The University of Sheffield
Department of Mechanical Engineering

Dr Andrew Johnson

B.Eng (Sheffield), PhD (Hull), C.Eng, F.I.Mech.E

Dr A R Johnson

Senior Lecturer

Admissions Tutor (Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Studies)

Department of Mechanical Engineering
The University of Sheffield
Mappin Street, Sheffield, S1 3JD

Telephone: +44 (0) 114 222 7741
Fax: +44 (0) 114 222 7890

email : a.r.johnson@sheffield.ac.uk

Profile

Andrew Johnson graduated from the Department in 1974 and joined Pirelli General as a Research Engineer investigating aspects of large high voltage underground cables. In 1976 he moved to Cambridge University as a Research Assistant working on Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing. In 1980 he was appointed as the first lecturer in the newly formed Department of Design and Manufacturing at the University of Hull where he was involved in setting up the new department and undergraduate course. During his time at Hull he also conducted research on fluid flow in rotating turbo-machinery for which he was awarded a PhD. In 1985 he moved back to Sheffield as a lecturer in Dynamics and was promoted to Senior lecturer in 1993.

He has always had a keen interest in teaching and has taught a wide range of courses. His current teaching is mainly in Engineering Mechanics. He has also undertaken numerous administrative roles within the department including Departmental Examinations Officer from 1995-1998 and Director of Teaching from 1996-2004. He is currently the Admissions Tutor for the undergraduate courses. He has been on many Faculty and University committees, at University level he is currently on working groups looking at various Teaching, Assessment and Regulations issues throughout the University.

In addition to his academic activities, he is a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and a Chartered Engineer.

Research Interests

Andrew works with an active group working on the application of Smart Fluids in a variety of applications, including damping and vibration control, clutches and positioning devices. Two fluids are used, firstly Electro-Rheological Fluids, which change their characteristics with an applied electric field, and secondly Magneto-Rheological Fluids, which change their characteristics with an applied magnetic field.

One research theme is using a pair of high-speed electro-rheological clutches that are linked by a belt to produce a traversing mechanism. This is more flexible than existing mechanical devices and allows repeatable high-speed operation, combined with the flexibility of electronic control. A recent development has seen the addition of an electro-rheological brake to the mechanism and an arm, which allows the concept to be extended into high speed and lightweight robotics.

Andrew also works on the computer modelling and simulation of wire rope roadway safety fences. These fences consist of wire ropes supported by posts and are used in the central reservations and at the edges of roadways. The group has developed a computer simulation of fences that allows the design of the fence to be investigated. This has resulted in improved designs that reduce the severity of impacts whilst protecting other road users. The simulation is being developed to broaden the application of the safety fence and to enable it to meet all international crash test standards.

Teaching

Andrew has taught a wide variety of subjects. His main current teaching duties are the following first year modules which are taught to Mechanical, Aerospace, Biomedical, Combined, Automatic Control and Systems Engineering students.

MEC112 Fundamental Engineering Mechanics
MEC116 Engineering Mechanics

Selected Publications