Research interests
Dr Pete Watson has an overall research interest in the application of integrated experimental - computational techniques, to investigate skeletal adaptation in relation to biomechanical loading. More specifically, he uses 3D visualisation to capture small intricate features of complex anatomical structures (e.g. trabecular arrangements), and a range of computational modelling techniques to analyse the multi-body dynamics of musculoskeletal movement. This includes simulating the complex movement between independent structures (such as kinesis, multi-segment joints, or unconstrained joints) through both inverse and forward dynamics. He is interested in the application of finite element analysis (FEA) to investigate the functional relationship between skeletal adaptation and biomechanical loading / environments. This includes accurately modelling complex anatomical features in terms of their structure (often containing thin structures and a combination of hard and soft tissues) and material properties.
Dr Watson also has a research interest in the application of finite element analysis (FEA) in topology optimisation of structures. Although this has potential in predicting how skeletal features adapt to biomechanical loading, he also researches topology optimisation of other (non-anatomical) structures, in particular, how topology optimisation can be combined with Design for Manufacture (DfM).
Dr Watson’s research also has an emphasis on validation of computational modelling, in terms of determining the data required to prove a model is accurate for a specific application. This investigates: 1. the number of input parameters (requiring experimental data) necessary for accurate computational modelling predictions; 2. how accurate experimental input data needs to be (e.g. subject-specific data vs average population data) to obtain accurate computational model predictions. Understanding how to validate a computational model is applicable to biomechanical modelling in a range of fields, and Dr Watson has an interest in its application to in silico medicine, with the potential of replacement, reduction, and refinement (3Rs) of animal experiments.
Dr Watson uses integrated experimental - computational techniques in a range of research areas:
• The functional link between bone adaptation and force during evolution
• Cranio-cervical biomechanics
• Influence of biomechanics on growth during ontogeny
• Bone fracture mechanics
• Application of in silico medicine in achieving 3Rs
• Material property analysis of hard and soft tissue
• Topology optimisation in structural mechanics
If you are interested in working with Dr Watson, or would like to study for a PhD in any of these areas please, please email p.j.watson@hull.ac.uk.
Postgraduate supervision
Dr Watson welcomes PhD applications in the following areas:
• Musculoskeletal / Multibody dynamic modelling of movement
• Finite element of bone biomechanics
• Micro-finite element modelling
• Topology optimisation in structural mechanics