Professor Simon Neild
M.Eng., Ph.D.(Oxon.)
Current positions
Professor in Nonlinear Structural Dynamics
School of Civil, Aerospace and Design Engineering
Contact
Press and media
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Research interests
My research work focuses on non-linear dynamics of mechanical systems and includes analytical techniques, vibration suppression and nonlinear dynamic testing.
Nonlinear Dynamics: I am interested in extending modal analysis techniques to nonlinear systems. This work involves both analysing and understanding the dynamic characteristics of nonlinear systems and developing experimental identification methods.
Vibration Suppression: I work on the use of nonlinear passive and semi-active devices for vibration suppression. This work includes implementation of coupled electrical-mechanical devices that are potentially capable of self-tuning.
Nonlinear Dynamic Testing: I research into nonlinear dynamic test techniques. This includes developing real-time hybrid testing techniques for testing nonlinear components within the context of larger structures. I have also studied, for example, the non-linear modal dynamics of cables and the rattle dynamic of gears.
Projects and supervisions
Research projects
RSSB & Network Rail - Enhanced Trailing Arm Bush: Design, Manufacturing & Testing
Principal Investigator
Role
Co-Investigator
Description
Rail surface damage caused by wheel-rail contact forces on curves makes a significant contribution to the overall cost of maintenance. Previous research has shown that passive suspension components can reduce…Managing organisational unit
Department of Mechanical EngineeringDates
01/02/2023 to 30/06/2024
BEIS - 20MW Wind Turbine Drivetrain Coupling Device for Load Mitigation
Principal Investigator
Role
Co-Investigator
Description
Severe loadings and extreme events significantly reduce the reliability of wind turbines, leading to increased cost of wind energy. Amongst all failure events, gearbox failure is one of the most…Managing organisational unit
Department of Mechanical EngineeringDates
01/02/2022 to 30/06/2023
Network Rail - Inerter Pantograph for Cost-Efficient Railway Electrification (iPanto)
Principal Investigator
Role
Co-Investigator
Description
Unsatisfactory Pantograph-Overhead Line (OHL) contact dynamics is a critical factor for the extremely high railway maintenance and electrification cost in the UK (Network Rail spending £4.2bn/year on maintenance/renewal its network…Managing organisational unit
Department of Mechanical EngineeringDates
01/01/2022 to 31/12/2024
Multidomain Synthesis for New Concept Hydraulic and In-Wheel Motor Suspension Systems
Principal Investigator
Role
Co-Investigator
Managing organisational unit
Department of Mechanical EngineeringDates
01/10/2021 to 30/09/2024
Thesis supervisions
Extending Nonlinear Frequency Analysis to Flight Dynamics and Control Problems
Supervisors
The development of non-collinear non destructive evaluation of aircraft materials
Supervisors
Virtual Flight Testing in a Wind Tunnel Using a Manoeuvre Rig
Supervisors
An improved constraint stabilisation technique for Udwadia-Kalaba Formulation
Supervisors
Reduced-order model-inspired system identification of geometrically nonlinear structures
Supervisors
Nonlinear Dynamics of High-Aspect-Ratio Wings
Supervisors
Investigating nonlinear normal modes with resonant decay and energy balancing
Supervisors
Using symmetry to understand nonlinear modal interactions
Supervisors
Design and Optimisation of Inertance-Integrated Vehicle Suspension Systems
Supervisors
Passive Aeroelastic Control In Truss-Braced Wings Using Vibration Suppression
Supervisors
Publications
Recent publications
03/01/2025Computational and Experimental Study of Deep Stall in a Generic T-Tail Transport Aircraft
AIAA SCITECH 2025 Forum
Reduced Order Modeling Research Challenge 2023
Nonlinear Structures and Systems
Wind Tunnel Investigations of a Pitch-Free Flexible High Aspect Ratio Aircraft Model
AIAA SciTech Forum and Exposition, 2024
A Graph-Based Methodology for Optimal Design of Inerter-Based Passive Vibration Absorbers With Minimum Complexity
Structural Control and Health Monitoring
Real-time hybrid testing using iterative control for periodic oscillations
Proceedings of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences
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