Mechanical properties of high-performance materials
The research group mainly focuses on the relationship between microstructures and mechanical properties, in metallic materials, ceramics, composites, and polymers for engineering components and structures. The central theme for the research is Defect-controlled material properties. This research topic explores how the type, size, morphology, distribution, and location of defects govern mechanical properties i.e. fatigue, wear, and fracture behavior in high-performance metals, polymers, composites, and adhesive joints. Examples of defects are inclusions, pores, microcracks, and microstructural heterogeneities, as well as weak interfaces and bonding defects in adhesive joints.
The research combines mechanical testing, advanced material characterization and modelling, to identify failure initiation sites and understand how defects interact with the surrounding material structure. The aim is to establish relationships between defect characteristics, crack initiation, crack propagation, and service life, supporting improved manufacturing processes and defect-tolerant material and joint design.
Fatigue
In fatigue the research focuses on investigations on how material defects, matrix properties, microstructure, and processing routes govern fatigue strength and crack resistance in high-performance materials. It aims to support alloy and process development and improve material models for predicting fatigue performance and the service life of mechanical components.
The research covers low-, high-, and very high cycle fatigue, including elevated-temperature, thermal fatigue, and heat checking. Emphasis is placed on identifying critical defects and understanding fatigue mechanisms. The methodology combines mechanical testing, advanced microstructural characterization, alongside further development of 20 kHz ultrasonic fatigue testing.
Tribology
The research in tribology aims on understanding how microstructure, coatings, and contact conditions govern friction, wear, and failure in advanced mechanical components, to predict service life and support the development of high-strength, wear-resistant materials for demanding applications. The research includes tribocorrosion where the synergetic process of wear and corrosion resulting in total material loss that often exceeds the sum of the two individual processes.
Research includes interacting wear mechanisms in metal cutting, stamping, punching, sliding contacts. The methodology combines examination of used components, application-relevant laboratory testing, wear maps, and detailed microstructural and chemical analysis. The resulting knowledge links material structure to wear performance and guides material selection, manufacturing, and product development.
Mechanics and Fracture of Adhesive Joints and Layered Materials
The research investigates deformation, damage, and fracture in adhesive joints and layered materials through experimental testing and computational modelling. It develops methods to characterize cohesive behavior and understand how interfaces, layer thickness, temperature, and loading rate influence mechanical performance. Applications include adhesives, CFRP-strengthened steel, paperboard, and metal sandwich structures, with the aim of improving predictive models and supporting reliable design and processing.
High-Strain-Rate Deformation and Dynamic Fracture
This is the latest research topic, and it is under development. The research investigates how microstructure and defect structures govern deformation, damage, and fracture in metallic materials under high strain rates. Experimental testing and computational modelling are combined to understand rate-dependent plasticity, thermal effects, and damage localization, supporting the development of materials with improved resistance to impact and dynamic loading.