Department of Engineering / Profiles / Prof. Robin Langley

Department of Engineering

Prof. Robin Langley FREng

rsl21

Robin Langley

Emeritus Staff

Academic Division: Mechanics, Materials and Design

Email: rsl21@cam.ac.uk


Research interests

Much of Robin Langley’s research is centered on randomness and uncertainty in engineering dynamics.  The randomness may occur in the loading acting on a system (examples include random wave loading on marine structures and turbulent boundary layer excitation of aerospace and automotive structures), or in the system itself (for example manufacturing imperfections and uncertain system properties).  In all cases, the aim is to develop a fundamental understanding of the physics of the system behaviour and to develop mathematical and computational models that can be employed in engineering design.   The research includes methodologies for quantifying uncertainties, probabilistic inference, and the propagation of uncertainties through linear and nonlinear dynamic systems.  Particular applications of the research include:

  • The dynamics of marine systems
  • Noise and vibration in aerospace and automotive structures
  • High frequency electromagnetic compatibility

Robin Langley has extensive contacts with industry and he has been involved in the development of engineering software for noise and vibration analysis that is used by a wide range of industries.  He retired from the university in 2022 but is continuing with aspects of research as an Emeritus Professor.

Strategic themes

Complex, resilient and intelligent systems

The development of mathematical and computational models to predict the performance and reliability of engineering systems in the presence of uncertainties.

Other positions

  • Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering
  • Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society
  • Fellow of the Acoustical Society of America
  • Fellow of the Institute of Mathematics and Its Applications
  • Distinguished Fellow of the International Institute of Acoustics and Vibration
  • Chartered Engineer
  • Chartered Mathematician

Biography

Awards:

  • 1982 Lord Kings Norton Medal, Cranfield Institute of Technology
  • 2016 Doak Award
  • 2020 Rayleigh Medal, Institute of Acoustics (recorded lecture here)
  • 2023 Special Award for Outstanding and Sustained Contribution to Structural Dynamics, European Association of Structural Dynamics

Career:

1984-1991 Lecturer in Offshore Structures, Cranfield Institute of Technology

1991-1997 Senior Lecturer in Aerospace Structures, Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, University of Southampton

1997-1998 Professor of Structural Dynamics, Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, University of Southampton

1998-2022 Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge

1998-2021 Professorial Fellow, Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge

1999-2002 Deputy Head of Department (Graduate Studies), Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge

2007-2020 Head of the Division of Mechanics, Materials and Design, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge

2022-now  Emeritus Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge