The activities of the group encompasses fundamental aspects of solid and computational mechanics, with a special research focus on advanced finite element modelling and other computational techniques, advanced optimization techniques, vibro-acoustics and noise, analysis, design and experimental characterization of advanced lightweight composite and sandwich structures, and finally computational modelling, design and experimental validation of complex mechanical systems.

Motivation

The principal objectives are to facilitate and strengthen the education, research, and development within “solid and computational mechanics” to promote the design, manufacturing, testing and validation of mechanical systems and products where low weight and/or cost, short design and development time, and high quality are important requirements.

Research

• Fundamental mechanics and solid mechanics
• Dynamics and fluid structure interactions
• Finite element analysis and other numerical methods
• Computer-aided engineering design
• Multidisciplinary design optimisation
• Vibro acoustics and noise
• Experimental characterisation of materials and structures
• Fibre reinforced polymer materials (FRP or ”composites”)
• Lightweight composite and sandwich structures
• Processing/manufacturing of polymer composites
• Design of welded metallic structures
• Modelling, design and experimental validation of complex mechanical systems

Virtual laboratory facilities

• Share holder in AAU super computing facility “Fyrkat” (6.3 TFlops; 672 dual core CPUs; 1.3 TB RAM ; 4.8 TB Hard disk)
• In-house developed software system for finite element analysis and design optimisation: The MUltidisciplinary Synthesis Tool (MUST)
• Access to the most widely used commercial codes for finite element analysis, rigid body dynamics, interactive motion simulation software, CAD, and finally composite material analysis systemsLaboratory Facilities
• Well-equipped laboratories for testing and characterization of materials and for testing of structural components and mechanical systems:
• Servo-hydraulic test machines (for dynamic and static testing)
• Full field measurements lab:
• Optical interferometric techniques: Photoelasticity, Double exposure holographic interferometry (HI), Moiré interferometry (MI), Electronic speckle pattern interferometry (ESPI)
• White light technique: Digital image corellation (DIC)
• Advanced equipment for strain gauge measurements in the laboratory as well as in the “field”
• Pressurised air gun facility for ballistic impact testing and high speed camera facilities
• Well equipped laboratory for modal and vibration analysis