Energy Materials
Energy materials is one of the fields of excellence in the Engineering Materials research group. Research involves the properties and performance of materials, non-destructive testing and joining of materials for use in nuclear and renewable energy applications.
The research focuses on the relationships between performance, properties and microstructure in engineering metals and alloys.
Research involves the investigation of the mechanical properties and deformation mechanisms of spent nuclear fuel copper canisters' welds, stress corrosion cracking and effects of hydrogen on properties. The group has expertise in friction stir welding and narrow gap welding processes of copper and steels. Other topics of interest include the effects of thermal ageing on materials, non-destructive testing and the measurement of residual stresses with the contour method. Characterisation of materials is done with state-of-the-art scanning electron microscopy techniques and mecahnical testing, including novel digital imaging. The group has a long-term experience in the research of modern high-strength steels, stainless steels, Ni-base alloys, and copper.
Personnel: Professor Pedro Vilaça, Professor Iikka Virkkunen, Professor Emeritus Hannu Hänninen, University Lecturer Risto Ilola, Researcher Yuriy Yagodzinskyy, Postdoctoral Researcher Evgenii Malitckii.