Dr Jichun Li ERAS

Jichun is a lecturer/senior lecturer in the School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering.  He is currently the course leader for Mechatronic Engineering and Electric Engineering and Telecommunication. He teaches on undergraduate/postgraduate modules related to robotics, instrumentation and control, automotive electric and electrical system and engineering management.

Jichun holds a Ph.D. degree in mechanical engineering from King’s College London, University of London, U.K. His research is focused on design and development on bespoke robotics, data acquisition systems, NDT, EV battery research and AI solutions for industries and laboratories in medical, chemical, environmental, life science, energy and agri-food areas. He has been leading and working on projects from EU, EPSRC and Innovate UK most recently. He has published over 20 research articles on modularized robotics, fibre optic sensors, liquid handling, image processing and machine learning at conference and in journals including IEEE transactions on Robotics and Journal of Biomedical and Physics Engineering. He is a member of IEEE, IET and IMeChE.

Find out more about Jichun’s research via his website.

Project: Modelling ultrasonic probes-connective tissue interaction on a phantom foot model using advanced finite element method and vibration analysis towards better shockwave therapy of plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition in the tough band of connective tissue along the sole of the foot, affecting 1 in 10 people at some point during their lifetime. Shockwave therapy (SWT), a therapeutic use of power ultrasonic waves, is emerging as a popular treatment method for treating plantar fasciitis especially when conservative treatments such as stretching, or orthoses fail to be effective. However, the mechanisms through which ultrasonic waves act to enhance the healing process are still unknown. Limited research has been done on finite element modelling of radial shock wave therapy for chronic plantar fasciitis. This project will investigate modelling ultrasonic probes-connective tissue interaction on a 3D phantom foot model using advanced FEA and sensing information analysis to achieve better SWT of plantar fasciitis. The research methodology involves literature review, CAD modelling, FEA modelling, experiments and optimized design. The methodologies derived through this research will pioneer research areas related to treatment of several musculoskeletal disorders. The work will also enable the derivation of an array of PhD projects aiming to imprint a strong research footprint in medical devices, numerical simulation, and power ultrasonic.