Research Themes
Nonlinear Engineering Dynamics, Random Vibrations, Vibration Energy Harvesting, Nonlinear Vibration Absorbers.
Vibration Energy Harvesting
Development of vibration energy harvesters for remotely powered electronics, such as wireless sensors. Exploring the advantages of nonlinearities towards broadening the frequency range of efficient harvesting and improving electromechanical energy conversion. Complex electromechanical systems are investigated involving magnetic levitation, nonlinear geometric and material properties, and advanced dynamics such as parametric resonance, bi-stability and chaos. Passive self-tuning for wideband power output.
Nonlinear Vibration Absorbers
Design of vibration absorbers with emphasis on torsional powertrain vibrations. Targeted Energy Transfer for the development of passive vibration absorbers with modal energy redistribution. Analytical and computational methods are used to understand nonlinear interactions and to facilitate vibration mitigation in mechanical and structural systems, validated through experiments.
Wave Energy Harvesting
Doctoral research on a novel Wave Energy Converter based on the rotational motion of a heaving pendulum, parametrically excited by random ocean surface waves. Conception of feasible design with adjustable properties and optimised power capture. Development of computational algorithms for reliable probabilistic quantification of harnessed energy. Methodological advances for efficient execution of the computational algorithms and experimental verification of the novel design.