The Applied Mechanics research group contains four subgroups: Computational Mechanics, Dynamics and Vibration, Transportation, and MEMS.

The computational mechanics group unites researchers who solve mechanical problems using numerical algorithms. The applicable length scale ranges from the atomic to off-shore structures, and methodologies include molecular dynamics, PDE solvers, finite elements and discrete dislocation dynamics.

Dynamics and Vibration research is directed at the many challenging problems associated with the design and operation of modern engineering structures, ranging from development of fundamental theory and innovative computational tools to application-based research into topics such as offshore structures, vehicles, ground-borne vibration and musical instruments.

Transportation research covers the range of interactions between vehicle dynamics, the driver, and the road structure. Research ranges from novel systems for steering, braking and anti-roll control in heavy vehicles, through the failure mechanisms and lifetime estimation of pavement surfaces, to the interaction between the dynamics of a vehicle and the physical and mental actions of its driver.

MEMS research includes the design, fabrication and testing of novel micro-electro-mechanical devices and a wide spread of topics involving the friction, wear and lubrication of sliding or rolling surfaces, ranging from traditional macroscopic systems to applications in MEMS.