NiTi alloys, supporting their design for lightweight and biomedical applications.
Soft Biological Materials
This research focuses on developing computational frameworks for soft biological materials to predict deformation and failure during different biomechanical activities.
02
Manufacturing → Material Performance
Understanding how manufacturing processes generate microstructure, residual stress and local material states – and how these determine subsequent material and component performance.
IMPACT — Supporting right-first-time manufacture of high-value components
Understanding and Managing Residual Stresses in IN718 Superalloy
Residual stresses, locked-in forces from manufacturing, can cause distortion or early failure but can also improve fatigue life. In this work, we modelled and measured residual stress and distortion in quenched IN718 discs. Experiments at AFRC were combined with finite element simulations to understand heat transfer, quenching, and machining-induced relaxation. The results guide right-first-time manufacturing of high-value components.
Additive Manufacturing and Ultrasonic Consolidation
This research explores advanced metal manufacturing processes, focusing on laser-assisted 3D printing and ultrasonic consolidation. The study investigates how process parameters such as scan speed, laser power, and temperature influence residual stresses, distortions, and microstructure evolution during laser melting and solidification. In parallel, ultrasonic consolidation is modelled across multiple length scales to capture surface and volume softening effects, enabling the embedding and optimisation of fibres and sensors within metallic components.
Metal Forming Processes
This research has focused on understanding multiscale deformation and failure behaviour of materials during conventional and unconventional forming processes. Some examples of the processes under investigation include sheet metal forming, incremental sheet forming, extrusion, and wire drawing. Experimental investigation are then used to develop computational frameworks for better predictions.
Subtractive Manufacturing (Machining)
This research aimed at understanding and developing computational modes for subtractive manufacturing, i.e. material removal through cutting. Work has been focussed on different materials, for example surface defect machining of silicon by considering the high-pressure phase transformation (HPPT). Other works involved machining of nickel based super alloys to understand the residual stress relaxation of the forged and quenched components.
Magnesium Alloys
This research advances next-generation magnesium alloys through interface engineering and ultrasonic processing. Semi-coherent rare-earth intermetallics such as Al₈Mn₄Y strengthen Mg matrices by reducing boundary cracking, while ultrasonic-assisted methods refine grains and enhance weld strength with minimal energy input. Together, these innovations enable lightweight Mg structures with exceptional strength, ductility, and thermal stability.
03
Component → Structural Integrity
Translating materials and mechanics understanding into safer assessment, design and life management of engineering components and infrastructure.
IMPACT — Up to 95% reduction in assessment time.
Automating Fitness-for-Service (FFS) Assessments through Intelligent Computation
Our custom-built software PYSA automates API 579-1/ASME FFS-1 Parts 4–6 for general, localised, and pitting metal loss. Covering Levels 1–3 assessments, it delivers up to 95% time savings, consistent results, and smarter integrity evaluations — advancing digital automation in Fitness-for-Service analysis at the University of Aberdeen.
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Buckling of Subsea Pipelines
This project investigates the lateral buckling behaviour of subsea pipelines under high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) conditions using finite element simulations in ABAQUS. The study compares pipe and shell elements, validating results against Hobbs’ analytical method, and explores how soil friction, diameter-to-thickness ratio, and initial imperfection affect stability. The findings help improve the design and safety of offshore pipelines by identifying key parameters influencing buckling resistance.
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Analytical Tool for Pipeline Walking
This project developed and validated an analytical tool for rapid assessment of pipeline walking in high-pressure, high-temperature offshore pipelines. The tool predicts axial displacement due to thermal transients and seabed slopes, enabling quick screening before detailed finite element analysis. Validation against industry FEA results from the Baleine field confirmed strong accuracy within analytical limits, providing engineers a fast and practical method for early design evaluation.
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Subsea Pipeline Carousel Analysis
This project investigates the mechanical behaviour of subsea pipeline carousels during storage and transport. Using ABAQUS simulations, the study models the distribution of forces, pressures, and deformations within the carousel’s base, core, and spooled product under varying gravity and horizontal accelerations. The results identify critical stress regions and inform safer, more efficient designs for offshore pipeline handling systems.
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ENGINEERING TOOL — Rapid screening before detailed FEA
MLBUCKLIZER: Predicting Post-Buckling Pipeline States
This project developed MLBUCKLIZER, a Python-based platform integrating finite element modelling and machine learning to predict the post-buckling behaviour of subsea pipelines. The tool automates data generation, extraction, and learning directly from ABAQUS simulations, enabling rapid assessment of stress, strain, and failure indicators after buckling. By linking physics-based models with predictive AI, MLBUCKLIZER accelerates integrity evaluation and decision-making for safe offshore pipeline operations.
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Repair Strategies for Wind Turbine Blades
This study investigates repair techniques for wind turbine blades, combining insights from literature, industrial interviews, and case studies. It identifies a lack of standardisation in blade repair management and proposes a structured workflow and asset integrity framework aligned with ISO 55000 principles. The findings support safer, cost-effective, and longer-lasting operation of wind energy assets through improved inspection, repair, and maintenance strategies.
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Wind Turbine Blade Integrity
This project develops a fitness-for-service (FFS) methodology for wind turbine blades, integrating aeroelastic simulations and finite element analysis. Using a validated model of a Clipper Liberty C96 turbine, the study predicts stresses and acceptable crack sizes for different damage scenarios. The resulting tool helps operators assess blade integrity after inspection, reducing downtime and improving maintenance decisions across the wind energy industry.
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CROSS-CUTTING CAPABILITY
Physics + Data + AI
An enabling capability across computational mechanics
Data-driven methods increasingly complement my physics-based computational research, accelerating prediction while retaining the mechanics required for reliable engineering interpretation.
Data-Driven Finite Element Method
This research introduces a data-driven finite element method (DDFEM) that eliminates the need for conventional constitutive models by directly using experimental or molecular data to predict deformation and failure. The framework incorporates multiple state variables—such as stress, strain, strain rate, degradation, and anisotropy—and demonstrates strong predictive accuracy across applications ranging from nanomaterials and biomaterials to composites. This approach bridges experimental data and computational mechanics, accelerating reliable materials modelling without parameter fitting.
AI/ML-Enabled Computational Engineering
This research integrates data science and machine learning with computational mechanics to enhance material behaviour prediction and structural integrity assessment. The Data Driven Computational Framework connects experimental data, finite element simulations, and AI-based models to predict complex phenomena such as wind turbine blade damage, elastic properties of metamaterials, corrosion behaviour, and stress corrosion cracking. This approach accelerates discovery, improves prediction accuracy, and bridges physics-based and data-driven methods for next-generation engineering design.
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IMPACT — ~100,000× faster layout prediction
Machine Learning-Assisted Wind Farm Design
This study combines heuristic optimization with machine learning and pattern recognition to accelerate wind farm layout prediction. Using a novel Scaled Layout Kernel (SLK) approach, it reproduces optimized turbine arrangements 100,000 times faster than traditional methods, with comparable accuracy. The framework demonstrates how data-driven modelling can guide efficient, sustainable wind energy design without relying on full-scale AI optimization.
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Self-Learning Computational Mechanics
This research explores computational frameworks in which machine-learning models interact directly with finite-element simulations, quantify predictive uncertainty and identify when additional simulations are required. Rather than relying permanently on a fixed training database, the framework progressively expands its own evidence base through targeted simulation. The longer-term goal is to develop engineering models that combine physics, uncertainty and autonomous learning while retaining interpretability and engineering reliability.
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Collaboration & Opportunities
I welcome collaborations with academic researchers, industry and organisations working across computational mechanics, advanced materials, manufacturing, hydrogen, structural integrity and AI-enabled engineering.
Joint research & funding • Industrial R&D • PhD/Postdoctoral collaboration • Technical consultancy • Visiting research