Metrology for Non-Traditional Engineering Materials
Recent research at the University of Nottingham has uncovered exciting opportunities to apply advanced metrology to non-traditional engineering materials (NTEM), opening new value streams in emerging and underserved sectors.
These materials, ranging from organic and heritage objects to next-generation composites, present unique measurement challenges that fall outside traditional engineering standards.
We are developing new frameworks, protocols and cross-disciplinary approaches to address these gaps and enable reliable, high-precision surface characterisation.
Our research pathways
Heritage, Art & Conservation (HAC)
We are advancing non-destructive characterisation techniques for delicate and historically significant materials. Our work supports:
- Measurement under conservation conditions
- Preservation and analysis of fragile artefacts
- Object biography, provenance assessment, and accurate authentication
Through collaborations with the University of Nottingham Museum, we are developing casting and replication protocols that capture fine topographical features on bone and other organic artefacts, informing both archaeological interpretation and modern metrology practice.
Organic, Medical & Biomimetic (OMB)
We are extending surface measurement to complex biological and bio-inspired materials, including:
- Soft tissue characterisation
- Implant verification and surface inspection
- Measurement of natural materials such as plants and vegetables
These efforts support medical device innovation, biomimetic design, and the study of naturally occurring surface textures.
Emerging NTEM Categories
We are developing measurement approaches for advanced materials that exhibit non-traditional behaviour, such as:
- Next-generation composites
- Environmentally responsive and adaptive materials
- Engineered metamaterials with unique optical, acoustic, or mechanical properties
This work underpins future manufacturing technologies and the development of materials with precision-tailored functionalities.