Multifunctional
Improve and expand existing material capabilities: this is at the core of our research mission. From exploring the properties and applications of metals that move to creating protective skins from functionally graded ceramics and polymers, we push the boundaries of materials and mechanics.
SMART
Active materials such as Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs), Magnetic Shape Memory Alloys (MSMAs), and Shape Memory Polymers (SMPs) provide predetermined deformations on demand and provide "engineers with the opportunity to design on the basis of an entirely new principle" (NASA-SP 5110, 1972).
nano
Small-scale modifications and additions to conventional composite and metallic systems allow us to improve structural characteristics such as stiffness and toughness while at the same time introducing enhanced functionalities such as increased thermal and electrical conductivity and sensing capabilities.