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Prof Philippe Young

Synopsys Chair of Computational Mechanics

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Telephone: 01392 723639

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Professor Philippe G. Young holds the Synopsys Chair of Computational Mechanics within the College of Engineering, Mathematics, and Physical Sciences. Professor Young has been with the University of Exeter for 22 years, beginning as a Lecturer in Engineering in 1996. Prior to this, he held positions as a Research Fellow at the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research (ISVR) in Southampton and as a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the University of Western Ontario in Canada, where he was also awarded his PhD. In 2013 Professor Young won Lecturer of the Year at the University of Exeter Teaching Awards, voted for by the students. In addition to a wide range of EPSRC, EU and TSB grants, Professor Young was awarded a five year EPSRC Advanced Research Fellowship and a Royal Society Leverhulme Research Fellowship. Since 2018, Professor Young has been Guest Professor at the China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), China.

Synopsys Simpleware Product Group

In 2000 Professor Young founded the company Simpleware Ltd. through research he was carrying out as an Advanced Fellow at the University. Simpleware is a high technology spin-off company from the University of Exeter. In 2016 Simpleware was acquired by Synopsys, Inc., one of the world’s largest software companies. Professor Young is the Synopsys R&D Director for Simpleware software, used for 3D image processing (from MRI, CT, micro-CT, for example) and model generation for CAD, 3D Printing, and CAE applications. As Simpleware Ltd., the company won consecutive Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in 2012 and 2013, recognising efforts in innovation and growing overseas business. Other awards include the Praxis Unico Business Impact – Aspiring Award in 2012 and an Institute of Physics (IOP) Innovation Award in 2013.

Research

Professor Young’s primary research interests lie in biomechanics, solid mechanics and image analysis. This involves the development of novel techniques which lie at the interface between a number of research areas including image processing, material science and numerical simulation. Professor Young has been an EPSRC College member since 1999.

Biomechanics

  • Numerical modelling of head injury mechanisms and design and optimisation of injury mitigating structures/environments (helmets, dashboards …)
  • Numerical and experimental modelling of orthopaedic implants (hip and shoulder) under both static and dynamic loading conditions.

Solid Mechanics

  • Elastic theory: Novel thin, moderately thick and three dimensional shell theories.
  • Experimental and numerical analysis of the response of composite structures to impact.

Image Analysis

  • Development of algorithms for medical image segmentation.

Teaching

Teaching interests:

  • Computational Mechanics
  • Solid Mechanics
  • Vibrations
  • Mechanical Engineering Design Studies

Professor Young holds several academic administrative roles within the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences: