Christopher Johnson

Christopher Johnson is a Reader in Nonlinear Dynamics and Applied Mathematics at the University of Manchester, UK, affiliated with the Department of Mathematics and the Manchester Centre for Nonlinear Dynamics. He leads the postgraduate research program in mathematics and supervises PhD students in fluid and granular flows. His research focuses on continuum mechanics, particularly geophysical flows such as avalanches, debris flows, and density currents. He actively promotes interdisciplinary collaboration across fluid dynamics and granular material science.

Education:

• PhD in Mathematics (2011), University of Manchester, supervised by Prof. J.M.N.T. Gray.

Research Interests:

• Continuum mechanics modeling of granular and fluid flows.
• Geophysical hazards such as debris flows and snow avalanches.
• Particle segregation and levee formation in granular systems.
• Dynamic behavior of metamaterials under impact loads.

Recent Work: His publications emphasize debris flow dynamics, granular heap stability, and fluid-particle interactions, with contributions to understanding vertical structure effects in granular-fluid systems and metamaterial wave propagation thresholds. His work bridges theoretical models with experimental data from the Manchester laboratories.

Advising & Grants: Director of postgraduate research, overseeing ~90 students annually. Collaborates with experimental groups in Switzerland and the USA, and leads projects funded by UKRI and university grants. Active in developing novel multiscale models for energy storage systems and granular dynamics.

Labs/Teams: Leads the Manchester Centre for Nonlinear Dynamics, collaborating with the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences and the Materials Science Institute.