Personal profile

Academic Background

Dr Thomas Anthony Haynes is a computational modeller focusing upon developing novel local (finite element) and non-local (phase-field and peridynamics) multiphysics techniques to understand material and component failure at the engineering scale in nuclear systems. When materials are exposed to elevated temperatures and neutron fluxes over both extended periods of time and during transients, they develop complicated stress fields due to phenomena such as thermal expansion, swelling, densification, creep and plasticity. These stress fields can result in damage and ultimately failure. In seeking a mechanistic and quantitative understanding of these fields and the resulting damage, a contribution can be made to the safety, efficiency and reliability of the systems upon which sustainable development in a net-zero context depends.

Dr Haynes has previously modelled pellet-clad interaction in the UK’s advanced gas-cooled reactors using finite element analysis; failure of composite SiC/SiC claddings for accident tolerant fuels using peridynamics; coated particle (TRISO) fuels for advanced modular reactors using peridynamics; oxidation of the zirconium-based alloys current employed in light water reactors; and blankets for fusion reactors. His research is characterised by industrial collaboration and he maintains close links with the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the National Nuclear Laboratory and EDF Energy.

Teaching Interests

  • ENG-3001Y Foundations of Engineering
  • ENG-4008Y Engineering Principals & Analysis (Dynamics)
  • ENG-6011B Nuclear Engineering & Technology
  • ENG-6008Y Engineering Major Project
  • ENG-7011B Nuclear Engineering & Technology with Advanced Topics
  • ENG-7105X Energy Engineering Dissertation.

Areas of Expertise

  • Nuclear Engineering
  • Solid Mechanics
  • Finite Element Analysis
  • Non-Local Computational Mechanics
  • Materials Science
  • Peridynamics

Key Responsibilities

  • Director of Foundation Year (School of Engineering, Maths & Physics)
  • Disability Liaison Officer (School of Engineering, Maths & Physics)
  • Engineering software co-ordinator (School of Engineering, Maths & Physics)
  • Welcome week co-ordinator (School of Engineering, Maths & Physics)
  • Senate representative (Faculty of Science)
  • Director of Foundation Year (Faculty of Science)

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  • SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy

Education/Academic qualification

Doctor of Engineering, Finite Element Modelling of Nuclear Fuel Performance in Advanced Gas-Cooled Reactors, Imperial College London

20132018

Award Date: 8 May 2019

Master of Science, Nuclear Engineering, Imperial College London

20122013

Award Date: 1 Oct 2013

PGCE, Secondary Education

20092010

Award Date: 30 Jun 2010

Bachelor of Arts, Natural Sciences (Physics), University of Cambridge

20062008

Award Date: 28 Jun 2008

External positions

Honorary Lecturer, Imperial College London

12 Nov 2024 → …

UK Observer, Expert Group on Fuel Materials, Expert Group on Fuel Materials, Expert Group on Fuel Materials, , OECD Nuclear Energy Agency

19 Dec 2022 → …

Board Representative, UK Association for Computational Mechanics

27 Feb 2022 → …

Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years

Recent external collaboration on country/territory level. Dive into details by clicking on the dots or