Rob Benham

Rob Benham

Course Leader

Warsash School of Maritime Science and Engineering

023 8201 3327 ext. 3327 Room no. RM312

Biography

Rob joined the team in 2004 as a part-time lecturer. A former student at Solent University (then Southampton Institute) he studied on the mechanical design pathway. He went on to complete his PGCE in post-compulsory education at Oxford Brookes University.   

Rob has worked in calibration engineering and taught at different colleges prior to working at Solent University. He's involved with the laboratory lessons in engineering, materials, mechanics and also tutors maths. "The lab sessions are a good way of seeing how things work in practice; they offer a 'hands-on' approach to learning," he comments. Rob works closely with the technicians to ensure the sessions run smoothly and make them a key part of learning. 

Rob completed his MSc in Science with the Open University and further postgraduate study included forensic engineering, imaging in medicine and developing research skills.

Rob is now programme leader for the engineering courses at Solent University and also admissions tutor.

When not teaching or studying he likes travelling, visiting must-see archaeological sites and to see films.

Work in progress

Having just revalidated the programme, Rob is keen to explore some more areas of research and has recently acquired new equipment for the department, including software which it is hoped will further enhance both learning and project work for staff and students. Rob has also been involved with local schools and colleges and has participated in a range of STEM events.

Taught courses

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BEng (Hons) Electronic Engineering
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BSc (Hons) Engineering Design and Manufacture
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HNC Engineering

Further information

Awards

Over the course of his career, Rob has received academic awards. Follow the link below to find out more.
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  • MSc (Open) Science – Pass with Merit.
  • BEng (Hons) Mechanical Design.
  • PGCE (post-compulsory education).

Industry experience

Rob has extensive experience of work within the engineering industry. This section contains more information about Rob’s work history and any advantageous industry links he maintains.
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Prior to undertaking his degree, Rob worked in calibration engineering. He has spent the past nine years at Southampton Solent University and is now engaged in research activities and likes to involve industry-based problems in his work.

Recent publications

Find out more about Rob’s recent publications. Publications can include articles in academic journals; book chapters or full books; creative projects; conference participation and multimedia works.
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Benham, R., 2011. 'An empirical study of a comparison of the failure modes of two polymeric materials cut using different manufacturing methods'. Proceedings of the International Conference on Design and Advances in Mechanical Engineering (ICDAAME–2011), 16-17 December, 2011, SKP Engineering College, India.  

Benham, R. and Rehman, F., 2011. 'Evaluation of a design concept selection tool by reasoning context knowledge'. Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Manufacturing Research ICMR 2011, 6-8 September, 2011, Glasgow Caledonian University.

Benham, R., Miller, E., Rae, M. and Rehman, F.,  2012. 'Design and development of a new and novel vehicle roof top ladder clamping system'. Proceedings of the 26th International Conference on Manufacturing Research ICMR 2012, 11-13 September, 2012, Aston University.

Benham, R., Miller, E., Rae, M. and Rehman, F.,  2012. 'A comparison of the failure modes of PMMA and polypropylene test pieces cut using different manufacturing methods'.

Proceedings of the 26th International Conference on Manufacturing Research ICMR 2012, 11-13 September, 2012, Aston University.

Research interests

Rob's research interests lie in the areas of materials testing. Follow the link below to find out more.
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Researching into materials testing and engineering design; Rob is currently preparing for the next ICMR conference which includes investigating the behaviour of rapid prototype specimens and research into improvement of their strength characteristics.