Projects

Tailoring ODS materials processing routes for additive manufacturing of high temperature devices for aggressive environments (topAM)

Europe’s industry is facing many challenges such as global competition and the big change towards energy and resource efficiency. topAM can contribute to these demands by development and application of novel processing routes for new oxide-dispersoid strengthened (ODS) alloys on FeCrAl, Ni and NiCu basis. Novel ODS materials offer a clear advantage for the process industry by manufacturing e.g. topology-optimized, sensor-integrated high temperature devices (gas burner heads, heat exchangers) that are exposed to aggressive environments. Alloy and process development will be targeted by an advanced integrated computational materials engineering (ICME) approach combining computational thermodynamics, microstructure and process simulation to contribute to save time, raw materials and increase the component’s lifetime. Physical alloy production will be realized by combining nanotechnologies to aggregate ODS composites with laser-powder bed fusion and post-processing. The ICME approach will be complemented by comprehensive materials characterization and intensive testing of components under industrially relevant in-service conditions. This strategy allows to gain a deeper understanding of the processmicrostructure- properties relationships and to quantify the improved functionalities, properties and life cycle assessment. This will promote cost reduction, improved energy efficiency and superior properties combined with a significant lifetime increase. The consortium consists of users, materials suppliers and research institutes that are world leading in the fields relevant for this proposal, which guarantees efficient, high-level, application-oriented execution of topAM. The industrial project partners, in particular the SMEs, will achieve higher competitiveness due to their strategic position in the value chain of materials processing, e.g. powder production, to strengthen Europe's leading position in the emerging technology field of AM in a unique combination with ICME.

Vlastnosti nanoprášků připravených pulzním elektronovým svazkem při nízkém tlaku plynu

The proposed project is focused on basic research with an impact on urgent biomedical applications. The development of new pharmaceutical products based on nanoparticles is a hot topic of current nanomaterial research. This effort is based on recent findings of serious toxicity of some agents currently used, and directed towards finding safer and more effective medical treatment using metal oxide nanoparticles, namely CeO2 for radiation oncology, Gd2O3 and MnO as contrast agents, ZnO and TiO2 as antitumor agents, Al2O3 and AgO as antibacterial agents, and Fe3O4/γFe2O3 for the hyperthermia treatment of cancer. The nanometric size and shape of nanoparticles are primarily responsible for their unique features; however, a surface quality (vacancies, defects) is equally important for the required properties. We suggest performing a fundamental experimental and theoretical study of the selected metal oxide nanopowders prepared using a unique physical method allowing for optimized nanopowder synthesis and modification of the surface for higher reactivity and increased biological activity.

Structural Integrity and Reliability of Advanced Materials obtained through additive Manufacturing

In spite of the growing importance of Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology for producing both plastics and metals parts used in different fields such as aeronautics, biomechanics and automotive, the criteria and methods for the safety evaluation of AM components are still not well established. Therefore, the lack of knowledge on the influence of the material quality on the load bearing capacity of the final product hinders the industrial exploitation of AM, preventing this powerful technology from being confidently used in every-day manufacturing processes, in particular in low developed European countries. The overall objective of the SIRAMM project is to significantly strengthen research in the AM field at the Polytechnical University of Timisoara (UPT, Romania). To achieve this aim, SIRAMM will build upon the existing science and innovation base of UPT, creating a network with two internationally-leading counterparts at EU level: Norwegian University of Science and Technology (Norway) and the University of Parma (Italy). In the long term, the project aims at laying the foundations for creating a pole of excellence on AM in Eastern Europe. For this reason, other two partners from low R&I performing countries, the University of Belgrade (Serbia) and the Institute of Physics of Materials, Academy of Sciences (Czech Republic) will also take part in this Twinning project. To reach its goals, this 3-year project will be focused on the implementation of knowledge transfer activities such as workshops and staff exchange, training events (i.e. summer schools, seminars) for early stage researchers, and dissemination and communication actions (i.e. web site, videos, open access publications, public engagement activities) for different audiences. To keep maintaining the knowledge transfer well beyond the duration of this project, a regular master course on AM technology will be also implemented in the coordinating institution.

Research and Development of Heat Treatment in Energy-saving Furnaces for Shape Stability of Bearing Components

The project is focused on the R&D heat treatment of bearing components in energy efficient furnaces to achieve the high shape stability of these bearing components.

Ultrasonic devices for gigacycle fatigue testing of materials

The project is focused on the development of device for testing materials in the field of gigacycle fatigue. The device will load material at a frequency of 20 kHz. Thus, it will be possible to measure the extreme lifetimes of materials typically up to 10 billion cycles. The device reaches this limit in 6 days. These tests are unique and in great demand in current basic research. Two variants of equipment prototypes will be created: (i) for loading with a fully reverse push-pull cycle and (ii) for loading with an added static tension load component with a capacity of 20 kN.

Research of resistance of casted radial wheels of turbochargers to thermomechanical stress and techniques of increasing mechanical values

The project addresses the issue of resistance of turbochargers' radial wheels against thermomechanical stress. To obtain this data, we initiate completely unique research, leading to the determination of the thermomechanical resistance interaction of the used nickel superalloys, in connection with the setting of the technological process of precision casting (the resulting structure, the mechanical properties of the casting).

Energy-saving ÚFM AV ČR, v.v.i., especially workshop buildings and electron microscopy

At the Institute of Physics of Materials AV ČR, v. v. i., the realization of the project "Energy-saving IPM CAS, especially workshop buildings and electron microscopy " was began. As part of the implementation of the project, energy-saving measures will take place, in particular the insulation of the workshop building's perimeter shell and electron microscopy, replacement of hole fillers, installation of new air ducts and upgrading of lighting. The project also includes the construction of the solar power plant on the main building.

International mobility of employees of IPM

Project is focused on strengthening and development of international cooperation mainly by junior scientists at the Institute of Physics of Materials of the Czech Academy of Sciences. The implementation of the project will contribute to the strengthening of cooperation with the significant research organizations, their scientists and management. Due to project implementation is expected higher publishing activities and the involvement of the institution into the preparation and solution of international projects.

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Research and development of casting technology of thermally affected parts of aircraft engines and highly precise casts of new generation of turbochargers

The project introducing advanced technology of precision casting of thermally affected parts of aircraft engines and castings of axial wheels of turbochargers. The reliability and long service lifetime of the casting is determined by the tolerance of the material to surface defects that may occur during operation. In the project, we will look in more depth at the relationship between material structure, surface defects and fatigue and creep damage evolution.

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