David Asquith

Dr. David Asquith is a Senior Lecturer in Aerospace Engineering at Sheffield Hallam University, affiliated with the Department of Engineering and Mathematics and the Materials and Engineering Research Institute (MERI). He holds a BSc in Engineering Physics (2001), an MPhil in Mechanical Engineering (2004, University of Sheffield), and a PhD in Materials Science (2008, University of Sheffield). His research focuses on experimental mechanics, particularly fatigue and fracture analysis of materials, with expertise in residual stress characterization using synchrotron and neutron diffraction. He specializes in metallic materials like aluminum and has recently expanded into elastic polymers and composites.

Teaching responsibilities include modules such as Aerospace Engineering Principles, Aerospace Structures and Dynamics, and Atomic and Nuclear Physics. His current research explores size effects in fracture specimens and non-contact optical methods like 3D Digital Image Correlation (DIC), which he introduced at SHU. He collaborates with institutions including Plymouth University and Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, and leads Innovate UK-funded projects with industrial partners like Sheffield Forgemasters and Tinsley Bridge Ltd through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP).

Dr. Asquith’s interdisciplinary work bridges experimental and computational methods, with past contributions to robotics through autonomous platform development. He actively participates in academic committees (e.g., BSI Toughness Committee) and serves on course validation and PhD examination panels. His group at MERI includes Dr. Vasileos Pasialis and PhD students Shakeel Ahmed and Mahsoud Bigharaz.