Dr Alexander Sancho is a Manufacturing Engineer at the Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC), part of the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, UK. He is currently leading several research programmes in collaboration with renowned companies, mainly in the aeronautic sector. In particular, his research focuses on superplastic forming (SPF) and hot forming technologies, development and optimization of forming processes and modelling of materials, processes and systems through Finite Elements and Computational Fluid Dynamics.

He received his PhD in 2019 from Imperial College London, where he researched ductile damage and fracture of metallic materials, with a particular focus on deformation at high strain-rates and different temperatures. He studied these aspects both from an experimental and a modelling point of view, developing ultimately material models that represented damage and fracture in high strain-rate and temperature conditions.

From an industrial point of view, Dr Sancho worked as a Stress Analyst in ITP Aero before completing his PhD. In his current role he aims to combine his industrial and academic backgrounds and expertise, and apply them to deliver research which is of high value for the aeronautic industry and others.

Hot forming technologies

Superplastic Forming (SPF)

Development of tailored manufacturing equipment

Manufacturing processes optimization through modelling, testing and development of novel technologies

Materials characterisation and modelling – material models development

Finite Elements (FE) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis

Thermal and thermo-mechanical modelling

- Engineering Consultant at ICON (Imperial College Consultants), London, UK (Oct 2016 - Aug 2018)

Performed mechanical testing and characterization of materials at different strain-rates and temperatures. Various consulting projects successfully delivered for leading companies in the manufacturing, aerospace and defense sectors.

- Turbine Airfoils Stress Analyst at ITP (Industria de Turbopropulsores S.A. - now ITP Aero), Bilbao, Spain (Oct 2013 - Jan 2015)

Conducted stress assessments of gas turbine low pressure turbine components (blades & nozzle guide vanes). Involvement in multi-project tasks of Rolls-Royce Trent engines and Europrop TP400 engine.

His main accountabilities included:

- Stress analyses (static, plastic, low and high cycle fatigue, creep, vibrations, fracture).

- Evaluation of failure of components and deterioration causes and consequences.

- Stress support to engines in-service sustaining (development & certification engines, production engines’ overhaul events).

- Stress support to production (blades & NGVs manufacturing).

- Components testing support (fatigue characterization, frequency and modal shape check tests, strain gauges vibration measurements in telemetry engines).