معرفی
Joseph Banks is an Associate Professor in Ship Science at the University of Southampton, specializing in experimental and computational fluid dynamics with applications spanning marine engineering and elite sports performance. His work bridges theoretical fluid mechanics with real-world solutions for sustainable shipping and Olympic athlete optimization.
Dr Banks earned his First Class undergraduate degree in Ship Science (Yacht and Small Craft) from the University of Southampton in 2009, followed by a PhD developed in collaboration with British Swimming and UK Sport for the London 2012 Olympic Games. His doctoral research established foundational experimental tools for aquatic sports biomechanics.
His research program centers on four interconnected pillars:
- Performance Sport Engineering: Partnering with the UK Sports Institute to enhance swimming, sailing, rowing, and bobskeleton performance through fluid resistance analysis
- Wind-Assisted Shipping: Leading the Innovate UK-funded 'Winds of Change' project to implement FastFig wing sails on commercial vessels
- Fluid-Structure Interaction: Developing Digital Image Correlation methods for flexible composite marine structures
- Numerical Resistance Modeling: Applying CFD to optimize propulsion systems across ships and athletic equipment
Recent publications (2021-2025) reveal a distinctive interdisciplinary signature, merging marine hydrodynamics with sports biomechanics through advanced experimental-computational approaches. Key trends include underwater motion capture validation for swimming techniques and yaw moment analysis for wind-propelled commercial shipping.
Dr Banks currently supervises four doctoral candidates in Engineering and Environment while leading the 'Winds of Change' research consortium with Smart Green Shipping Ltd. His work receives strategic support from UKRI and industry partners focused on decarbonizing maritime transport.
He actively shapes his field through leadership roles as Secretary of the International Towing Tank Conference's 'Energy Saving Methods' committee and editorial board membership for the Journal of Sailing Technology.
