Structural Mechanics and Smart Materials Group
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics,
University of Patras, 26500 Rion-Patras, Greece
Tel +30-2610-969438 (Lab Secretary)
Fax + 30-2610-969417
Who we are... The Group is involved in the development of mechanics, analytical methods, finite elements and computational tools, enabling formal modeling and engineering of advanced materials and advanced structural concepts. The group is particularly active in the field of smart materials and adaptive structures, as well as, in the broader area of composite materials and composite structures. What we do... The Group is currently involved in various research projects. Our activities are focused on, but NOT limited to, Smart Materials & Adaptive Structures; Damped Composites & Structures; Carbon Nanoparticles & Nanocomposites; Shape Memory Alloys; Damage Detection & Structural Health Monitoring etc. Join us... We are always looking for people who are interested in or spacialize to advanced technology applications. If you wish to be actively involved into one of the most innovative and emerging technology areas today, feel free to contact Prof. D. Saravanos or the members of the Lab Group. Especially for MEAD Students, we provide a series of introductory research projects in the form of Student and Diploma Theses. |
![]() ![]() Modeling of Impact |
The impact testing facility composed of:
- A gas cannon that operates with pressurized nitrogen.
- A protective polycarbonate chamber, practically bulletproof.
- High-speed imaging apparatus, up to 500k fps.
Current Projects
- INTELLICONT: Development and Manufacturing of Intelligent Lightweight Composite Aircraft Container (2018-2021). CleanSky 2 JTI.
- TRANVIC:Distributed smart material arrays for low frequency broadband active noise and vibration suppression in vehicles and light structures(2018-2022). GSRT
- ENAUSIS:Energy Autonomous System of Signal Processing and Wireless Transmission with Piezoelectric elements for Wind Turbine Applications(2018-2022). GSRT
Completed Projects
- TAVAC:Technologies for Active Vibration and Acoustic Comfort (2016-2020), CleanSky 2 JTI, 717089.
- BLADEOUT: CROR Blade-Out Impact Simulations and Sample Manufacturing (2016-2019). CleanSky 2 JTI, 686813.
- InnWind: Innovative wind conversion systems (10-20MW) for offshore applications (2012-2017). FP7-ENERGY, GRA- 308974
- Graphene: Graphene and its Nanocomposites: Production, Properties and Applications (2012-2017). Thalis National Project
- OPENAIR: Optimisation for low Environmental Noise impact Aircraft (2009-2014). FP7-TRANSPORT
- FIMAC: Fast impact cross-analysis methodology for composite leading edge structures (2014-2015). CleanSky JTI, SGO-02-073
- FlexSense: Flexible sensor coopearation for structural health diagnorsis/prognosis (2014-2015). CleanSky-JTI, GRA-01-054.
- MOSKIN: Morphing Skin with a Tailored Non-conventional Laminate (2012-2014). CleanSky-JTI, GRA-298164
- SMyTE: Shape Memory Alloy Trailing Edge (2012-2013).FP7-CleanSky JTI, GRA-02-015
- WISMOS: Wireless Integrated Strain Monitoring and Simulation System (2011-2012). CleanSky JTI, ECO-01-005
- IIMEC: International Institute of Multifunctional Materials for Energy Conversion (2010-2013). NSF, USA
- Preliminary Studies on Damage Tolerant Strategies for Composite Damage Detection and Health Monitoring (2008-2009). EOARD Grant
- Integrated Wind Turbine Design (2005-2009). FP6-Energy
- NOESIS: Aerospace Nanotube Hybrid Composite Structures with Sensing and Actuating Capabilities (2005-2009). FP6-Aerospace
- Pythagoras: Smart Mechanical Structures with Stochastic Damage Self-Detection Capability (2005-2006). Hellenic Ministry of Education
- International Collaboration on Predictive Μethodologies for the Design of Lamb-Wave Piezoelectric Wafer Active Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring (2004-2007). NSF, USA
- CNT: Modeling of Electromechanical Behavior of Carbon Nanotubes and Nano-Composite Materials (2003-2006). K. Karatheodori Research Program, Univ. of Patras
- Heracleitos: Smart Piezoelectric Composites with Damage Self-Monitoring Capabilities (2002-2006). Hellenic Ministry of Education
- DAMPBLADE: Wind Turbine Rotor Blades For Enhanced Aeroelastic Stability And Fatigue Life Using Passively Damped Composites (2000-2004). FP5-ENERGIE ΕΝΚ6-CT2000-00320
- EPET-II: Design & Development of a Composite Bridge (1999-2001). National Research Program EPET-II; Inst. of Chemical Engineering
The facility is capable of:
- Ultra High Frequency signal generation and acquisition systems (1-10MHz).
- High Frequency (1-1MHz) amplifier for active piezoceramic sensor pairs.
- High-speed 3D digital image correlations (DIC) providing data for full-field deformation and strain distributions
- Laser Doppler Vibrometer (Polytek) non-conduct sensor with high velocity and displacement resolution, and high sampling-frequency (300ksamples/sec).