The Computational Mechanics and Engineering AI (CMAI) research group develops next-generation smart computational engineering solutions that support the digital transformation of the built environment.
We integrate mechanics, physics and data-driven artificial intelligence to study materials, structures and digital systems. Our work aligns with major research funding priorities in engineering, sustainability and digital innovation.
Our research is organised into three main areas:
- Smart Materials
- Smart Structures
- Advanced Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Physics-informed Digital Twins
Smart materials
We develop computational models for advanced materials used in engineering applications.
Our research includes:
- Micro- and nano-structured materials and composites
- Electroactive materials
- Biological and bio-inspired materials
- Quasicrystals and architected metamaterials
By modelling material behaviour across scales, we support the design of materials with specific mechanical and physical properties. This contributes to the development of more efficient and durable systems in areas such as aerospace and civil engineering.
Smart structures
We study advanced computational modelling methods for structures and meta-structures.
Our work includes:
- Composite aerospace structures
- Multiscale finite element methods
- Design optimisation
- Uncertainty quantification in engineering systems
- Structural dynamics and dynamical systems
- Elastic wave propagation and absorption
- Topological mechanics
We use simulation and optimisation techniques to analyse structural performance under complex loading and environmental conditions. This research supports improved reliability, efficiency and lifecycle performance in engineering systems.
Advanced BIM and physics-informed digital twins
We investigate physics-informed, data-driven artificial intelligence methods for engineering applications.
Our research includes:
- Neural networks, symbolic mathematics, robotics and natural language processing
- Multi-dimensional Building Information Modelling (BIM) data and knowledge processing
- Large-scale engineering computation, data analytics and optimisation
- Knowledge-based and AI-supported decision-making methods
By combining physical modelling with artificial intelligence, we develop digital representations of engineering systems that support analysis, monitoring and decision-making across the lifecycle of built assets.
Research
We are currently carrying out a variety of research projects in the following areas.
Computational models for advanced smart materials
- Modelling of electro and magneto-active materials (actuation and energy harvesting).
- Modelling of advanced micro- and nano-structured materials.
- Modelling of cellular, porous, fibrous composite materials.
- Modelling the mechanical behaviour biological materials.
- Investigation of dynamic properties of quasicrystalline and quasiperiodic structures.
Computational models for advanced structures and meta-structures
- Advanced finite element methods for nonlinear and multiscale problems in solid and fluid mechanics
- Analysis and optimum design software for composite aerospace structures.
- Development of robust and reliable meta-modelling approaches for inverse problems and optimisation.
- Robust aircraft design optimisation.
- Uncertainty quantification and management (UQ&M) in engineering applications.
- Smoothed-particle hydrodynamics (SPH) for modelling flow of particulate composites.
- Meta-structures and cloaking of flexural waves.
- Vibration based damage detection in mechanical and aerospace structures.
- Fast dynamics computational methods for crash and impact analysis, material fracture and explosion modelling.
- Finite-element modelling of high performance fibre reinforced cementitious composites.
Our partners
We are currently working with the following partners:
Universities and research centres
- University of Bristol
- Swansea University
- University of Glasgow
- University of Liverpool
- Technion-Haifa
- University of California at S Barbara
- University of Luxembourg
- Polish Academy of Sciences
- University of Pisa
- University of Trento
- University of Copenhagen
- Umeå University
- Harbin Institute of Technology
- Tsinghua University
- Dalian University of Technology
- Shanghai Jiaotong University
- University of Waikato
Companies
- Airbus
- Cintec Ltd
Meet the team
Group lead
Academic staff
Research staff
Research students
Schools
Next steps
Research that matters
Our research makes a difference to people’s lives as we work across disciplines to tackle major challenges facing society, the economy and our environment.
Postgraduate research
Our research degrees give the opportunity to investigate a specific topic in depth among field-leading researchers.
Our research impact
Our research case studies highlight some of the areas where we deliver positive research impact.