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Dr Ali Abolfathi
Associate Professor (Teaching)
Dept of Mechanical Engineering
Faculty of Engineering Science
- Joined UCL
- 1st May 2016
Research summary
My research covers a range of topics on
structural dynamics and nonlinear vibrations.
Flying insects: I am interested in energy transfer in flying insect with indirect flight muscle. Such insects utilise the elasticity of their thorax to form a resonant system to reduce the energetic requirements of flight by cancelling the flapping inertia forces with the thorax elastic forces. It also provides them with a unique wing kinematic that enables them to exploit complex aerodynamics. My research aims to understand how the nonlinearity in the flight mechanism reduces the flight energetic requirements.
Nonlinearity in built-up structures: Currently, I am investigating the effect of friction in rotational hinges. Such hinges are commonly used in complex structures, such as satellite deployable panels or a vehicle bonnet hinge. I am interested in understanding how the dynamic response of such structures would be affected by hinge friction.
Vehicle suspension: We have developed a self-levelling hydropneumatic suspension strut. The suspension stiffness is tuneable and possesses quasi-zero stiffness characteristics. This provides us with a unique opportunity to examine how nonlinearity can be utilised to improve vehicles ride and handling.
PhD students (Primary supervisor): Mrs Resmi Kochalathu Sarala, Mr Moonsoo Park, Mr Igoke Major
Biography
I have joined UCL Mechanical Engineering in 2016. I completed my PhD in Sound and Vibration (2012) at ISVR,
Southampton University, on nonlinear vibration isolators. Following my PhD, I
joined Strathclyde University where I taught on their undergraduate and postgraduate programme. In 2014, I moved to
Loughborough University where I researched the
variability in noise and vibration of automotive vehicles in collaboration with
Jaguar Land Rover.
I received my MSc in Aerospace Structure from Amirkabir University of
Technology, Iran (2003) and my BSc in Mechanical Engineering from Isfahan
University of Technology, Iran (2001). I worked as a Senior Development Engineer for a few years before returning to academia for my PhD.