Seminar - Robert Y Xiao - Simulation, Analysis and Design of Composite Materials and Structures

Tuesday 10 August 2010, 12.00 - 1.00 pm
Civil Engineering Lecture Theatre 1

Professor Robert Y Xiao
London South Bank University

Abstract:
Composite materials and composite structures have been increasingly used in civil and structural engineering applications in the last several decades. Their popularity gained from their integration of mechanical properties and structural behaviour of multi-phases and multi-layers of materials and structural components through composite actions. That will overcome many disadvantages for using the single phase and individual structural element. Consequently, composite materials and structures could have superior stiffness, strength and durability compared with traditional construction materials and structures. However, composition for different materials and connection of different structural elements could be difficult as they could have total different material properties and structural behaviour. Hence, slip, separation and de-lamination could pose challenges for the analysis and design of composite materials and structures.

In this seminar, recent research progress by Dr Xiao and his research group on composite steel and concrete structures; Fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) composite; Laminated glass and fibrous concrete materials and structures will be discussed. Materials and structures under different actions such as static, dynamic, blast and fire loading will be addressed and their interaction will also be investigated. Research via experimental testing and computational simulation through non-linear Finite Element analysis and their validation will be presented. Finally, the practical applications and design implications will be highlighted.

Biography
Dr Xiao is a Professor in Structural Engineering at London South Bank University. Prior to this appointment he has researched and was a faculty member at the China Academy of Building Research(CABR), the Universities of Birmingham, Nottingham, Southampton and Swansea in UK. He had also worked as a structural engineer at Gifford & Partners, Consulting Engineers.

Professor Xiao received his undergraduate and postgraduate education in Civil Engineering in Chongqing, China(81-87). Obtained his PhD from the University of Nottingham, UK in 1994 while he was working as a research assistant on DOE and EC Eureka Cim-steel research projects. His research interests are on composite materials and composite structures and computational simulation by finite element analysis.

He was the recipient of Royal Research Fellowship from the Royal Society and Industry Fellowship from the Royal Academy of Engineering in UK. The author of one patent, over 100 journal and international conference papers and many research reports.

He has already successfully supervised to completion of over 40 research projects. These include as the first supervisor for 28 research degree students 5 postdoctoral research fellows and an additional 8 M.Sc theses. He is currently leading a strong team of 1 post doctoral research fellow, 8 PhDs and 5 MRes research students in his research group.