Aaron Aaron

Mechanical Engineering PhD Candidate at Auckland University of Technology specialising in nonlinear mechanical metamaterials, physical neural networks (PNNs), computational modelling and finite element analysis.

Developing

Python-based one-dimensional granular-chain models with Hertzian contacts for nonlinear wave propagation and analogue mechanical information processing, with physical validation planned as the next phase. Experienced in Abaqus, ANSYS, SolidWorks, MATLAB and Python, and in AI-assisted engineering workflows using OpenAI Codex and Claude within VS Code.

Seeking

Auckland-based mechanical, simulation/FEA, R&D, product development, project engineering or manufacturing opportunities.

PhD Research - Physical Neural Networks and Nonlinear Granular Metamaterials at Auckland University of Technology (AUT) (2025-05 – Present)

Researching mechanical intelligence as emergent behaviour in architected metamaterial systems, with a current focus on physical neural networks (PNNs) for analogue information processing.

• Implemented a Python simulation of a one-dimensional nonlinear granular chain with Hertzian contacts to investigate contact dynamics and mechanical wave propagation.
• Developing parametric workflows to examine geometry, contact laws, connectivity and nonlinearity as design variables for filtering, signal transformation and memory-like behaviour.
• Using OpenAI Codex and Claude within VS Code as complementary coding and review agents, cross-checking numerical implementation, debugging, reproducibility and technical documentation.
• Preparing the experimental phase for the coming months, including contact calibration, instrumented prototype testing and numerical-to-physical validation.

Research Project - Nonlinear FEA of Multiscale Self-Similar Lattice Metamaterials at Auckland University of Technology (AUT) (2025-01 – 2025-12)

Modelled a solid cube and one-, two- and three-scale self-similar cubic lattices in Abaqus under compression, bending and shear loading.

• Established consistent material, element, coupling, boundary-condition and nonlinear analysis workflows for fair comparison across architectures.
• Performed mesh sensitivity and convergence studies; evaluated effective stiffness and Poisson's ratio under geometric nonlinearity and identified stiffness inflation from overly coarse meshes.

MSc Dissertation - Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Modelling for Silicon Oxide Coatings at University of Leeds (2023-01 – 2024-12)

• Conducted EIS testing with a KO235 flat corrosion cell to assess coating protectability in saline solution.
• Interpreted Nyquist and Bode plots and fitted impedance models in ZView to quantify resistance and assess process-parameter effects.

Teaching Assistant / Laboratory Demonstrator at Auckland University of Technology (AUT) (2026-01 – Present)

• ENGE500 Engineering Design: facilitate tutorials and workshops covering engineering sketching, design methodology, teamwork, project development and technical documentation.
• ENME615 Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer: demonstrate the thermal-conductivity laboratory and guide students in safe equipment operation, data collection, analysis and laboratory-report preparation.
• ENG502 Engineering Materials: supported tutorials and student learning on material behaviour, engineering concepts and structured problem-solving.
• Communicate technical concepts to students from varied backgrounds and provide practical guidance during individual and group activities.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Mechanical Engineering – Auckland University of Technology (AUT) (2025-05 – 2028-05)

MSc in Mechanical Engineering – University of Leeds (2022-09 – 2024-07)

Bachelor of Engineering in Engineering – Zhengzhou University of Aeronautics (2018-09 – 2022-06)