Computational Mechanics

The aim of this project is to develop a new class of physically-based models for predicting the deformation and fracture of quasi-brittle materials, resolving the underlying micromechanical processes. To this end, new microstructurally-sensitive constitutive theories and finite element schemes will be developed. Such a new class of micromechanical models could have an important influence on energy consumption and CO2 emissions; for example, by optimising mineral extraction, which currently accounts for 6% of the world's energy consumption, and by accelerating the development of low-CO2 cement materials, by virtually assessing the compressive strength of potentially suitable cement composites.

EPSRC Research Areas: Continuum Mechanics, Numerical Analysis, Materials Engineering