FE modelling; Composite materials; Manufacturing processes; Multiphysics modelling; Non-linear optimisation; Structural analysis and optimisation; Circular economy

Fernando began his studies in mechanical engineering at the University of Seville, obtaining in 2014 a five-year long BEng + MEng 2:1. This period was decisive to know his passion for numerical modelling and composite materials. Fernando developed outstanding skills in these subjects that helped him pass his master's thesis on the study of different transverse fracture toughnesses of fibre reinforced polymers with distinction. This research continued in 2015 allowing Fernando to work for a year as a Research Fellow at the University of Seville.

Between 2016 and 2021, Fernando studied a PhD on the  finite element modelling of composite machining operations at the University of Sheffield. Numerous investigations were carried out to understand the cutting tool/workpiece interaction physics. Nine journals were published including four leading top-5 journals on composite materials such as Composite Structures or Composite Science and Technology. He attended numerous prestigious national and international conferences on topics such as machining, finite element or composite.

Subsequently, he worked for two years as a Research Associate in a project based on the development of Perovskite photovoltaic (PPV) cells on carbon fibre substrates. Fernando's role used advanced manufacturing methods to achieve the PPV cells strict quality demands. In addition, he supervised different PhD and Master's projects in the area of composites complementing a strong background in manufacturing, modelling and testing of composites.

Fernando recently joined Coventry University to develop an optimization framework for sustainable design of composite structures. This work is part of a European project called r-LightBioCom that includes fifteen institutions from five different countries. He will develop the optimization of materials, structures, or recycling and manufacturing techniques investigated by project partners from an economic and environmental perspective. Fernando will apply his vast knowledge in this subjects for the implementation of this complex optimization framework.

I am interested in the high potential of fibre reinforced polymers (FRP) structures in the future. These materials have a wide range of possible combinations of resins, fibres and nanoparticles that make them optimal for obtaining an endless number of tailored properties that adapt to multiple applications. However, its high cost and ecological impact hinders its implementation in most industrial sectors. Only the aeronautical sector uses this material massively due to its excellent strength-to-weight ratio. Therefore, the study of new FRP constituents, manufacturing and recycling techniques to reduce the costs and ecological impact associated with these components is demanded. In addition, the design of the FRP components must be supported by powerful numerical simulations to optimize their structural performance and increase the competitiveness of these products in the market.