Different types of transport methods

Lectureship in Thermal Management / Electrical Machines

We are seeking a Lecturer or Senior Lecturer to join the Vehicle Futures Hub.

Find out more and apply: Lecturer or Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering.

The Vehicle Future Hub (VFH) is a new centre developed to bring together the vast expertise in vehicle technologies within the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College London, and beyond. We endeavour to take a systems engineering approach to the global challenge of tackling sustainability, efficiency and affordability in engineering for transport.

We are committed to the Imperial Sustainability and Net-zero Strategy (https://www.imperial.ac.uk/sustainability/) which includes educating future scientists and equipping them to empower a more sustainable world as they begin to lead in their fields, and transforming perceptions on fuel consumption and manufacturing. By taking a systems approach to these goals, the VFH will pave the way for exciting new collaborations and opportunities to shape the future of transport. 

The VFH engages with the global communities which are solving the world most complex problems in transport and environmental change. We are building networks with long-term industrial, government and research collaborators to drive forward change. Find out more at the Imperial Global website: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/about/global/. 

Below are some examples of how we already empower future generations of scientists to engage in sustainable transport and reducing climate emissions. 

Academic from Vibration UTC teaching students about turbines

Academic from Vibration UTC teaching students about turbines

3rd year Undergraduate testing water transport project design

3rd year Undergraduate testing water transport project design

Student testing types particles

Student testing tyres particles

Meet our Executive Board

Professor Aimee Morgans

Professor Aimee Morgans
Professor of Thermofluids

Dr Amir Kadiric

Dr Amir Kadiric
Reader in Mechanical Engineering & Chair of the VFH Executive Board

Professor Gregory Offer

Professor Gregory Offer
Professor in Electrochemical Engineering & Director of the VFH

Professor Mike Lowe

Professor Mike Lowe
Professor of Non-Destructive Testing & Head of Department

Internal Collaborations

Within the Department of Mechanical Engineering we already host many experts in fields relating to transport and Vehicle technology. Our goal is to bring these systems together to drive forward positive change in land, sea and air travel mechanisms.

Our goal is to invest and expand in multiple new areas of research which will compliment existing strengths in the Faculty.

Our Collaborations

Turbomachinery

The Turbocharger testing Group works on exhaust gas recovery and turbocharging efficacy.

Visit the Turbomachinery Group webpage

Composites

Within our Mechanics of Materials Research Group is research investigating strain rates and impact behaviour of composites, such as those vehicles are built from. This is important for safety, but also in ensuring ethical material sourcing and development.

Visit the Composite Groups website

Aerodynamics

Aimee Morgans lab focuses on the drag created by vehicles. Less drag = less fuel and more efficiency!

Visit the Morgans lab webpages

Our Collaborations2

Lubricants & Damage Mechanism

Our Tribology Research Group focuses on reducing fatigue in materials and ensuring proper lubrication of components. For vehicles, this is key in ensuring not only efficiency, but also to maintain economic value.

Visit the Tribology Group page

Aeroelasticity & Vibrations

The Dynamics Group focuses on Aircraft engines efficiency and development. This includes emissions and safety.

Visit the Dynamics Group webpages

Future Fuels

The Thermofluids Division is led by Professor Pavlos Aleiferis, who investigates low-carbon energy & propulsion systems, including looking at future fuels.

Visit Prof Aleiferis's PWP page

Our Collaborators3

Batteries & Electrochemical Synthesis

Energy Storage is key in ensuring future, low-carbon fuels can be used and stored efficiently and safety. Our Electrochemical Science and Engineering Research Group focus their time on exactly that!

Visit the Batteries Group webpage

Manufacturing optimisation

A systems approach to transport starts with design and manufacture. Our Metal Forming Group looks at those processes to ensure safety, durability, economic value, and environmental consideration.

Visit the Metal Forming Group webpage

Non-Destructive Evaluation

Ever wonder how scientist test materials and components without eroding, damaging or destroying the inspection items? The NDE group uses novel techniques to ensure quality control across a huge range of real-world items, including vehicles, engines and fuels systems.

Visit the NDE webpage

PhD Opportunities in Mechanical Engineering

PhD study

Early Career Research Fellowships

Find out more about applying for early career fellowships in our department

Cross-Faculty research centres

The Hamlyn Centre for Surgical Robotics