John Hart

Doctor John Hart MEng. PhD. FHEA.

Senior Research Fellow


Summary

Dr John Hart is a Senior Research Fellow with expertise in design and prototyping, specialising in the development of innovative solutions in sports technology.  His skills in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) enable him to analyse and enhance performance in various sporting contexts. Additionally, John is passionate about applying his engineering knowledge to healthcare, focusing on creating devices and systems that improve health outcomes.

Through collaboration and research, he aims to bridge the gap between sports technology and engineering, fostering advancements that benefit both athletes and healthcare practitioners.  In addition to his research John teaches on MSc Sports Engineering. 

About

Dr John Hart is a Senior Research Fellow within the Sports Engineering Research Group (SERG) at the School of Sport and Physical Activity. With over 20 years experience he is an expert in design and fluids, specialising in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) design, prototyping, and 3D measurement. John delivers engineering solutions to a diverse range of clients within the sports and healthcare sectors both in the UK and internationally.

John studied at The University of Sheffield obtaining a MEng degree in Mechanical engineering) and subsequently completed his PhD there in “computational fluid dynamic analysis of supersonic ejectors”, prior to joining SERG in 2003. Since this time, he has built an established international reputation within the sports engineering community for the development of novel IP protected products and solutions, backed by peer reviewed outputs. 

His research into the aerodynamic behaviour of badminton shuttlecocks led to him designing the first true outdoor shuttlecock for Badminton England (BE), jointly patent protected with Sheffield Hallam University in China and Europe, and commercialised with Decathlon as the Feenixx PSC530. Prior to this he utilised his skills and knowledge in the manipulation of turbulence in contract research that enabled PING Golf to develop and launch the patented G30 golf driver. John continues to develop physical product for International clients, the likes of Babolat, and JR286, but has also supported local manufacturers such as GoalFix with their design protected eye-masks for disability sport. This stream of outputs has now resulted in a new research partnership with Golf Pride, the world’s largest golf grip manufacturer.

John also applies his engineering knowledge to healthcare, focusing on creating devices and systems that improve health outcomes. Through collaboration with ADMRC staff and the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals speech therapy services, his research created a device for improving patient care of dysphagia suffers that is currently being protected and commercialised. He is currently working with Tectores Ltd, on solutions that address healthcare needs of amputees leading to a healthier more active life. 

John previously led the MSc Sports Engineering course for five years and continues to teach on its associated modules. He also worked for four years on the Erasmus+ funded Alliance for Sports Engineering Education on which he was a lead applicant. This is a European consortium of universities and industry partners that sort to boost cross sectoral cooperation through creation of a collaborative ecosystem of enterprises, HEI’s, associations and federations. He sat on the project management board and led one of the six work packages in communication and dissemination. Throughout he led on the development of new, innovative, and multidisciplinary approaches, shaping sports innovation curricular and fostering a seamless integration of academia and industry.

 

Teaching

Erasmus+ funded Alliance for Sports Engineering Education (A4SEE)
https://a4see.com/


Sports Engineering Research Group

MSc Sports Engineering

 

Modelling Mechanics of Sports Engineering Design and Innovation

Research

Current research themes include:
Sports projectile related aerodynamics
Development of novel equipment for use by dysphagia sufferers
Development and assessment of impact safety standards

 

 

Babolat
Golf Pride
JR286
Badminton England
Decathlon
PING Golf
UKSI
Abbeyfield Research Foundation
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals

 

 

Publications

Key Publications

Guignard, B., Rouard, A., Chollet, D., Bonifazi, M., Dalla Vedova, D., Hart, J., & Seifert, L. (2020). Coordination Dynamics of Upper Limbs in Swimming: Effects of Speed and Fluid Flow Manipulation. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 1-12. http://doi.org/10.1080/02701367.2019.1680787

Hart, J., Potts, J., & James, D. (2018). Comparison of turbulence modelling approaches in simulation of a feather shuttle; a porous conical bluff body. Sports Engineering, 21 (4), 465-478. http://doi.org/10.1007/s12283-018-0293-y

Elliott, N., Choppin, S., Goodwill, S., Senior, T., Hart, J., & Allen, T. (2018). Single view silhouette fitting techniques for estimating tennis racket position. Sports Engineering, 21 (2), 137-147. http://doi.org/10.1007/s12283-017-0243-0

Dunn, M., Hart, J., & James, D. (2018). Wearing electronic performance and tracking system devices in Association Football: Potential injury scenarios and associated impact energies. Proceedings, 2 (6), 232-237. http://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2060232

Guignard, B., Rouard, A., Chollet, D., Hart, J., Davids, K., & Seifert, L. (2017). Individual-environment interactions in swimming: The smallest unit for analysing the emergence of coordination dynamics in performance? Sports Medicine, 47 (8), 1543-1554. http://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-017-0684-4

Hart, J. (2016). Comparison of turbulence modeling approaches to the simulation of a dimpled sphere. Procedia Engineering, 147, 68-73. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2016.06.191

Journal articles

Haid, D., Foster, L., Hart, J., Greenwald, R., Allen, T., Sareh, P., & Duncan, O. (2023). Mechanical metamaterials for sports helmets: structural mechanics, design optimisation, and performance. Smart Materials and Structures, 32 (11). http://doi.org/10.1088/1361-665x/acfddf

Haid, D., Duncan, O., Hart, J., & Foster, L. (2023). Free-fall drop test with interchangeable surfaces to recreate concussive ice hockey head impacts. Sports Engineering, 26 (1). http://doi.org/10.1007/s12283-023-00416-6

Thelwell, M., Bullas, A., Kühnapfel, A., Hart, J., Ahnert, P., Wheat, J., ... Choppin, S. (2022). Modelling of human torso shape variation inferred by geometric morphometrics. PLOS ONE, 17 (3). http://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0265255

Duncan, O., Allen, T., Birch, A., Foster, L., Hart, J., & Alderson, A. (2020). Effect of steam conversion on the cellular structure, Young's modulus and negative Poisson's ratio of closed-cell foam. Smart Materials and Structures, 30 (1), 015031. http://doi.org/10.1088/1361-665X/abc300

Tiller, N., Turner, L., Hart, J., & Casaburi, R. (2020). Airflow dynamics and exhaled-breath temperature following cold-water ingestion. Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology, 284, 103564. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.resp.2020.103564

Thelwell, M., Chiu, C.-.Y., Bullas, A., Hart, J., Wheat, J., & Choppin, S. (2020). How shape-based anthropometry can complement traditional anthropometric techniques: a cross-sectional study. Scientific Reports, 10 (1), 12125. http://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-69099-4

Hart, J., & Potts, J. (2020). Numerical Investigation of the Flow around a Feather Shuttlecock with Rotation. Proceedings, 49 (1), e28. http://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2020049028

Duncan, O., Naylor, G., M, J.G., Allen, T., Foster, L., Hart, J., & Alderson, A. (2020). Plantar Pressure Distribution under Uniform and Gradient Foam during Running and Jumping. Proceedings, 49 (1), e116. http://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2020049116

Dunn, M., Davies, D., & Hart, J. (2020). Effect of Football Size and Mass in Youth Football Head Impacts. Proceedings, 49 (1), e29. http://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2020049029

Guignard, B., Rouard, A., Chollet, D., Bonifazi, M., Dalla Vedova, D., Hart, J., & Seifert, L. (2019). Upper-to-lower limb coordination dynamics in swimming depending on swimming speed and aquatic environment manipulations. Motor control, 23 (3), 418-442. http://doi.org/10.1123/mc.2018-0026

Chiu, C.-.Y., Thelwell, M., Senior, T., Choppin, S., Hart, J., & Wheat, J. (2019). Comparison of depth cameras for three-dimensional reconstruction in medicine. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part H: Journal of Engineering in Medicine, 233 (9), 938-947. http://doi.org/10.1177/0954411919859922

Driscoll, H., Hart, J., & Allen, T. (2016). Use of image based sports case studies for teaching mechanics. Procedia engineering, 147, 884-889. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2016.06.284

Driscoll, H., Bullas, A., King, C., Senior, T., Haake, S., & Hart, J. (2016). Application of Newtonian physics to predict the speed of a gravity racer. Physics Education, 51 (4), 1-7. http://doi.org/10.1088/0031-9120/51/4/045002

Hart, J. (2014). Simulation and understanding of the aerodynamic characteristics of a badminton shuttle. Procedia engineering, 72, 768-773. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2014.06.130

Henrikson, E., Wood, P., & Hart, J. (2014). Experimental investigation of golf driver club head drag reduction through the use of aerodynamic features on the driver crown. Procedia Engineering, 72, 726-731. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2014.06.123

Probst, H., Bragg, C., Dodwell, D., Green, D., & Hart, J. (2014). A systematic review of methods to immobilise breast tissue during adjuvant breast irradiation. Radiography, 20 (1), 70-81. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2013.10.008

Lukes, R., Hart, J., & Haake, S. (2012). An analytical model for track cycling. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part P: Journal of Sports Engineering and Technology, 226 (2), 143-151. http://doi.org/10.1177/1754337111433242

Probst, H., Taylor, A., Bragg, C., Dodwell, D., Haake, S., Hart, J., ... Shuttleworth, P. (2012). PO-0956 support positioning and organ registration during breast cancer irradiation : the Support 4 All study. Radiotherapy and Oncology, 103 (S1), S376-S377. http://doi.org/10.1016/S0167-8140(12)71289-6

Wheat, J., Hart, J., Domone, S., & Outram, T.A. (2011). Obtaining body segment inertia parameters using structured light scanning with Microsoft Kinect. Journal of Sports Sciences, 29 (s2), 23-24. http://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2011.609363

Rowson, J., Yoxall, A., & Hart, J. (2008). Modelling capping of 28 mm beverage closures using finite element analysis. Packaging Technology and Science, 21 (5), 287-296. http://doi.org/10.1002/pts.803

Hart, J., Curtis, D., Hamilton, N.D.R., & Haake, S. (2004). Scanning large geometries for use in computational fluid dynamic analysis. .

Bullough, W.A., Hart, J.H., & Chin, S.B. (2003). Comparative studies: CFD, experimental and analytical techniques in the fluids laboratory. International journal of mechanical engineering education, 31 (2), 150-159. http://www.manchesteruniversitypress.co.uk/uploads/docs/310150.pdf

Conference papers

Dawber, W., Foster, L., Senior, T., & Hart, J. (2024). Design development of a repeatable helmet test system for public order threat recreations. In Carfagni, M., Furferi, R., Di Stefano, P., Governi, L., & Gherardini, F. (Eds.) Third International Conference on Design Tools and Methods in Industrial Engineering, ADM, Florence, Italy, 6 September 2023 - 8 September 2023 (pp. 169-176). Springer Nature Switzerland: http://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-58094-9_20

Ali, K., Shafizadeh, M., Nasr, N., Balchin, T., Hart, J., & Kelley, J. (2024). Older stroke survivors and rehabilitation therapists views on home-based resistance exercise for upper limbs. Age and Ageing, 53 (Supp 1). http://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afad246.128

Dawber, W., Foster, L., Senior, T., & Hart, J. (2023). Traumatic Brain Injury Predictions Amid Equestrian Activity with Realistic Biomechanical Constraints. 2023 IRCOBI Conference Proceedings, 637-638. http://www.ircobi.org/wordpress/downloads/irc23/pdf-files/2381.pdf

Haid, D., Duncan, O., Hart, J., & Foster, L. (2023). Adaptable Mechanical Metamaterial for Ice Hockey Helmet Liners. 2023 IRCOBI Conference Proceedings, 23 (123), 972-973. https://www.ircobi.org/wordpress/downloads/irc23/pdf-files/23123.pdf

Thelwell, M., BULLAS, A., KUHNAPFEL, A., Hart, J., AHNERT, P., Wheat, J., ... CHOPPIN, S. (2020). Allometry Between Measures of Body Size and Shape in a Large Population-Based Cohort. Proceedings of 3DBODY.TECH 2020 - 11th International Conference and Exhibition on 3D Body Scanning and Processing Technologies, Online/Virtual, 17-18 November 2020. http://doi.org/10.15221/20.10

Delaye, S., Streeter, P., Morales, E., Wood, P., Senior, T., Hart, J., & Allen, T. (2016). Modelling the Sound of a Golf Ball Impacting a Titanium Plate. Procedia engineering, 147, 354-359. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2016.06.309

Lukes, R., Hart, J., Potts, J., & Haake, S. (2014). A CFD analysis of flow around a disc. Procedia Engineering, 72, 685-690. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2014.06.116

Clarkson, S., Choppin, S., Hart, J., Heller, B., & Wheat, J. (2012). Calculating body segment inertia parameters from a single rapid scan using the Microsoft Kinect. In 3rd International Conference on 3D Body Scanning Technologies, Lugano, Switzerland, 16 October 2012 - 17 October 2012. http://www.3dbodyscanning.org/2012/

James, D., MacDonald, D.C., & Hart, J. (2012). The effect of atmospheric conditions on the swing of a cricket ball. Procedia engineering, 34, 188-193. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2012.04.033

Allen, T., Hart, J., Spurr, J., Haake, S., & Goodwill, S.R. (2010). Validated dynamic analysis of real sports equipment using finite element; a case study using tennis rackets. Procedia engineering, 2 (2), 3275-3280. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2010.04.144

Hart, J., Allen, T., & Holroyd, M. (2010). Downhill skateboard aerodynamics. Procedia engineering, 2 (2), 2523-2528. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2010.04.026

Hart, J., Curtis, D., & Haake, S. (2006). Computational fluid dynamic analysis of a water ski jumper. In Moritz, E.F., & Haake, S. (Eds.) Engineering of sport 6, (pp. 401-406). Springer: http://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-46050-5_71

Book chapters

Nickel, L., Haid, D., Duncan, O., Hart, J., & Foster, L. (2024). Reliability of a Test Method to Assess Ice Hockey Head Impacts. In Lecture Notes in Mechanical Engineering. (pp. 152-160). Springer Nature Switzerland: http://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-58094-9_18

Haid, D., Duncan, O., Hart, J., & Foster, L. (2024). Proof-of-Concept of an Adaptable Mechanical Metamaterial for Ice Hockey Helmet Liners. In Lecture Notes in Mechanical Engineering. (pp. 161-168). Springer Nature Switzerland: http://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-58094-9_19

Larmen, R., Turnock, S., & Hart, J. (2008). Mechanics of the bob skeleton and analysis of the variation in performance at the St. Moritz world championship of 2007. In Estivalet, M., & Brisson, P. (Eds.) The engineering of sport 7. (pp. 117-125). Springer: http://doi.org/10.1007/978-2-287-09413-2_14

Hart, J., Haake, S., Gazzara, R., & Pezzato, M. (2007). Improved aerodynamic design of tennis racket frames. In Miller, S., & Capel-Davis, J. (Eds.) Tennis science and technology 3. (pp. 121-127). International tennis federation

Lukes, R.A., Hart, J.H., Chin, S.B., & Haake, S. (2005). The role and validation of CFD applied to cycling. In Proceedings of the Fluent user group meeting, Warwick, UK. (pp. 65-75). Fluent

Lukes, R.A., Hart, J.H., Chin, S.B., & Haake, S. (2005). Validation of computational fluid dynamics applied to aerodynamic flows in sport with specific application to cycling. In Subic, A., & Ujihashi, S. (Eds.) Proceedings of the Asia-Pacific congress on sports technology. (pp. 286-291). Australasian sports technology alliance

Lukes, R.A., Chin, S.B., Hart, J.H., & Haake, S. (2004). The aerodynamics of mountain bicycles: the role of computational fluid dynamics. In Hubbard, M., Mehta, R.D., & Pallis, J.M. (Eds.) The engineering of sport 5. (pp. 104-110). International sport engineering association

Theses / Dissertations

Haid, D.M. (2024). Towards concussion prevention in ice hockey: mechanical metamaterial liners and helmet assessment. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Foster, L., Duncan, O., & Hart, J. http://doi.org/10.7190/shu-thesis-00602

Thelwell, M. (2021). Assessing human morphology using statistical shape analysis. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Choppin, S., Wheat, J., Hart, J., & Bullas, A. http://doi.org/10.7190/shu-thesis-00369

Patents

Hart, J., & Warnock, R. (2019). Eye Shades. USD837870S1. https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/8d/ff/e7/e8ddddf297c723/USD837870.pdf

Hart, J., & Hamilton, N. (2017). Shuttlecock. EP2729222B1. https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/4e/86/14/e05eb9bb587f06/EP2729222B1.pdf

Hart, J., & Hamilton, N. (2016). Shuttlecock. CN103717275B. https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/52/6a/92/37fc9ebdff2cd2/CN103717275B.pdf

Hart, J., & King, C. (2014). Gaming net. GB2510193A. https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/e2/27/fc/7482d1bdc4b8d8/GB2510193A.pdf

Henrikson, E., Wood, P., Hart, J., & Schweigert, B. (2013). Golf club heads with turbulators and methods to manufacture golf club, heads with turbulators. US8608587B2. https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/7f/f7/82/7fd010bada36e4/US8608587.pdf

Media

Westerman, J., & Hart, J. (2011). Fly birdie fly. [video]. Sheffield Hallam University

Other publications

Hart, J., Dunn, M., & James, D. (2018). Handbook of test methods for wearable EPTS devices. FIFA: https://football-technology.fifa.com/media/171884/test-manual-epts-wearables-v1_6.pdf

Postgraduate supervision

Current Director of Studies for doctoral researcher investigating improved injury representation within public order helmet impact testing.
Previously supervised two further doctoral researchers to completion in the sports engineering related fields of morphology and sports safety.

 

Media

Dr John Hart is a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Sports Engineering Research (CSER). John is an expert in computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), reverse engineering and 3D imaging. He delivers engineering solutions to a wide range of clients within the sports and healthcare sectors both within the UK and internationally. This has included: assisting FIFA in the development of equipment standards; development of novel sports projectiles with international clients and Badminton England, funded under the Sport England Innovation Fund; development of equipment for use with dysphagia sufferers funded by the Abbeyfield Research Foundation; CFD consultancy for Ping Golf, work which led to the G30 driver, a #1 selling driver in Europe and USA. In addition to his research John is course leader for MSc Sports Engineering and lectures on a number of modules at Sheffield Hallam University, and is the department resident photographer.

The Centre for Sports Engineering Research (CSER) is led by Dr Simon Goodwill. It is the world's largest academic group in sports engineering and an internationally renowned centre of excellence for research and knowledge transfer. The centre's work is based on four research disciplines; applied computing, biomechanics, design engineering, and skill acquisition. In each area, researchers develop fundamental knowledge and deliver applied solutions to enhance athletic performance, reduce injury and promote physical activity.

CSER works in partnership with many sport, health and commercial organisations. We are immensely proud of our work with Team GB Olympic, and Paralympic athletes, and we enjoy research partnerships with global organisations such as the International Tennis Federation, FIFA, and Adidas.

Areas of expertise:

  • Sports engineering
  • Aerodynamics
  • Fluid dynamics
  • Design engineering
  • CFD
  • Simulation
  • 3D imaging

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