About Stephen Kirkup
Stephen Martin Kirkup is a researcher and academic whose work focuses on numerical methods and their application to engineering and science. He works within the John Tyndall Institute to advance STEM research and scholaship of the University of Lancashire. His profesional profile is listed on LinkedIn . His primary contact email is stephen@kirkup.info and he is open to any ideas for collaboration or external roles.
Kirkup's research publications can be found on the publications page or on Google Scholar and ResearchGate .
His research has particularly emphasised the boundary element method (BEM), inverse problems, finite-difference time-domain methods and the development of computational software for engineering analysis.
His research interests include acoustics, boundary element methods, partial differential equations, numerical analysis and fluid-structure interaction.
Stephen Kirkup's Computational Approach
Mathematical Model → Numerical Method → Computer Software → Engineering Simulation → Physical Interpretation
University of Lancashire
Stephen Kirkup's research has been associated with the University of Central Lancashire, now the University of Lancashire.
Repository records identify him with the university's engineering and computing research environment and list his work under areas including engineering, construction, mathematics and physics.
The LinkedIn Group Boundary Element Method has been created to connect the people interested in the Boundary Element Method.
Engineering
Application of mathematical and numerical techniques to engineering problems.
Numerical Methods
Development and implementation of numerical algorithms for scientific and engineering analysis.
The LinkedIn Group Numerical Methods has been created to connect the people interested in the numerical mathematics field. You can also link to the LinkedIn profile Numerical Analyst.
Mathematics
Numerical analysis, partial differential equations, integral equations and mathematical modelling.
The LinkedIn Group Mathematics has been created to connect the people interested in mathematics. You can also link to the LinkedIn profile Mathematical Modeller.
Physics
Application of computational methods to acoustic and wave-propagation problems.
Research
Kirkup describes his research area as numerical methods in engineering, with particular emphasis on the development, analysis, implementation and application of computational methods.
boundary element methods
Numerical solution of boundary-value problems using integral-equation formulations.
The LinkedIn Group Boundary Element Method has been created to connect the people interested in the Boundary Element Method.
Inverse Problems
Developing methods for determining unknown physical properties from observed or measured effects.
Finite-Difference Methods
Numerical approximation of differential equations using discrete spatial and temporal grids.
Acoustics
Computational modelling of acoustic fields and sound radiation.
Vibro-Acoustics
Study of the interaction between structural vibration and acoustic fields.
Numerical Analysis
Investigation of accuracy, convergence and efficiency of numerical algorithms.
Numerical Methods
Numerical methods provide ways of obtaining approximate solutions to mathematical problems that cannot conveniently be solved analytically.
Kirkup's research sits at the intersection of mathematical analysis, numerical computation and engineering application.
Partial Differential Equations
Equations describing physical fields that vary with space and time.
Integral Equations
Equations in which the unknown function occurs inside an integral.
Discretisation
Converts continuous mathematical problems into finite computational systems.
Numerical Linear Algebra
Provides computational techniques for solving the systems of equations generated by numerical methods.
The boundary element method
The boundary element method is a numerical technique for solving certain boundary-value problems by reformulating the governing differential equation as an integral equation on the boundary.
One important advantage of the BEM is that a problem involving a volume domain can sometimes be represented using only its boundary, reducing the dimensionality of the numerical model.
Computational Acoustics
A major part of Kirkup's work concerns the numerical modelling of acoustic fields.
His research includes computational solutions to acoustic radiation problems governed by the Helmholtz equation and related integral-equation formulations.
You can also link to the LinkedIn profile Acoustics Research and Development.
Acoustic Radiation
Calculation of the sound field produced by vibrating surfaces.
Helmholtz Problems
Numerical treatment of frequency-domain acoustic wave problems.
Modal Analysis
Calculation of acoustic and structural modes and their associated frequencies.
Sound Power
Computational prediction of acoustic power radiated by engineering structures.
The Helmholtz Equation
The Helmholtz equation is fundamental to frequency-domain acoustics.
Here, p represents acoustic pressure and k is the acoustic wavenumber.
Boundary element techniques can transform the problem into an integral equation defined over the boundary of the acoustic domain.
Acoustic Computation
Wave Equation → Helmholtz Equation → Boundary Integral Equation → BEM → Acoustic Field
Inverse Problems
An inverse problem attempts to determine unknown causes or properties from observed effects.
Inverse problems occur in many areas of science and engineering, including imaging, acoustics, heat transfer, geophysics and system identification.
Kirkup's research profile identifies inverse problems as one of the principal areas of his numerical-methods research.
Finite-Difference Time-Domain Methods
The finite-difference time-domain methods (FDTD) approach solves wave equations by discretising both space and time.
FDTD methods are particularly useful when transient wave propagation and time-dependent phenomena need to be modelled.
Scientific Software
An important feature of Kirkup's research is the implementation of numerical methods in computer software so that they can be used as practical engineering analysis tools.
His research profile explicitly describes the development, analysis and implementation of numerical methods in software, with the aim of incorporating the resulting software into engineering design and analysis.
Algorithms
Mathematical procedures are converted into computational algorithms.
Implementation
Algorithms are translated into executable scientific software.
Verification
Numerical results are compared against analytical solutions, benchmark problems or other established methods.
Engineering Application
Software is applied to practical physical and engineering problems.
Engineering Applications
Computational numerical methods can provide engineers with tools for predicting physical behaviour before a component or system is manufactured.
Acoustic Engineering
Prediction of sound radiation, acoustic fields and noise.
Automotive NVH
Analysis of noise, vibration and harshness in vehicles.
Aerospace
Numerical modelling can support acoustic, structural and aeroacoustic analysis.
Fluid-Structure Interaction
Investigation of the interaction between fluids and deformable structures.
Electromagnetics
Boundary methods can also be applied to selected electromagnetic field problems.
Mathematical Engineering
Mathematical models provide quantitative tools for engineering design and analysis.
Selected Publications and Research Outputs
Kirkup has produced a substantial body of work in numerical methods, acoustics, boundary element methods and computational engineering. His online research profile lists hundreds of publications and other research outputs.
| Year | Research output | Area |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 / 2007 | The boundary element method in Acoustics | Computational Acoustics / BEM |
| 2007 | DC Capacitor Simulation by the boundary element method | Engineering Simulation |
| 2019 | The boundary element method in Acoustics: A Survey | Acoustics / Numerical Methods |
| 2019 | The boundary element method in Excel for Teaching Vector Calculus and Simulation | Engineering Education |
| 2020+ | Further work in numerical methods, computational acoustics, inverse problems and engineering simulation | Computational Engineering |
The boundary element method in Acoustics: A Survey
One of Kirkup's notable publications is The boundary element method in Acoustics: A Survey, published in Applied Sciences in 2019.
The paper reviews the boundary element method in the context of acoustic and Helmholtz problems, including standard interior and exterior acoustic problems, modal analysis, half-space problems and acoustic fields surrounding thin screens.
"The boundary element method in Acoustics: A Survey"
Applied Sciences, 9(8).
The boundary element method in Acoustics
Kirkup is also the author of The boundary element method in Acoustics, a work devoted to the application of boundary element techniques to acoustic problems.
The work was first published in 1998 and subsequently issued in electronic form in 2007, with corrections and amendments.
The boundary element method in Acoustics
Stephen Kirkup
Boundary Integral Equations · Numerical Analysis · Acoustic Radiation · Computational Acoustics
Engine Noise and Acoustic Prediction
Kirkup's research has also addressed computational methods for engine-noise prediction.
Research outputs associated with his work describe the use of finite-element methods for vibratory analysis and boundary element methods for acoustic analysis and sound-power prediction.
Teaching and Engineering Education
Kirkup's work has also included the use of computational methods for teaching mathematics, numerical analysis and engineering.
A 2019 research output describes the use of the boundary element method in Excel for teaching vector calculus and simulation.
Numerical Analysis
Students can learn how mathematical problems become computational algorithms.
Vector Calculus
Computational examples can connect mathematical theory with engineering applications.
Simulation
Computer models allow students to explore physical systems experimentally.
Engineering Software
Implementation helps connect mathematical methods with practical engineering design.
Mathematical Foundations
The research area associated with Kirkup's work draws on several branches of applied mathematics.
Calculus
Provides the mathematical language for continuous physical systems.
Partial Differential Equations
Describe many field and wave phenomena.
Integral Equations
Provide the mathematical foundation of many boundary-element formulations.
Linear Algebra
Provides the computational machinery for solving discretised systems.
Numerical Analysis
Studies accuracy, stability, convergence and computational efficiency.
Complex Analysis
Important in mathematical formulations of wave and acoustic problems.
Computational Science
Kirkup's work illustrates the role of computational science as a bridge between mathematical theory and practical engineering.
This approach is characteristic of modern computational engineering, where physical models are converted into numerical algorithms and implemented as software for design and analysis.
Major Research Themes
| Research area | Role in Kirkup's work |
|---|---|
| boundary element method | Numerical solution of boundary-value and wave problems |
| Acoustics | Computational modelling of acoustic fields and radiation |
| Numerical Analysis | Development and analysis of numerical algorithms |
| Inverse Problems | Determination of unknown physical properties from data |
| FDTD | Time-domain numerical modelling of wave phenomena |
| Fluid-Structure Interaction | Interaction between acoustic/flow fields and structures |
| Engineering Software | Implementation of numerical techniques in practical computer programs |
| Computational Education | Use of numerical methods and software in teaching mathematics and engineering |
Academic and Professional Significance
The research area represented by Kirkup's work is important because engineering increasingly depends on computational prediction.
Design
Numerical models can be used before physical prototypes are constructed.
Prediction
Engineers can estimate physical behaviour under different operating conditions.
Optimisation
Computational models can be used to compare alternative designs.
Diagnostics
Inverse methods can help identify unknown causes from measured effects.
Academic and Research Timeline
Kirkup's early research included numerical methods and boundary element approaches to engineering problems.
His doctoral work included the solution of exterior acoustic problems using the boundary element method.
Research developed around computational acoustics, boundary element methods and engineering simulation.
The first edition of The boundary element method in Acoustics was published.
Research expanded across numerical methods, acoustic radiation, engine noise, inverse problems and engineering software.
Kirkup continued research and teaching in computational engineering and numerical analysis at the University of Central Lancashire.
Publication of the major review The boundary element method in Acoustics: A Survey.
His research profile continues to encompass numerical methods, computational engineering, acoustics and related scientific computing.
Stephen Kirkup and Computational Engineering
Stephen Kirkup's work provides an example of how mathematical methods can be transformed into practical computational tools for engineering.
Mathematics → Computation → Engineering
Partial Differential Equations
↓
Boundary / Integral Methods
↓
Numerical Algorithms
↓
Scientific Software
↓
Engineering Simulation
His particular contribution has been strongly associated with the development and application of numerical methods for acoustics and other engineering problems, especially the boundary element method. His research profile lists acoustics, boundary element methods, partial differential equations, numerical analysis and fluid-structure interaction among his interests.
Research Sources
Research repository containing Kirkup's publications and research outputs.
Stephen Martin Kirkup, Applied Sciences, 2019.
Research profile documenting his numerical-methods, acoustics and computational-engineering interests.
Summary
Stephen Kirkup is associated with research at the University of Lancashire in numerical methods and computational engineering, with particularly strong connections to acoustics and the boundary element method.
His work encompasses:
- boundary element methods;
- numerical analysis;
- computational acoustics;
- acoustic radiation;
- the Helmholtz equation;
- inverse problems;
- finite-difference time-domain methods;
- fluid-structure interaction;
- vibro-acoustics;
- engineering simulation;
- scientific software;
- mathematical modelling;
- numerical linear algebra; and
- engineering education.