Dr. Pete Twigg

Biography

Pete Twigg heads the School of Engineering at Bradford, which comprises the mechanical, chemical and biomedical engineering disciplines.  He has been deeply involved in the development of healthcare science and technology education programmes, both at the University and at a national level. His research interests lie in the application of mechanical analysis to biological systems, ranging from cells to human movement. The biomaterials aspects of this work often build on his experience of micro- and nano-characterisation, making use of atomic force microscopy, nanoindentation and other engineering techniques, combined with biological and scientific techniques.  This has led to him heading national and international research projects such as soft tissue substitute materials, tissue fixation devices, tissue engineering and tissue characterisation. He also works with medical devices to develop "smart" solutions, such as instrumented walking aids for rehabilitation.

Research

Research Groups: Advanced Materials Engineering Research Groups: Advanced Materials Engineering Orthopaedics and prosthetics mechanics have been a research interest for some time, including joint replacement, fracture fixation, orthotics and lower limb prosthetics. Techniques vary from friction and wear simulation and testing, through pseudo-static and dynamic mechanical testing, to 3D kinetic analysis. The kinematic and kinetic work is largely done using an 8 camera Vicon motion capture system, which has also been applied to pre and post-operative clinical subjects and investigation of the role of vision in negotiating obstacles, among other studies. Physiological measurement, such as electromyography, has also been linked to some kinetic studies, such as the investigation of fatigue effects. Orthopaedics and prosthetics mechanics have been a research interest for some time, including joint replacement, fracture fixation, orthotics and lower limb prosthetics. Techniques vary from friction and wear simulation and testing, through pseudo-static and dynamic mechanical testing, to 3D kinetic analysis. The kinematic and kinetic work is largely done using an 8 camera Vicon motion capture system, which has also been applied to pre and post-operative clinical subjects and investigation of the role of vision in negotiating obstacles, among other studies. Physiological measurement, such as electromyography, has also been linked to some kinetic studies, such as the investigation of fatigue effects.

Professional activities

Publications