Department of Mechanical Engineering research

Our research activities and expertise include design and manufacturing, machine systems, solid mechanics, materials, and thermo-fluids.

Our research centres

Most of our research projects are carried out in one of our established centres. Our work ranges from fundamental investigations to applied research. We work with industry and other universities worldwide on the latest innovations in research.

Centre for Orthopaedic Biomechanics

We carry out multidisciplinary research at the interface between engineering and clinical orthopaedics.

Centre for Power Transmission & Motion Control

We lead research in fluid power, actuation, and the dynamics and control of electro-mechanical systems. We also run CPD courses and offer consultancy services.

Materials and Structures Centre

We develop and design innovative materials with unique properties to improve technological, structural and manufacturing products and processes.

Turbomachinery Research Centre

We investigate the theoretical, computational and experimental modelling of heat transfer and fluid flow related to turbomachinery.

Our Institutes, units and groups

As well as our research centres, much of our core research in the Department is linked to Institutes, units and groups.

IAAPS

Our new £70m R&I hub builds on a 40 year track record, expanding our ability to support the automotive industry to develop ultra-low and zero emission vehicles.

Institute for Sustainable Energy and the Environment

Rows of solar panels in a field on a sunny day

We bring together stakeholder communities to discuss how we can develop more sustainable, affordable energy for the future of our society and environment.

Advanced Design & Manufacturing @ Bath

ADM @ Bath is a cross-disciplinary group with an active research and industrial portfolio in advanced design and manufacturing.

Fluid Dynamics Research Unit

Our research in fluid dynamics covers internal and external flows, aircraft, micro air vehicles, acoustics, blood flow, porous materials and wind turbines.

Sustainable Energy Research Team

We are a multidisciplinary team including engineers and scientists who promote sustainability through high-quality research and publications.

Our research impact

The 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) rated the majority of our research as world-leading or internationally excellent.

Enhancing clinical materials and techniques in orthopaedic surgery

Our research has contributed to improvements in joint replacement surgery, helping to reduce healthcare costs and increase quality of life.

University knowledge improves aircraft wing designs

An algorithm developed at Bath has helped improve the process of manufacturing composite wings for the next generation of commercial aircraft.

Tailor-made prosthetic liners could help more amputees walk again

Man with prosthetic leg holding the liner, sitting next to the three researchers

Researchers at the University of Bath have developed a new way of designing and manufacturing bespoke prosthetic liners, in less than a day.