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The department has three research groups representing the research interests of staff:

Design and Process Engineering

The research is focused on bioengineering, design methods and industrial applications. The group collaborates with the Bristol Dental Hospital, the United Bristol Hospital Trust (UBHT) and the Bristol Robotics Laboratory. The Group is developing and testing several proof-of-concept technologies for industrial applications such as patented duct cleaning technology (known as 'ice-pigging'). The Group is pioneering new mechanical drive technology for a wide range of industrial applications including micro air vehicles, spacecraft, dentistry, electro-mechanical valves and roller chains.

Dynamics and Control

Dynamics and control research is currently focused on the key themes of:

* i) dynamic substructuring
* ii) adaptive control
* iii) nonlinear vibration
* iv) control of fluidised beds

As a result we are interested in aspects of nonlinear dynamics, adaptive control, intelligent structures and fluid dynamics.

Solid Mechanics

Solid mechanics is about understanding the way engineering materials respond to loading to improve the efficiency and safety of structures. Within the broad area of solid mechanics, the main interests of the group are residual stress, non-destructive testing, structural health monitoring, composite materials, fracture, fatigue and tribology.