Designing and optimizing mechanical systems
The “Design, Optimization, and Modeling in Mechanics” (CO2M) department develops new knowledge, methods, and tools to address paradigm shifts in the design, dimensioning, and manufacturing of complex mechanical, mechatronic, and even thermomechanical systems.
The research topics developed within the department include advanced mechanical system design, numerical modeling and optimization in mechanics, heat transfer and thermo-physical coupling, quantum information for the nanoscale integration of quantum communication protocols, and the optimization of manufacturing processes.
The work of researchers in the CO2M department is organized around a new, cross-disciplinary research area, rapidly developing internationally, dedicated to “Design, Modeling, and Optimization for 3D and 4D Additive Manufacturing.” This cross-cutting theme deals with methods and tools for 3D additive manufacturing-oriented design, 4D printing based on smart materials and vibro-acoustics for the characterization of parts obtained by additive manufacturing.
Research topics
Advanced design of mechanical systems
This research theme, oriented towards Industry 4.0, focuses on the agile and proactive design of mechanical and mechatronic systems. It aims to enhance productivity by automating design activities through optimized management of technical information and knowledge.
By using artificial intelligence techniques such as inference engines and decision-support systems based on ontologies or graph theory, this approach frees up time for innovative engineering activities. The goal is to transform design offices into more creative and efficient engineering centers.
The work aligns with Industry 4.0 challenges, including Concurrent Engineering, PLM, Design for X, Design Automation, and Lean Engineering.
Numerical modeling and optimization in mechanics
This research theme focuses on multiphysics modeling and numerical optimization of complex mechanical systems subjected to various constraints, including phenomena such as nonlinear mechanics and contact problems. Applications include biological tissues, abradable materials, welds, and high-speed forming processes.
Numerical optimization aims to accelerate simulations of complex phenomena. Classical algorithms are often inefficient for finding the global optimum, while stochastic algorithms can be costly. Research in topology optimization focuses on creating innovative materials and metamaterials manufactured through 3D printing.
Heat transfer and thermo-physical couplings
The work is divided into three areas:
- The study of conduction phenomena (linear/nonlinear, steady/unsteady) and convection (forced, natural, laminar, turbulent), using inverse approaches to determine unknown thermal-physical conditions and properties.
Thermal couplings with other phenomena (mass transfer, mechanics, magnetism, electrochemistry), applied to complex multiphysics systems.
Applications in thermal and energy systems (solar thermal, air conditioning, fuel cells, hydrogen production, heat engines, phase-change materials, nanofluids).
Computer codes have been developed to simulate the thermal and dynamic behavior of both simple and complex systems.
Optimization of manufacturing processes
This work aims to design optimized models of the product/process/material interaction, integrating domain knowledge and technical expertise. These models are then coupled with multi-objective optimization algorithms to simulate nonlinear processes (extrusion, injection, stamping, etc.). The focus is on:
Modeling the physical phenomena during material forming (large deformations, high temperatures, intense friction).
Developing hybrid optimization algorithms, integrated into finite element analysis software to solve complex problems.
Development of biomaterials for eco-design
This area focuses on the development of bio-composites from non-food plant biomass for applications in construction and transportation. The goal is to create new bio-based materials, measure their mechanical properties, and develop economic models for the production of these materials for structural use.
- F. Demoly, S. Abboudi, S. Gomes, F. Peyraut, C. Cruz,
H. Cherif, C. Demonceaux, S. Foufou, D. Ginhac, O. Tahri (PR UTBM) - K. Atcholi, N. Lebaal, (MCF/ HDR UTBM), T. Boudouh, D. Chamoret, L. Dembinski, T. Hirschler, N. Labed, S. Roth, R. Martins, C. Mateo Agullo (MCF UTBM)
- P. Lesage (IE)
- T. Calais (CPJ UTBM)
- R. Lachat, S. Tie-Bi, (ECC CDI UTBM)
- J. Moughames (ECC CDD UTBM)
