Dr Tom L Hill

My research interests are primarily in the field of nonlinear structural dynamics.

Motivation: The high-performance engineering industry is driven by the need for greater performance. Increasingly, this may only be achieved by designing structures to operate beyond the regimes where linearity can be assumed, and nonlinear behaviour must be accounted for. My research is motivated by the need to understand the effect of nonlinearity in engineering structures, and how it may be accounted for in the design process. My specific interests include nonlinear modelling and simulation, nonlinear modal interactions, and nonlinear system identification.

Nonlinear modelling and simulation: The useful properties of linear structures, such as modal orthogonality and superposition, cannot be extended to nonlinear systems. As such, many of the established techniques for linear models cannot be extended to nonlinear systems. My research includes the use of a variety of analytical and numerical techniques for nonlinear modelling and simulation.

Nonlinear modal interactions: Nonlinearity can lead to a variety of behaviour that is not seen in linear systems. This aspect of my research involves developing an understanding of the physical mechanisms that drive these behaviours.

Nonlinear system identification: A key step in the design and testing of engineering structures is the development of mathematical models describing the structures. Nonlinear system identification describes the process of generating nonlinear models based on experimental testing of a system. My research in this area includes the development of novel methods for the identification of nonlinear systems.