I am Guowen Sun, a graduated PhD specialising specialising in advanced computational modelling and experimental characterisation of composites. I received my PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Sheffield under the supervision of Dr Christophe Pinna, Prof. Patrick Fairclough, and Dr Matt Smith, focusing on multiscale experimental characterisation and numerical simulation of tailored fibre placement (TFP) composites. My research bridges numerical simulation and experimental validation, with expertise in finite element modelling, digital volume correlation, and image‑based composite characterisation.

I have collaborated with industrial partners, including the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), to develop innovative modelling strategies for predicting the performance and damage evolution of complex composite structures.

I hold a Master’s degree in Advanced Mechanical Engineering from University of Sheffield and a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of the West of Scotland and a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Design and Automation from Changchun Institute of Technology.

Research Scope

PhD Project:

My PhD research focused on the multiscale modelling and experimental characterisation of tailored fibre placement (TFP) composites, with the aim of optimising manufacturing parameters and predicting mechanical performance. I developed integrated numerical–experimental approaches that combined finite element analysis, image‑based modelling from X‑ray computed tomography and scanning electron microscopy, and digital volume correlation. These methods enabled a detailed investigation of the influence of fibre architecture on strain localisation, crack initiation, and damage evolution, providing insights for the design of high‑performance composite structures in aerospace and automotive applications.

My Research Interests

1. Composite manufacturing simulation
2. Multiscale simulation
3. Multiscale experimental characterisation
4. Mechanical properties and strength prediction
5. Tailored Fibre Placement
6. Digital Image/Volume Correlation
7. Image processing
8. Automative simulation

Publications

Published:

1. Sun, G., Mitchell, R.L., Chen, Z., Omrani, F., Smith, M., Frias, C., Fairclough, J.P.A. and Pinna, C., 2025. 3D tensile fracture analysis of tailored fibre placement composites using digital volume correlation. Theoretical and Applied Fracture Mechanics, p.105127.

Under review:

1. Sun, G., Mitchell, R.L., Chen, Z., Omrani, F., Smith, M., Frias, C., Fairclough, J.P.A. and Pinna, C., 2025. X-ray Computed Tomography Characterisation of Damage Development in Tailored Fibre Placement Composites during in-situ Tensile Testing. Composite Part A.

To be submitted:

1. Guowen Sun, Farma Omrani, Matt Smith, Clara Frias, J. Patrick A. Fairclough, Christophe Pinna, “A comprehensive investigation on the fibre distribution behaviour: a case study of carbon fibre reinforced composites manufactured through Tailored Fibre Placement”.
2. Guowen Sun, Farma Omrani, Matt Smith, Clara Frias, J. Patrick A. Fairclough, Christophe Pinna, “A Mesoscopic Model of TFP Manufactured Composites based on the XCT Characterisation”.

Conferences

1. Sun, G., Mitchell, R., Chen, Z. et al. (4 more authors) (2023) 3D characterisation of the tensile failure of CFRPS manufactured through tailored fibre placement. In: Falzon, B. and McCarthy, C., (eds.) Proceedings of the 2023 International Conference on Composite Materials. 23rd International Conference on Composite Materials, 30 Jul - 04 Aug 2023, Belfast, United Kingdom. Queen’s University Belfast.
2. Sun, G., Mitchell, R., Chen, Z. et al. (4 more authors) (2024) 3D Characterisation of local deformation and damage developmeent in Tailored Fibre Placcement-manufactured composites under tensile loading. Proceedings of the SAMPE Conference 24 Belfast, 24th - 26th Sep 2024, Belfast, Northern Ireland.