A "Memorandum of Understanding" (MoU) has been signed between the Montanuniversität Leoben, the Technical University of Brno, and the Institute of Physics of Materials of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic in Brno. The aim of this agreement is to build a long-term partnership and strengthen scientific cooperation between the two institutions. Additionally, it seeks to promote the exchange of researchers and students in the fields of material and polymer sciences. The joint research is related to the MEBioSys research project, which focuses on the improved use of 3D-printed ceramic materials.
The MEBioSys project (Mechanical Engineering of Biological and Bio-inspired Systems) is funded by the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports of the Czech Republic under the operational program Johannes Amos Comenius (OP JAC), Excellent Research Call.
First Application: Innovation in 3D Printing of Ceramic Materials
An important aspect of using 3D-printed ceramic materials is understanding their mechanical behavior under thermomechanical stresses. The team led by Univ.-Prof. Bermejo, in cooperation with Dr. Ševeček, has successfully developed models based on the concept of "Finite Fracture Mechanics" that can predict the formation of so-called thermal shock cracks. A joint publication was recently released.
Link to the publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engfracmech.2024.110121
Knowledge Transfer in the Field of Material Sciences and Polymer Engineering
The main cooperation partners from Montanuniversität Leoben are Univ.-Prof. Dr. Raul Bermejo from the Chair of Structural and Functional Ceramics, and Univ.-Prof. Dr. Gerald Pinter from the Chair of Materials Science and Testing of Plastics. The joint interests of these two scientists in the research plan of the project include the design, manufacture, and experimental testing of advanced, functional, and bio-inspired materials based on ceramics or polymers. This also includes numerical modeling and failure analysis of (multi-)material structures with functional properties. Additionally, their research interests encompass the additive manufacturing and experimental characterization of advanced material structures.
Link to the publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jeurceramsoc.2023.11.009
Goals of the Cooperation
The first visit by a Czech researcher, Dr. Oldřich Ševeček from the Technical University of Brno, took place in the spring of 2024. Dr. Ševeček has extensive expertise in brittle fracture modeling and has been collaborating with Montanuniversität Leoben for over ten years. The goal of the visit was to deepen the existing collaboration, implement future joint activities and scientific publications, and define potential future projects in the field of bio-inspired systems with improved mechanical properties.
Further Information: Univ.-Prof. Dr. Raúl BERMEJO
Chair of Structural and Functional Ceramics
Tel.: +43 (0) 3842 - 402 4100, Mobile: +43 650 - 803 7850
Email: raul.bermejo(at)unileoben.ac.at
