Tugrul Comlekci

Dr. Tugrul Comlekci is a Principal Knowledge Exchange Fellow at the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department within the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Strathclyde. He is also affiliated with the Weir Advanced Research Centre (WARC), where he specializes in research and knowledge exchange activities with industrial applications. As a chartered mechanical engineer (CEng MIMechE), his work bridges academic research with practical engineering solutions for industry.

Dr. Comlekci's research focuses on structural integrity assessment, solid mechanics, and modeling, with expertise in developing both numerical (particularly finite element analysis) and experimental methodologies. His work has significant applications in:

• Pressure equipment for oil and gas industry applications
• Energy generation applications, particularly wind turbine structures
• Welding simulation for naval vessel fabrication
• Fatigue and corrosion fatigue analysis

His research portfolio demonstrates a strong emphasis on practical industrial applications, with notable contributions including:

• Patented fracking pump fluidend valve seat design that improved pump fatigue life
• Autofrettage optimization solutions applied to numerous pump designs
• Wind turbine life assessment methodologies developed for SSE/Scottish Power
• Weld distortion analysis methodologies for BAE Systems

Dr. Comlekci has successfully translated research into industrial practice, with technologies transferred to Weir SPM and methodologies adopted by major industry players. His publication record shows consistent output in high-impact journals focusing on structural steel performance, fatigue analysis, and crack propagation.

As an educator, Dr. Comlekci teaches across all levels, with interests in structural integrity, computer-aided engineering design, finite element analysis (using ANSYS, PTC Creo, SolidWorks), aeromechanical engineering, and engineering business strategic analysis. He supervises undergraduate, MSc, and PhD projects, contributing to the development of next-generation engineers.

His current research projects include:

• Development of a DEM tool for wear prediction and design optimisation of GET (2024-2027)
• Development of Sustainable Mining Equipment using Novel Fracture Mechanics based Structural Design Optimisation (2023-2026)
• Wind turbine fatigue life assessment and modelling (2016-2018)
• APESA (H2020 MSCA EID) project (2015-2019)

Dr. Comlekci works closely with industry partners including Weir Group, SSE/Scottish Power, and BAE Systems, ensuring his research has direct practical applications and impact in the engineering sector.