Contact James Read
- Email: James.Read@cranfield.ac.uk
Areas of expertise
- Armour systems
- Defence Systems Engineering
- Explosives and Munitions
- Structures and Materials
- Weapons Engineering
Background
James is a PhD researcher undertaking doctoral studies at the Centre for Defence Engineering and Physical Science within 成人直播 Defence and Security, building on his prior achievement of an MSc in Explosive Ordnance Engineering. His research to date has primarily focussed on evaluating the penetration of protective materials by crossbow attacks to enhance protective technologies, examining behind-armour blunt trauma caused by projectiles of various geometries, and analysing the lethal effects of external improvised explosive device (IED) fragmentation.
A Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, James leverages his extensive expertise to support the academic progression of M-Level students, providing mentorship and supervising research projects across a diverse range of topics.
In 2024, James received the Defence Industry Early Careers Engineering Prize from the Atomic Weapons Establishment and The Worshipful Company of Engineers. This award recognised his innovation and achievement within the Defence Industry sector, particularly for his research into the lethality of IED fragmentation and the development of novel witness capture materials designed to advance protective solutions for the UK Armed Forces.
Current activities
James' doctoral research examines the viability of alternative soft tissue analogues for applications in survivability, wound ballistics, and forensic reconstruction. His work assesses their behaviour under varying strain rate impacts, with an emphasis on developing and characterising materials that enhance sustainability in research practises while delivering improved economic and ethical outcomes.
Clients
- Defence Equipment and Support (MOD)
- Defence Ordnance, Munitions and Explosives (OME) Safety Regulator (DOSR)
- National Protective Security Authority
- Defence Science and Technology Laboratory
- Defence Ordnance Safety Group