Pedro Antunes

Pedro Antunes is a Principal Research Fellow at the Institute of Railway Research (IRR) within the University of Huddersfield's School of Computing and Engineering. His work focuses on advancing railway dynamics, particularly pantograph-catenary interaction and vehicle-track dynamics. He holds MSc and PhD degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Instituto Superior Técnico (University of Lisbon), where his PhD research on co-simulation methods earned the Lagrange Award.

Research Interests:

• Dynamic analysis of pantograph-catenary systems
• Vehicle-track interaction modeling
• Hardware-in-the-loop testing
• Rail electrification systems
• Multibody dynamics and co-simulation techniques

Recent Work Trends: Over 15 years, his publications emphasize innovative numerical methods for railway electrification challenges. Recent studies (2022–2025) highlight advancements in mechatronic pantograph design, aerodynamic load modeling, and virtual prototyping tools. His work bridges computational mechanics with industry needs, addressing safety, efficiency, and sustainability in rail operations.

Key Awards:

• Lagrange Award (PhD Thesis)

Advising & Collaboration: Actively supervising PhD candidates and collaborating on EU/industry projects. Supports railway industries through consulting and R&D, particularly in electrification project analysis.

Labs/Teams: Core member of IRR, leading dynamic simulation and co-simulation initiatives. Engages in international conferences, including the 28th IAVSD Symposium and Peloton Electrification webinars.