Associate Dean of Teaching, Learning and Assessments / Programme Leader / Associate Professor
Mechanical Engineering Programme
School of Computing and Data Science
Academic Qualifications
PhD in Biomedical Engineering
MSc in Mechanical Engineering Design
BSc in Mechanical Engineering Solid Design
Associate fellow - Higher Education Academy
Associate degree in Mechanical Machinery
Professional Experience
Dr Ariyan Ashkanfar-Appleton completed a BSc in Mechanical Engineering, followed by a Distinction in his MSc in Mechanical Engineering Design at the University of Manchester. He went on to be awarded a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), where his doctoral work focused on finite element analysis (FEA) and Python programming to develop computational wear algorithms for orthopaedic applications. Following his PhD, he joined Newcastle University as a Postdoctoral Research Associate and finite element specialist, leading advanced wear analyses of artificial human joints and supporting multidisciplinary teams in orthopaedic engineering. He subsequently returned to LJMU as a Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering Design, where for around a decade he taught and developed modules in design, mechanics and finite element analysis, supervised undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD projects, and contributed to programme accreditation and curriculum review activities. In 2022, his contribution to high-quality teaching was commended under the UK Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). In 2025 he joined Oryx University, where in his current role he combines academic leadership, quality assurance and programme development with responsibility for the design and delivery of the Mechanical Engineering curriculum and the enhancement of teaching, learning and assessment practices across the Colleges at Oryx University.
Research Interests
Dr Ariyan Ashkanfar-Appleton’s research focuses on mechanical modelling and finite element (FE) analysis, with a particular emphasis on the durability and performance of engineering and biomedical systems. His work includes developing computational wear and fatigue algorithms for orthopaedic implants and mechanical components, modelling complex contact interactions and impact loading, and using Python scripting to automate and extend FE simulations. He has a strong interest in material modelling and characterisation, including complex materials, composites and additively manufactured structures, where he combines simulation with experimental testing such as fatigue, impact and standard mechanical tests. Across these activities, his research aims to link high-fidelity models with robust experimental data to optimise design and understand failure mechanisms.
Selected Publications
Pitt, C.N., Ashkanfar, A., English, R., Naylor, A., Öpöz, T.T., Langton, D.J. and Joyce, T.J., 2025. Development of a bespoke finite element wear algorithm to investigate the effect of femoral centre of rotation on the wear evolution in total knee replacements. Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials, 163, p.106843.
Ashkanfar, A., Toh, S.M.S., English, R., Langton, D.J. and Joyce, T.J., 2024. The impact of femoral head size on the wear evolution at contacting surfaces of total hip prostheses: A finite element analysis. journal of the mechanical behavior of biomedical materials, 153, p.106474.
Naylor, A., Ashkanfar, A., Liu, X. and English, R., 2023. Knee wraps are detrimental to the maximal squat performance of powerlifters competing in lower weight classes. Kinesiology, 55(2), pp.282-288.
Toh, S.M.S., Ashkanfar, A., English, R., Rothwell, G., Langton, D.J. and Joyce, T.J., 2023. How does bicycling affect the longevity of Total Hip Arthroplasty? A finite element wear analysis. journal of the mechanical behavior of biomedical materials, 139, p.105673.
