We investigate the fundamental mechanisms behind the generation of noise and vibration and  use this understanding to develop practical solutions. We have developed the TWINS program, the state-of-the-art method of predicting rolling noisem and a simplified model in the STARDAMP project to assess the benefits of different wheel and rail damping solutions. The Acoutrain project aims to replace measurements by simulation in the approval process for new trains. We have developed dedicated prediction models for ground vibration and ground-borne noise. We are researching the use of numerical techniques and semi-empirical methods for predicting aerodynamic noise at speeds above 300km/h and are active in other areas including curve squeal, impact noise, bridge noise and roughness growth.

Condition monitoring of transmission plant; on-line condition monitoring of long cable circuits (20km+); condition assessment of transformers; modelling the environmental conditions in which electrical plant is likely to operate; design of dielectric for specific properties; commercial development testing, type approval, material characterisation, forensic analysis and FEA modelling (mechanical, thermal, electrical).

Fundamental fluid dynamics, computational aeroacoustics, applied aerodynamics and flight dynamics. Excellent computational and experimental facilities. High performance workstations are supplemented by local parallel computers based on commodity processors. We lead the UK Turbulence Consortium, providing access to the largest supercomputers in the country.

We have a range of wind tunnels. The two largest have test sections measuring 3.5m by 2.6m and 2.1m by 1.7m and are equipped with rolling roads, three-axis laser doppler anemometry and motor drive systems for propeller testing. Facilities cover the full spectrum of low-speed, transonic, supersonic and hypersonic flow. A flight simulation laboratory is being used to develop cost effective simulation tools for the aerospace industry.

(Behavoural) Improving and optimising human performance in systems, especially with the introduction of new technology and automation. Analysing accidents and making recommendations for accident prevention in the future.

(Physical response) Community response to vibration in buildings, passenger comfort in railway vehicles, motion sickness, human responses to combined noise and vibration, subjective responses to shock. Facilities include 6-axis motion simulator, vertical vibrator, horizontal vibrator, 12m tilting and translating cabin, turntable, treadmill and electrodynamic shakers.

Integrated models for the prediction of track deterioration and maintenance planning; whole life cost and carbon modelling; capacity and demand modelling of current and future national transport infrastructure; relating capacity utilisation indices to the propagation of delays; optimising capacity at railway nodes; spatial modelling and visualisation to assess the case for investment in new rail infrastructure.

Predicting long term coastal geomorphological evolution; coastal impacts and adaptation; mechanisms of scour in estuaries and rivers; permanent and temporary remote high accuracy monitoring of scour in real time by sonar.

Researching and solving next generation tribological design issues, to enable surface interactions to occur with minimal energy loss and impact on the environment; enhanced capabilities in advanced computational and experimental tribology; strategic research partnerships worldwide.

Our researchers work across a wide number of application areas, covering  topics from aerospace and automotive materials  to energy materials, surface engineering to corrosion, electrochemical engineering  to artificial hips, microsystems to 3D printing, micro dry powder dispensing to tribology, tomographic imaging to artificial intelligence.

Mechanisms of railway track behaviour encompassing stiffness, robustness, longevity, and noise and vibration effects; Engineering, environmental and economic performance of track; Reducing whole life costs and improving reliability for all track forms; Developing tools for reliable whole life assessment; Monitoring, strengthening and improving earthworks; Ballasted railway track at line speeds up to 400km/h; Innovative maintenance methods for wheels and rails; Low cost continuous self-monitoring and condition reporting for rail infrastructure, eg earthworks/embankments, OLE and bridges; Multifunctional materials, structures and foundations for OLE; Novel identification and assessment methods for bridge scour; Role of operational changes (eg headways) and infrastructure improvements (eg switches and crossings) in increasing capacity.