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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: EP/K005375/1
Title: Dynamic Design Tools For Understanding and Exploiting Nonlinearity in Structures
Principal Investigator: Neild, Professor SA
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Stirling Dynamics Ltd
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Organisation: University of Bristol
Scheme: EPSRC Fellowship
Starts: 01 February 2013 Ends: 31 July 2018 Value (£): 749,267
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Eng. Dynamics & Tribology
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Aerospace, Defence and Marine
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Panel DatePanel NameOutcome
12 Sep 2012 Engineering Prioritisation Meeting - 12 Sept 2012 Announced
09 Oct 2012 Programme Grant & Fellowships Interviews - 9 & 10 October 2012 (Eng) Announced
Summary on Grant Application Form
The dynamic behaviour of mechanical systems and structures is often critical to their performance. Examples where unpredicted dynamic behaviour has resulted in poor performance include the London Millennium Footbridge prior to retrofitting with dampers and wheel shimmy experienced in aircraft landing gear and motorbikes.

When structures remain in their linear operating region, where the response is proportional to the size of the force causing it, there are well-established modelling and experimental validation tools for analysing their dynamic behaviour. If the structure exceeds the linear operating region and starts to exhibit nonlinear behaviour, for example due to large deflections, the effectiveness of these tools rapidly reduces leading to high degrees of design uncertainty. This uncertainty leads to multiple design iterations and increased costly experimental validation and even the discovery of undesirable behaviour late in the design process resulting in significant delay and additional expense.

This presents a problem when trying to innovate to improve performance, for example by reducing weight or using new materials, as this tends to add nonlinear effects. Currently the consequence of the limitations in existing tools is that the resulting uncertainty is compensated for by conservative design. What are urgently needed are design tools that can cope with complex nonlinear behaviour. The new nonlinear design tools this research will provide will greatly reduced the costs associated with designing new high performance products. Such step changes to the UK's capability for advanced design will assist high-end manufacturing industry to maintain its competitive edge.
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Organisation Website: http://www.bris.ac.uk