PhD supervision is carried out in four research groups:

Bioengineering research: this group has a focus on the maintenance and optimisation of mobility, which is of particular relevance to the health of the ageing population. Areas of specialist expertise include: biomechanical modelling and movement analysis applied to humans and animal populations; musculoskeletal and neurological development and deterioration and the effect on movement; biotribology; design and longevity of joint replacements; haptic and robotic approaches to rehabilitation; medical imaging; biocompatible materials and bioactive materials; and personalised medical devices made using additive manufacturing techniques. Bioengineering group has strong collaborations with medicine and agriculture within the University, as well as the NHS, medical charities and the British Equine Federation. Strengths in this area include biotribology, musculo-skeletal modelling, motion analysis and tissue engineering. The School is a collaborator in the Arthritis Research UK Tissue Engineering Centre.

Design, manufacture and materials: focuses on the design, development, analysis and testing of novel materials, structures and processes. Research addresses the design and manufacture techniques, processes and systems required to underpin the development and delivery of innovative materials and products, and much of the research is carried out with industrial partners. The group has close links with the Universitys Resource Centre for Innovation and Design (RCID) and hosts two major centres: the Gear Technology Centre (Design Unit), which is a British Gear Association Centre of Excellence, and the Newcastle Centre for Railway Research (NewRail). Areas of specialist expertise include: processing and analysis of composite materials and structures; fundamental and applied research related to mechanical power transmissions and machine elements, especially gear systems; railway research, particularly rail freight and logistics, rail infrastructure, rail systems, and rail vehicles; and additive layer manufacturing (ALM), considering process and materials development, and the use of ALM in mass customisation applications.

MEMS and sensors: this group focuses on innovative technologies combining MEMS (microelectromechanical systems), nanotechnology, smart materials and robotics. We are a major participant in multidisciplinary research teams in this field based at Newcastle University collaborating with; nanoLab; Institute of Cellular Medicine; and the School of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering. The University has its own fabrication facilities and extensive laboratories. Areas of specialist expertise include: the design, manufacture and characterisation of physical and biological MEMS (examples include gyroscopes and resonant-based mass sensing); optical characterisation methods including laser-doppler vibrometry, white light interferometry and Raman spectroscopy; mechatronics in medical applications; telerobotics; mobile robotics; control schemes and electronics development; vibration modelling, measurement and analysis; silicon carbide high temperature MEMS; and thick-film piezoelectric vibration sensors.

Multiphase flow and thermal systems: this group is involved in a wide range of research work. Our interests span the theoretical study of fundamental processes and the development of novel mathematical and computational models, through to advanced experimental work and collaboration with industry on emerging problems. The group has strong links with the Newcastle Institute for Research on Sustainability (NIRES). Our research has a focus on turbulent multiphase flow systems, turbulent reacting flows and combustion, superfluid turbulence in liquid helium,and solid-liquid phase change processes. Areas of specialist expertise include: computational fluid dynamics; simulation and modelling of turbulent reacting flows and combustion; fundamental modelling of industrial and environmental multiphase flows; advanced numerical methods for turbulent flows and particle transport; Particle Image Velocimetry and Laser Doppler Anemometry for particle flows; superfluidity and quantum turbulence; simulation, modelling, and manufacturing applications of solid-liquid phase change processes; and nonlinear waves.

We offer the following modes of study for MPhil and PhD students: full-time supervised research projects; industry-based research; and part-time study.

For examples of recent research topics see our website.