Our team has focused a significant portion of its research on surface engineering and the measurement of the mechanical response of materials at small scales. Our objective is to better understand the relationship between surface engineering processes and their mechanical and metallurgical consequences. This research axis encompasses several initiatives:
Understanding microstructural evolutions related to laser irradiation in the context of surface texturing. This topic benefits from the close collaboration established over several decades between LabHC of Jean Monnet University in Saint-Etienne and LGF.
Understanding microstructural evolutions related to surface (thermo)mechanical stresses. More specifically, we conduct research on the mechanical and microstructural consequences of shot peening, roller burnishing, machining, and cold spray processes. We also conduct research on the effect of thermal shocks on material damage, such as Tungsten alloys in the context of thermonuclear fusion.
The development of nanomechanical tests under SEM. This expertise arose from the need to characterize, at the scale of surfaces and interfaces, the gradients of mechanical properties induced by manufacturing processes. It has been combined with the development of another expertise – nano-machining by focused ion beam (FIB) – enabling the fabrication of micro-objects such as micropillars. This initiative is conducted in close collaboration with LTDS of École Centrale de Lyon, with whom we share a number of dedicated equipment (high-temperature/high-strain-rate nanoindentation).
