Mechanics of Materials
The MoM group is led by Professor Bo Chen who became a Professor in Engineering Materials in 2019. The group was established by Professor Frederick Leckie in 1968 and currently has 16 members of academic staff.
The group has two, often overlapping, research teams:
I. Modelling-enabled materials engineering
A unique strength of the MoM group is that it consists of colleagues from both materials science and computational mechanics backgrounds. The group is internationally leading in its research on material processing and material behaviour. Our work is underpinned by computational materials science, micro-mechanics and deep machine learning. We are a part of the university research theme on Materials and Nano-materials.
II. Bioengineering and biomaterials
Developing engineering technologies and materials to improve quality of life through better mental and physical health is another strength of the MoM group. About 1/3 of the group's members are working on various projects related to biomedical applications. We lead the Department's cross-cutting theme in Bioengineering and Biomaterials. We are also a part of the university research theme on Life Science Interface and a member of the Leicester Microbial Sciences and Infectious Disease Network (LeMID).
The MoM group hosts the following centres and laboratories
- Advanced Microscopy Centre
- Biomechanics and Immersive Technology Laboratory (contact: Dr Mateusz Bocian)
- Dynamics, Vibration and Acoustics Laboratory (contact: Dr Mateusz Bocian)
- EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Innovative Metal Processing - IMPaCT (contact: Professor Simon Gill)
- Mechanics of Materials Laboratory (contact: Professor Jingzhe Pan)
- High Temperature Creep and Fatigue Laboratory (contact: Professor Bo Chen)
- NISCO UK Research Centre (NU-RC) (contact Professor Hongbiao Dong)
- TWI Materials Innovation Centre (MatIC) (contact: Dr Shiladitya Paul)
Solution to Industrial Problems
We are keen to provide solutions to industrial problems using our computational and experimental expertise. Informal discussion can be made with the Head of Group. The MoM group has considerable experience in working with the industry. Our current industry links include: Alstom; TWI; Doncasters; Purac; Morgan Matroc; Jaguar; Tata Steel; Ilmor; Mercedes Benz High Performance Engines; Delphi Systems; Pankl Motorsport; Teer Coating; GSK; Caterpillar; Siemens (Lincoln); Doosan Babcock; NPL; NG; Qinetiq; FEI; EoN; RSP; Bodycote HIP; Holset; 3M (Atherstone); Perkin-Elmer; Mettler; TA Instruments; Netzsch (Germany); Setram (France); Rolls Royce; Deritend Precision Castings; Centrax; Howmet; Oxley; Federal Mogul; Astra Zeneca; Plansee (Austria); Caleva; Various Police Forces; National Police; Improvement Agency and Frenzak (Poland); University Hospitals of Leicester; Welding Alloys.
PhD applications
We welcome applications from students who wish to study for PhD degrees in any of our research areas. Informal discussion can be made with either the Head of Group or any of the MoM Group members directly. Details of our research activities can be found within the personal web-pages of MoM Group members.