Advanced Materials and Structures
Advanced Structures and Materials research studies the mechanical behavior of high-performance materials, lattice materials, material systems and structures. We also develop high-performing structures in order to meet requirements of society by considering the quality produced at laboratory and industrial scale. We are focusing our research on load response and failure mechanisms of materials and structures under different types of loadings, which occur in short- and long-terms. The load types are static, fatigue, extreme (ultimate) and impact loading. We do extensive experimental research to deepen our understanding of materials and structures and to gain data for material and structure modelling, which is the other branch of our research work.
In our research, we use the latest numerical techniques, based on the finite element method (FEM), and homogenisation to get insight into theoretical modelling and prevailing assumptions. We also aim for simple theoretical models to speed up the design processes for complex structural systems. Our research groups have their own fields of interest in terms of materials and structures. Synergies between the groups lie especially in experimental and modelling methods. Most of our activities are focused on high-strength steel structures, composite structures made of fiber-reinforced and hybrid laminates, lattice materials and wooden structures. In these areas, the focus is on how the materials' microstructures affect strength and stiffness. Interfaces such as welded joints and adhesively bonded joints are essential elements of advanced structures and also in the core of our research.
Structural topology plays key role in high-performing structures and materials. Lattice materials, such as honeycombs, are among the lightest, stiffest and strongest materials available today. These porous materials can be fabricated out of nearly any parent material (polymers, metals or ceramics) with cell sizes ranging from nanometers to millimetres. Lattices have a huge advantage over conventional materials: by choosing the solid they are made from and their topology it is possible to create new materials with specific, and often unique, combinations of properties. As a new field, our group is working to create novel lattice architectures by taking advantage of the rapid developments in 3D printing technology. This work combines analytical, numerical and experimental methods to provide a better understanding of the mechanical behaviour of lattice materials.
Personnel: Professor Luc St-Pierre, Professor Heikki Remes, Professor Jani Romanoff, Lecturer Jouni Freund, Lecturer Kari Santaoja, Professor Sven Bossuyt, Professor Pedro Vilaça, Professor Iikka Virkkunen