Computational Mechanics and Fracture Mechanics
Our research focuses on understanding the fundamental mechanisms of failure in materials, encompassing brittle, quasi-brittle, and ductile solids. We aim to develop mechanistic models grounded in first-principle calculations, utilising a minimal set of parameters that can be directly measured experimentally. These models are designed to capture the complexities of material behaviour, particularly under conditions leading to fracture and failure.
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Phase Field Theory
Our research endeavour focuses on advancing the Phase Field Theory, a revolutionary mathematical framework for regularising evolving sharp interfaces. This theory provides a robust approach to transition from sharp to diffuse interfaces, offering a unified methodology for modelling interface evolution across a variety of physical phenomena.
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Hydrogen embrittlement of metallic components
One of the key directions of our research focuses on hydrogen embrittlement (HE), a critical phenomenon threatening the integrity of metallic components in hydrogen storage and transport infrastructure. As hydrogen emerges as a clean energy carrier, the degradation of metallic components caused by HE threatens the integrity and safety of hydrogen transport and storage infrastructure. HE occurs when hydrogen atoms diffuse into metals, reducing their ductility, strength, and fracture toughness, ultimately leading to premature failure.
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Stress corrosion cracking
One of our key research directions is the study of stress corrosion cracking (SCC), a complex phenomenon that combines mechanical loading and corrosive environments to drive the nucleation and growth of cracks in metallic materials. SCC is a critical challenge to the reliability and structural integrity of engineering components, as it arises from intricate multi-physics interactions involving electrochemistry, mechanics, and material properties. Despite decades of research, the underlying mechanisms governing SCC remain incompletely understood, limiting the ability to predict and mitigate its effects effectively.
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Biocorrosion and Biodegrdation
Magnesium (Mg) alloys are emerging as ideal materials for biodegradable implants due to their exceptional mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and natural degradation in vivo. However, their accelerated corrosion, driven by low electronegativity, remains a critical challenge, compromising structural integrity before tissue healing is complete. Addressing this requires a fundamental understanding of the complex interactions between electrochemical reactions, mechanical behaviour, and microstructural characteristics.
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