Internationally recognised research in numerical simulation, computational acoustics and scientific computing at the University of Lancashire.
The University of Lancashire has developed an internationally recognised reputation in Boundary Element Method (BEM) research, particularly through its work in mathematical acoustics, computational engineering and numerical analysis.
Research has focused on the mathematical foundations, computational implementation and engineering applications of the Boundary Element Method, contributing to advances in acoustics, aerospace engineering, loudspeaker design, underwater acoustics and wave propagation modelling.
Research undertaken at the University has helped establish the Boundary Element Method as a powerful tool for solving acoustic and wave propagation problems. Major contributions include the development of numerical algorithms, software libraries, educational resources and engineering applications that have been used internationally in research and industry.
The Boundary Element Method is a numerical technique used to solve partial differential equations arising in engineering, physics and applied mathematics. Unlike finite element methods, which require the entire domain to be discretised, BEM requires only the boundary of the problem to be meshed.
This reduction in dimensionality often results in more efficient models for problems involving infinite or very large domains, making BEM particularly attractive for acoustics, vibration, scattering and radiation problems.
The website www.boundary-element-method.com has been creat to share resources on the boundary element method.
The LinkedIn Group Boundary Element Method has been created to connect the people interested in boundary elements.
Development of BEM techniques for interior and exterior acoustic field prediction and analysis.
Numerical methods for solving wave propagation and acoustic radiation problems.
Research extending traditional BEM formulations to problems involving shell discontinuities and complex structures.
Using measured data to reconstruct unknown physical properties and acoustic sources.
Numerical simulation of sound fields, noise generation and acoustic performance.
Development of computational libraries and simulation tools implementing BEM algorithms.
Research has demonstrated how BEM can provide accurate solutions to engineering problems involving sound radiation, vibration and wave propagation where conventional methods may be computationally expensive.
One of the University's most influential contributions has been the development of Boundary Element Methods for acoustic and Helmholtz problems. Research has addressed interior acoustics, exterior acoustics, modal analysis, half-space problems, aeroacoustics and coupled vibro-acoustic systems. The work has become widely cited within the international acoustics and computational mathematics communities.
The University's Boundary Element Method research has been closely associated with the work of :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}, whose publications, software developments and textbooks have helped shape the field of computational acoustics. His book The Boundary Element Method in Acoustics has become a widely referenced resource for researchers and engineers working in numerical simulation and acoustic modelling. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Continuing research explores improved numerical algorithms, coupled multi-physics simulations, inverse acoustic problems, high-performance computing and advanced engineering applications. These developments support the University's wider strengths in mathematics, acoustics, aerospace engineering and scientific computing. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Opportunities are available for MSc by Research and PhD study in applied mathematics, numerical analysis, computational acoustics and scientific computing. Research students work on projects involving numerical modelling, software development, boundary integral equations and engineering applications of advanced computational methods.