1) Finite element analysis of manufacturing processing techniques including additive manufacturing, mainly using Abaqus and SolidWorks software.

2) Development and improvement of metal additive manufacturing techniques with existing and novel materials. 

3) Residual stress determination and prediction methods.

4) Novel pedagogic approaches in engineering education.

Current modules include:

• Solid modelling with Solidworks for Technology Management students
• Metrology and Quality Systems for 4th year Technology Management and BE Design and Manufacture students.
• Finite element analysis with BE Design and Manufacture students.
• Manufacturing processing technology with 1st year engineering students

Prof. David Tanner received his degree (BA, BAI) in Mechanical / Manufacturing Engineering from Trinity College, Dublin in 1995. He then moved to the University of Limerick, where he completed his PhD entitled Measurement and finite element prediction of residual stresses in aluminium alloy 7010 forgings with Dr JS Robinson. After a one year post-doc at the University of Limerick, he worked from 1999 to 2001 with Alcan International research laboratories in Banbury, UK, on prediction and testing of the performance of aluminium joints for applications in the Jaguar XJ8. David returned to the University of Limerick in 2001 to work on a transmission electron microscopy (TEM) based project investigating welding technology of power plant steels (SmartWeld). He managed the TEM facility at the Materials and Surface Science Institute (MSSI) prior to obtaining a position as lecturer in Manufacturing Process Technology in September 2005 in the Manufacturing and Operations Engineering Department. David is now a member of the School of Engineering and Bernal Institute.  Hecontinues to undertake research in the areas of finite element analysis of metal working processes and engineering pedagogy.