Video
PAIR Distinguished Lecture : New Measurement Strategies for Data-driven Mechanics
Prof. Vikram DESHPANDE of the University of Cambridge delivered a PAIR Distinguished Lecture titled “New measurement strategies for data-driven mechanics” on 26 February 2026 at the PolyU campus. The event attracted nearly 100 in-person participants and reached an impressive online audience of more than 15,700 across various social media platforms.
In his presentation, Prof. Deshpande explored three advanced mechanical measurement techniques emerging from lab-based X-ray technology. Firstly, dynamic tomography enables high-resolution 3D visualisation of high-speed material deformations. Secondly, digital volume correlation (DVC) offers a pioneering method for tracking internal strain within nominally homogeneous materials. Finally, synchrotron technologies utilise energy diffraction to measure local stresses in complex, statically indeterminate specimens, and recent innovations are enabling these once large-scale methods to be realised within standard laboratory environments.
Prof. Deshpande also emphasised that by shifting the experimental paradigm, these methods provide the high-fidelity datasets essential for training sophisticated models. He stressed that the ultimate goal is to enable engineers to simulate the performance of complex materials with unprecedented accuracy, effectively eliminating the costly and time-consuming “trial-and-error” design loops that currently hinder industrial innovation. Such advancements mark a pivotal step in turning the promise of data-driven engineering into a practical reality.
In conclusion, Prof. Deshpande noted that the democratisation of synchrotron-level capabilities is opening new avenues for understanding material behaviour and uncovering new physics in both modern and classic materials.
Event date: 26/2/2026
Speaker: Prof. Vikram DESHPANDE
Hosted by: PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research
In his presentation, Prof. Deshpande explored three advanced mechanical measurement techniques emerging from lab-based X-ray technology. Firstly, dynamic tomography enables high-resolution 3D visualisation of high-speed material deformations. Secondly, digital volume correlation (DVC) offers a pioneering method for tracking internal strain within nominally homogeneous materials. Finally, synchrotron technologies utilise energy diffraction to measure local stresses in complex, statically indeterminate specimens, and recent innovations are enabling these once large-scale methods to be realised within standard laboratory environments.
Prof. Deshpande also emphasised that by shifting the experimental paradigm, these methods provide the high-fidelity datasets essential for training sophisticated models. He stressed that the ultimate goal is to enable engineers to simulate the performance of complex materials with unprecedented accuracy, effectively eliminating the costly and time-consuming “trial-and-error” design loops that currently hinder industrial innovation. Such advancements mark a pivotal step in turning the promise of data-driven engineering into a practical reality.
In conclusion, Prof. Deshpande noted that the democratisation of synchrotron-level capabilities is opening new avenues for understanding material behaviour and uncovering new physics in both modern and classic materials.
Event date: 26/2/2026
Speaker: Prof. Vikram DESHPANDE
Hosted by: PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research
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