Alexander Bardelcik, MASc, PhD, PEng

Dr. Alexander Bardelcik started his academic career at the University of Waterloo, where he completed his BASc, MASc (supervised by M.J. Worswick) and PhD (supervised by M.J. Worswick & M.A. Wells) degrees within the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering (MME).  After obtaining his degrees, he continued on as a Research Associate and Sessional Lecturer in the MME department at the University of Waterloo. 

In general, his research experience has been in the field of solid mechanics with a focus on the experimental/numerical aspects of advanced metal forming processes of novel metals and the subsequent low to high strain rate characterization of these materials.  The majority of his research activity has been with the automotive industry, where the ultimate goal has always been to reduce the weight of vehicle crash structures for improved efficiency, while maintaining occupant safety. 

Specifically, Dr. Bardelcik has been involved in the development of novel metal forming processes which enable the substitution of light-weighting metals (Advanced and Ultra High Strength Steels, Al and Mg alloys) within vehicle crash structures.  Much of his work has focused on elevated temperature forming processes which take advantage of solid-state phase transformations to produce as-formed material conditions suitable for light-weighting applications (high strength to density ratio).  In addition to his work on novel metal forming processes, Dr. Bardelcik has a keen interest and a depth of knowledge in the field of low to high strain rate material characterization, which is used to develop finite element material models that are utilized to simulate automotive crash events.  In addition to the collaborative industry-government funded research projects that Dr. Bardelcik has been involved in, he has also completed multiple industry-funded research projects throughout his time at the University of Waterloo for industries which include OEM automobile manufacturers (Honda, Toyota, General Motors), tier one automotive parts suppliers (Magna, Metalsa), material producers (Stelco, Arcelor Mittal, US Steel, AK Steel), the National Research Council of Canadian, Pratt & Whitney, defense sector companies and a forensic engineering company.