BURA Collection: Institute of Materials and Manufacturing (IMM) – led by Prof Hamid Bahai, Director – Brunel has invested heavily in the development of research capability in materials and manufacturing (including casting/processing and precision/additive manufacturing), and structural integrity (metallic and composite structures and materials). It combines unique expertise and facilities in these areas with predictive numerical modelling, sensors and signal processing. Research involves the integration of all the aspects of structures and materials research, including: modelling and characterisation; design; manufacturing; and exploitation.

Improvement of microstructure and mechanical property of Al–2Fe alloy though an in-situ reaction of Fe₂O₃ powder in Al–Mg melts

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Improvement of microstructure and mechanical property of Al–2Fe alloy though an in-situ reaction of Fe₂O₃ powder in Al–Mg melts Authors: Lian, H; Shi, ZM; Yu, W; Wang, Y; Wang, W; Pang, N Abstract: Al–Fe based alloys exhibit excellent high heat-resistance property but suffer from low strength and hardness because the soft aluminum matrix is interrupted by coarse needle/flake-like Al₃Fe phases. To refine Al₃Fe phases and strengthen Al matrix, we developed an in-situ liquid-solid reaction strategy based on Al–Mg–Fe₂O₃ system to fabricate a MgAl₂O₄ particle-reinforced Al–2Fe composite. Results show that the formation of MgAl₂O₄ particles is primarily governed by the diffusion of Mg, Al, and O elements and the substitution of Mg and Al for Fe in Fe₂O₃. MgAl₂O₄ particles with nano and submicron sizes are uniformly dispersed in Al matrix. Those in-situ formed nano and submicron particles serve as heterogeneous nucleation sites of Al₃Fe crystals by providing coherent interfaces; while only the nanosized MgAl₂O₄ particles acted as nucleation sites of Al crystals. Compared with the Al–2Fe alloy, the sizes of Al grains and Al₃Fe phases in composite were reduced by 54.7 % and 34.5 %, respectively, accompanied by increases of 36.9 %, 47.7 %, and 40.5 % in yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and Vickers hardness. Furthermore, the elongation was slightly decreased from 16.5 % to 13.0 %. The improvement of mechanical properties are attributed to the in-situ-formed MgAl₂O₄ particles, which refine the Al grains and Al₃Fe phase and strengthen the Al matrix. Description: Data availability: Data will be made available on request.

A new efficient nonlocal hyperbolic HSDT for mechanical vibration of porous FGM plates/nanoplates using Navier's method and artificial neural network prediction

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Title: A new efficient nonlocal hyperbolic HSDT for mechanical vibration of porous FGM plates/nanoplates using Navier's method and artificial neural network prediction Authors: Kenanda, MA; Hammadi, F; Bahai, H; Belabed, Z Abstract: This paper introduces a new efficient hyperbolic high-order shear deformation theory (HHSDT) with a shape parameter (Sₚ) to study the vibration response of porous functionally graded material (FGM) plates and nanoplates. The shape parameter is optimized using a simple algorithm that adopts a neighbor selection strategy inspired by local-search algorithms, in order to obtain optimal frequencies. The equations of motion are derived using Hamilton’s principle, based on a 2D displacement field that contains only four unknowns, and are solved using Navier’s method. Nanoscale effects are considered through Eringen’s nonlocal elasticity theory. Moreover, MATLAB software is used to predict the fundamental frequencies using an artificial neural network (ANN), aiming to reduce computational cost. The effect of porosities on fundamental frequencies is studied using two types of uneven distributions (Type A and Type B). The novel Type B allows transitions between different distributions by controlling the parameter 𝑅. The current 2D-HHSDT provides more accurate results than many other 2D and quasi-3D HSDTs when compared with exact 3D solutions. Description: Highlights: • A new hyperbolic HSDT is proposed for porous FGM plates/nanoplates vibration. • Navier’s method is used to analyze porous FGM nanoplates with nonlocal elasticity. • Fundamental frequencies are predicted by ANN in MATLAB to cut computation cost. • Porosity effects on fundamental frequencies are studied by types A and B patterns. • Porosity pattern transitions in Type B are achieved by controlling parameter 𝑅. .

The Path to Carbon Capture Technology Adoption—A System Dynamics Approach

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Title: The Path to Carbon Capture Technology Adoption—A System Dynamics Approach Authors: Yasseri, S; Shourideh, M; Bahai, H Abstract: A system dynamics approach is described to explore the path of Carbon Capture diffusion. The proposed model, in principle, follows the Bass diffusion of innovation theory and includes all major influencing factors. The primary contribution of this paper is the modification of Bass’s model to reflect parameters affecting the adoption of Carbon capture and storage technology. Consequently, it differs from other extensions to Bass’s model. The underpinning of this work is the system dynamics (SD) approach, which can open a pathway for further research into CCS acceptance. The proposed model’s behaviour is illustrated for various transition pathways of the technology, for different regimes. By modifying the proposed model, the paper also allows consideration of various capturing technologies on their merit. The proposed framework enables the examination of the impact of intervention policies on the adoption of CCS by individual investors. The purpose is to identify the parameters of these policies to support the under-resourced CCS technology and reduce the need for government participation. It is worth noting that the SD is primarily a descriptive method used for scenario analysis to illustrate what the future would look like. Description: Data Availability Statement: The original contributions presented in this study are included in the article. Further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author.

Hydrogen Pipelines Safety Using System Dynamics

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Hydrogen Pipelines Safety Using System Dynamics Authors: Shourideh, M; Yasseri, S; Bahai, H Abstract: With the global expansion of hydrogen infrastructure, the safe and efficient transportation of hydrogen is becoming more important. In this study, several technical factors, including material degradation, pressure variations, and monitoring effectiveness, that influence hydrogen transportation using pipelines are examined using system dynamics. The results show that hydrogen embrittlement, which is the result of microstructural trapping and limited diffusion in certain steels, can have a profound effect on pipeline integrity. Material incompatibility and pressure fluctuations deepen fatigue damage and leakage risk. Moreover, pipeline monitoring inefficiency, combined with hydrogen’s high flammability and diffusivity, can raise serious safety issues. An 80% decrease in monitoring efficiency will result in a 52% reduction in the total hydrogen provided to the end users. On the other hand, technical risks such as pressure fluctuations and material weakening from hydrogen embrittlement also affect overall system performance. It is essential to understand that real-time detection using hydrogen monitoring is particularly important and will lower the risk of leakage. It is crucial to know where hydrogen is lost and how it impacts transport efficiency. The model offers practical insights for developing stronger and more reliable hydrogen transport systems, thereby supporting the transition to a low-carbon energy future. Description: Data Availability Statement: No new data were created or analyzed in this study. Data sharing does not apply to this article.