Advanced joining processes unit: A fully independent research group

Abstract

The Advanced Joining Processes (AJP) is an autonomous research unit at the Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering (INEGI) that works closely with the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP). This unit is staffed by professors, post-doctoral researchers, PhD students, MSc students and research fellows. The AJP unit has four key competences, established to support all aspects related to the study of advanced joining processes: testing, simulation, production and machine design. The AJP unit has robust and fully independent competences in the manufacture of experimental specimens and components. The unit operates a fully equipped laboratory with all facilities necessary to manufacture specimens, moulds, test fixtures and testing equipment. The unit has extensive experience in testing complex specimens’ geometry under a wide range of conditions. Research is carried out to determine the performance of structural joints under quasi-static loads, high strain rates, fatigue and creep conditions, among many others. Complementarily, the unit also has a strong machine design capability, being experienced in the development and manufacture of custom designed testing equipment (such as creep testing machines, drop-weight testing machines, torsion testing machines, split Hopkinson pressure bars and devices for glass transition temperature measurement). These experimental capabilities are complemented with robust numerical simulation competencies, which allow to streamline the design process by creating powerful models that can accurately predict the mechanical behaviour of advanced structural joints. These capabilities enable the AJP unit to undertake new and challenging research projects, reacting quickly to current industrial demands and scientific trends, due to its autonomy. This work methodology allows the AJP unit to simultaneously operate in two main fronts. One is fundamental academic research, resulting in MSc and PhD thesis and scientific publication, and the other is comprised of knowledge-transfer activities with industrial partners, which generate funding that can be used to support additional fundamental research. By combining these two approaches, the AJP unit proves that sound technological based educational processes can be achieved while undertaking cutting edge research with practical and industrial value.