Professor James G Broughton

Professor in Engineering

School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

Role

My role within the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics includes both teaching and research. Within my teaching role I cover the fundamentals of engineering, stress analysis and design. My research role includes managing projects and leading the Joining Technlogy Research Centre.

Since completing my PhD on the 'Enhancement of structures using bonded composite materials' I have participated in numerous and quite diverse industrial and international research projects. These include repair and rehabilitation of historic timber structures, qualification and classification guidelines and test procedures for strengthening systems bonded to civil structures, the development of next generation aerospace composite wing ribs and, more recently, bonded lightweight electric motors.

One of my current research areas is investigating disbondable adhesives for materials recycling and reuse. I am also a member of the Cycle Mobility Group where I have played a key role in the design and construction of bamboo bicycles for potential industrial manuafuacture in Ethiopia.

Teaching and supervision

Courses

Modules taught

Module leader for

  • Introduction to Stress  (1st Year)
  • Engineering Fundamentals (1st Year)

Also teach on

  • Stress and Dynamics (2nd Year)
  • Advanced stress analysis (3rd Year)
  • Group Design Projects (3rd Year)
  • Advanced Joining (3rd Year, MSc, MEng)
  • Advanced Mechanical Engineering Design (MSc, MEng)

Supervision

I continue to supervise several PhD Research and MSc students each year.

Research

The Joining Technology Research Centre has been leading research and knowledge-transfer activities in the field of joining since 1968. The Centre provides access to a unique combination of interdisciplinary engineering and scientific skills, covering the use of adhesives and sealants for the aerospace, automotive and civil sectors. My main interests are centered around:

  • Disbondable structural adhesive joints for metallics and polymer composites 
  • Analysis of bonded and sealed joints in the Automotive and Aerospace industries
  • Design and analysis of future generation bonded aircraft structures
  • Analysis of bonded automotive aluminium joints subject to impact loading
  • Structural bonded repair techniques for the Civil Industry
  • Development of QC procedures for on-site bonded composite strengthening
  • Evaluation and development of design calculations for bonded timber connections and composite strengthened metallic structures
  • Durability of bonded timber connections
  • Surface pre-treatments of timber, natural fibres and bamboo (corona, flame, silanes)
  • Life-time prediction of bonded timber-timber or timber-FRP joints

Research impact

Given the longevity of the Centre a siginifcant amount of impact has been generated from the diverse research undertaken within JTRC, benfiiting both International and UK Industry sectors. Of specific significance is the deveopment of classification and qualification procedures for composite strengthening of buildings and bridges (CompClass), Sealant international test standard development. Bespoke training course development for adhesives (Bostick) and composites (Exova).  High profile knowledge exhange in the evolution of sustainable mass production electric motors (YASA Motors). Development of novel fatigue testing of multi-material bonded joints (3M). Reapir procedures for composite patch repair of civil and off-shore structures (H&S Executive) and, most recently, disbonding of structural joints for disassembly and End-of-Life recycling purposes (NCC).

Centres and institutes

Groups

Projects

Publications

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Professional information

Memberships of professional bodies

  • Board Member of the Soceity for Adhesion and Adhesives (SAA)
  • Review Board for the International Journal of Adheisves and Adhesion
  • Institute of Materials (IoM3)
  • SAMPE UK
  • COMPOSITES UK
  • CRYOX

Conferences

I am actively engaged in the delivery of several national and international conferences including Adhesion (SAA) and SAMPE EUROPE (SE Conference). 

Consultancy

I also provide consultancy and short- and long-term research contracts in most areas of adhesion and adhesive bonding, including failure analysis. Please contact me for a preliminary discussion of your requirements.