Peter Dunning

Dr. Peter Dunning is a Lecturer in the School of Engineering at the University of Aberdeen, specializing in advanced computational methods for structural and aerospace engineering. He leads PhD supervision and teaches core engineering courses, including Fundamentals of Engineering Materials and Group Design Projects. His academic credentials include a PhD in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Bath (2011) and Chartered Engineer status with IMechE (2016).

Research Areas:

• Multiscale Reliability-Based Optimization of Composite Materials
• Geometric Nonlinear Topology Optimization
• Aeroelastic Structure Design for UAVs and Aircraft
• Metamaterial Development via Computational Methods

Recent Publication Trends: His 2025-2024 work focuses on UAV winglet optimization, offshore wind turbine mooring systems, and thermal-mechanical metamaterials. Earlier studies (2023-2019) address buckling constraints, composite reliability, and aerostructural design. All research integrates advanced numerical methods with practical engineering applications.

Scientific Awards:

• Nominated for Best Supervisor (Postgraduate Research) - Runner-up
• Multiple Best Undergraduate Lecturer nominations
• Excellence in Postgraduate Teaching (2017/18)

Supervision: Currently advising PhD candidates in floating offshore wind systems and composite design. Former students include experts in wave energy extraction and geometrically nonlinear aeroelastic analysis. He also serves as a reviewer for 12+ international journals.