معرفی
Dr Chris Braithwaite is a Research Fellow in the Surfaces, Microstructure and Fracture (SMF) Group at the Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge. He has been affiliated with the SMF Group since completing his Natural Sciences degree at King's College, Cambridge in 2004, progressing through PhD studies to his current research position focused on material behavior under extreme conditions.
His academic background includes:
- Natural Sciences undergraduate degree at King's College, Cambridge (2000-2004) with projects on image correlation techniques and projectile deformation analysis
- PhD in the SMF Group (2005-2009) sponsored by De Beers and Rio Tinto, investigating shock properties of geological materials for mining industry applications
Braithwaite's research centers on experimental characterization of material deformation and fracture, with expertise in digital image correlation methods applied to high-strain-rate phenomena. His work bridges fundamental materials science with industrial geomechanics applications, particularly in mining-related modeling. The SMF Group provides specialized facilities including the Cambridge Atom Scattering Centre for his experimental investigations into surface science and fracture mechanics.
As a Research Fellow, he supervises PhD students and engages in consultancy work. His research group maintains strong industry partnerships, continuing the tradition of applied materials research established during his PhD sponsorship by major mining corporations. Outside academia, he actively coaches rowing for King's College Boat Club, maintaining his undergraduate athletic involvement.
