Dr Nicholas Alexander

Research summary

Google Scholar Citations,

 Phase Space Explorer program (chrome - best, IE9, firefox)

The current projects that I am working on are

• Behaviour of nonlinear moment resisting frames under seismic excitation – how do you develop robust low order models for complex nonlinear dynamical systems that are subjected to uncertain loading histories? Are nonlinear response spectra and performance based approaches the way forwards?
• Pre-stressed frames with opening joints that allow structures to soften but remain undamaged after earthquakes. – can we design structures with morphing geometry that remains undamaged after earthquakes?
• Nonlinear tuned mass dampers – can we improve on a linear tuned mass damper ...

Read more >

Biography

My main areas of interest are Earthquake Engineering, Structural Dynamics and Nonlinear dynamics. I did my undergraduate and post-graduate studies at University College London (UCL). I graduated with a 1st Class Honours degree in Civil Engineering and was awarded the Institution of Civil Engineers prize

My Ph.D. was in the field of nonlinear dynamics; were I worked on bifurcation following, computational algorithms for the investigation of nonlinear systems. The main part of this thesis was the development of algorithms for identifying and continuing invariant manifold tangencies.

After leaving UCL I worked for a Structural Engineering design consultancy before returning ...

Read more >

Links

• Human induced vibration of Pero bridge, Bristol
• Video of ground motion in an earthquake
• Wind induced vibration of Clifton suspension bridge

Selected publications

• Gourdon, E, Alexander, N, Taylor, C, Lamarque, C & Pernot, S 2007, ‘Nonlinear energy pumping under transient forcing with strongly nonlinear coupling: Theoretical and experimental results’. Journal of Sound and Vibration, vol 300 (3-5)., pp. 522 - 551
• Alexander, N 1989, ‘Production of computational portraits of bounded invariant manifolds’. Journal of Sound and Vibration, vol 135., pp. 63 - 77

Read more >

View complete publications list in the University of Bristol publications system