The Design, Manufacturing and Mechanics Research Group (DMM-G) conducts cutting-edge multidisciplinary research in the area of engineering mechanics and advanced manufacturing and design, with an international reputation of excellence. This includes fostering close industry links through deep collaborations.

  • “We optimally design functional materials and structures guided by fundamental theory and knowledge, from concept design to final products, using initially digital tools followed by additive manufacturing facilities at Swinburne’s Factory of Future. The physical materials and products are tested in our Impact Engineering Lab.” 

    Professor Guoxing Lu

Our research

Our group focuses on theoretical, experimental and computational approaches to solve many of today’s engineering problems. We complement the existing strength of the Department of Mechanical and Product Design Engineering by fostering close interaction and collaborations among its members and communication with the public. Here are our key focus areas. 

This area is concerned with mechanical behaviour and the fundamental mechanics involved in novel materials and structures. This includes energy absorption, impact mechanics and plasticity theory. The focus of our recent research has been on origami structures, metamaterials, auxetic materials and cellular materials. 

Principal researcher: Professor Guoxing Lu

This research field includes the mechanical testing, numerical simulation and microstructure analysis of the deformation mechanisms, and load-carrying capacity of materials and structures. 

Principal researcher: Professor Dong Ruan

The focus of this research includes topology optimisation of structures, inverse design of materials and metamaterials, and the manufacturing and experimental characterisation of optimal designs.

Principal researcher: Professor Xiaodong Huang

This research area includes the development and characterisation of novel structures and materials processed by polymer-based and metal-based 3D printing technologies. There is a particular focus on high value-added customised products in various sectors such as the tooling, biomedical, aerospace, and automotive industries. Technologies that are currently available include Selective Laser Melting, Cold Spray, Fused Deposition Modelling and Multijet Fusion.

Principal researcher: Professor Syed Masood

This research area deals with advanced processing (including novel 3D printing methods), multi-scale modelling and the characterisation of reinforced polymer composites. The aim is to fully delineate fundamental materials and manufacturing issues that hamper realisation of the ‘promised’ high mechanical and electrothermal functionalities required from the composite class of materials for new product design applications.

Principal researcher: Dr Mostafa Nikzad

Research in this area deals with understanding the evolution of materials and processing the relationships of microstructure properties to improve product quality and performance. The materials processing aspect of this includes joining dissimilar materials, joining-by-forming such as self-pierce riveting; laser-assisted processes such as cladding, heat treatment, and additive manufacturing.

Principal researcher: Associate Professor Dr Yvonne Durandet

This research field relates to using Augmented and Virtual Reality (AVR) tools in Industry context alongside virtual manufacturing and smart management using Industry 4.0 and some typical industry applications. There is also a focus on recently used AVR in rail and tram industries for productivity, quality and safety enhancements.

Principal researcher: Dr Ambarish Kulkarni

This research field relates mechanics to human anatomy and performance to determine how injuries are caused and can be prevented. Applications in this research field involve implementing novel engineering materials to protective equipment and evaluating their effectiveness or performance. The research is an emerging multidisciplinary field involving engineering sciences, medicine, health, and ergonomics, which has the potential to revolutionise the ways of improving health and quality of life for millions of people worldwide.

Principal researcher: Dr Kwong Ming Tse

Study opportunities

Interested in studying mechanical engineering? Start your journey here.

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Our people

Name Position Research area Contact
Professor Guoxing Lu Director Mechanics of materials and structures; impact engineering

+61 3 9214 8669

glu@swinburne.edu.au
Professor Xiaodong Huang   Optimum design of macro-, micro- and nano-structures

+61 3 9214 5633

xhuang@swinburne.edu.au
Professor Syed Masood   Additive manufacturing

+61 3 9214 8260

smasood@swinburne.edu.au
Professor Dong (Tracy) Ruan Department Chair Characterisation of functional structures and materials

+61 3 9214 8258

druan@swinburne.edu.au
Dr Yvonne Durandet Senior lecturer Advanced joining and design

+61 3 9214 5720

ydurandet@swinburne.edu.au
Dr Ambarish Kulkarni Senior lecturer Digital design and manufacturing

+61 3 9214 8097

ambarishkulkarni@swinburne.edu.au
Dr Kwong Ming Tse Lecturer Biomechanics

+61 3 9214 5137

ktse@swinburne.edu.au
Dr Mostafa Nikzad Lecturer Manufacturing of advanced composites

+61 3 9214 4830

mnikzad@swinburne.edu.au
  • Two engineers using a high speed camera.

    Impact Engineering Laboratory and Facilities

    The Impact Engineering Laboratory here at Swinburne is Australia's leading research group for studying the behaviour of innovative materials and structures under dynamic/impact loadings. The Laboratory was founded by Professor Guoxing Lu, with financial support from a number of research grants from the Australian Research Council and industries.

    Learn more (Impact Engineering Laboratory and Facilities)

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Want to know more?

For general enquiries about the group, please contact Dean-SchoolofEngineering@swinburne.edu.au.

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