Christopher Wensrich

Associate Professor Christopher Wensrich is a faculty member in the School of Engineering at the University of Newcastle, Australia, specializing in Mechanical Engineering. He has a strong background in applied mechanics from both computational and experimental perspectives, with significant expertise in granular mechanics, neutron diffraction strain measurement, and Bragg-edge transmission strain tomography.

Education:

• PhD, University of Newcastle
• Bachelor of Mathematics, University of Newcastle
• Bachelor of Engineering, University of Newcastle

Professor Wensrich's research focuses on several interconnected areas within mechanical engineering and materials science. His primary expertise lies in granular mechanics, spanning from micromechanics and homogenization of granular systems to analytical modeling of granular dynamics (particularly the silo quaking problem) and computational modeling using the Discrete Element Method (DEM). He is also a pioneer in applying neutron diffraction strain scanning techniques to granular systems. In the broader field of applied mechanics, he has made significant contributions to neutron diffraction-based strain measurement, including breakthroughs in Bragg-edge Transmission Strain Tomography, where he demonstrated the world's first practical application outside of simple axisymmetric systems.

His publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on developing and applying advanced techniques for strain measurement and reconstruction in granular and composite materials. His recent work has centered on tomographic reconstruction methods using neutron diffraction, with particular emphasis on Bragg-edge techniques for 2D and 3D strain field reconstruction. His research bridges theoretical mathematics, computational methods, and experimental validation, creating a robust framework for non-destructive stress measurement in complex materials.

Professional Recognition:

• President of the Australian Neutron Beam User Group (ANBUG) since December 2022
• Member of the ACNS Program Advisory Team at ANSTO (Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation) since March 2019
• Visiting Fellow at Clare Hall College, Cambridge University (January-June 2023)
• Visiting Researcher at Isaac Newton Institute for Mathematical Sciences (January-June 2023)

Professor Wensrich has secured substantial research funding, with a total of $5,478,793 across 42 grants. His funding portfolio includes projects from the Australian Research Council (ARC), ANSTO, and international partners like Oakridge National Laboratory and Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex. He has successfully supervised 11 PhD and Masters students to completion, with research topics spanning granular mechanics, conveyor systems, and neutron strain tomography. His current research involves collaborations with institutions worldwide, focusing on advanced strain measurement techniques and their application to complex material systems.