Engineering Materials

Researchers in the Engineering Materials research group investigate the properties and performance of engineering materials, non-destructive testing and joining of materials used in energy, transport, and process industry. Materials research involves state-of-the-art mechanical testing, microstructural characterisation, weldability and friction-based processing of materials. Residual stress measurements, the evaluation of hydrogen embrittlement and the assessment of NDT reliability are other significant topics.

The research group consists of four professors who conduct research and participate in top-level scientific events and networks on nuclear materials, digital image correlation, bulk metallic glasses and welding technology. Continuous innovation supports impacting publications and patents leading to successful spinoffs. The Engineering Materials group delivers breakthrough technological developments, transferring top know-how into the Finnish industry while supporting academic activities.

The research focuses on the relationships between microstructure, processing and properties in engineering metals and alloys. This is carried out with the modern facilities that cover state-of-the-art microstructural characterisation of materials, mechanical testing including novel digital imaging techniques capable for full-field displacement measurements, and friction stir welding and processing. The group has a long-term experience on research of modern high-strength steels, stainless steels, Ni-base alloys, aluminium, and copper.

Research topics: Friction stir welding and processing, digital imaging in mechanical testing, effects of hydrogen on materials, non-destructive testing, mechanical properties of materials.

Personnel: Professor Pedro Vilaça, Professor Sven Bossuyt, Adjunct Professor Iikka Virkkunen, Professor Emeritus Hannu Hänninen, University Lecturer Risto Ilola

Aalto University research themes: Materials and sustainable use of resourses, ICT and digitalisation