Mechanics of Materials

The group is concerned with the development of methods to calculate the strength of materials. To accomplish our goals, we work with experimental techniques, numerical methods (FEM) and theories for damage and fracture mechanics. Today, our work is focused on the strength of composite materials and adhesive joints. Increasing demands on lower emissions and decreased fuel consumption provide a strong driving force for changing from traditional engineering materials to light weight materials. Often these materials cannot be joined by welding. Adhesive joining provides an interesting technique that facilitates joining of different materials. Composite materials provide excellent strength and stiffness to weight ratios. They are often used in high demanding environments where the safety of the structure is essential. Within this field we develop methods to improve the predictability of strength properties. 

In order to make it possible to make industrial FE-analyses of large-scale structures, there is a need to develop methods that provide enough accuracy with rather large elements. We therefore develop methods where the adhesive layer is considered as a structural element. Similarly as the well-known structural theories of beams and shells, we consider the thickness of the adhesive layer as a parameter of the problem.

Interview public radio in Swedish.A presentation in Swedish for the public TV. An interview with public radio in Swedish.

Current projects

Fatigue of adhesively bonded structures (2011-2013) is a KK HÖG project where fatigue of adhesive joints is in focus. Partners are Saab Automobile, Scania, Volvo Cars, Volvo AB and DOW. Project leader Dr Tobias Andersson.

Så Nätt (2011-2013) is a FFI project with Saab Automobile, FKG, Swedish universities and a large number of OEMs aiming at developing techniques to reduce the weight of cars. Local project leader Dr Thomas Carlberger.

Hållbar Punktsvets (2010-2012) is an FFI project with Saab Automobile.The project will develop simulation techniques for spot welded structures which will improve the strength and stiffness of the vehicle. Project leader Dr Thomas Carlberger.

EFFEKT (2009-2012) is a NFFP project with Saab Aerostructures. The project also involves Swedish research institutes. The project aims at improving effective use of composite materials in aircraft structures. Local project leader Dr Anders Biel.

FiKom (2010-2012) is a NFFP project with Volvo Aero. The project aims at developing methods to characterize strength properties associated with fracture of the fibres in composites. Local project leader Dr Kent Salomonsson.

Evaluated adhesives

Sika	3M	DOW	Henkel	ElectRelease	American Cyanamid
SikaPower 498	3M Scotch Weld 7260	BETAMATE  1496V	Loctite 330	ElectRelease E4	FM73
SikaPower 490	3M Scotch Weld DP620 NS	BETAMATE  XW 1044-3	Loctite 480	ElectRelease E3	FM300K
SikaForce 7888/L10			Loctite 496	ElectRelease E3-C
				ElectRelease H3
				ElectRelease H3-C

Research group

Ulf Stigh, Professor	ulf.stigh@his.se
Svante Alfredsson, Docent, PhD, Senior lecturer	svante.alfredsson@his.se
Tobias Andersson, PhD, Senior lecturer	tobias.andersson@his.se
Anders Biel, PhD, Senior lecturer	anders.biel@his.se
Thomas Carlberger, PhD, Senior lecturer	thomas.carlberger@his.se
Kent Salomonsson, PhD, Senior lecturer	kent.salomonsson@his.se
Karl Mauritsson, PhD, Senior lecturer	karl.mauritsson@his.se
Daniel Svensson, MSc, Graduate student	daniel.svensson@his.se
Tomas Walander, MSc, Graduate student	tomas.walander@his.se
Alexander Eklind, MSc, Graduate student	alexander.eklind@his.se
Jonas Jonsson Holm, MSc, Graduate student	jonas.jonsson-holm@saab.com
S Salimi, PhD, Graduate student	saeed.salimi@his.se