Discrete IsoGeometric Analysis (IGA) for Self-Healing Metallic lattice structures
At UCLouvain, we are part of the Discrete IsoGeometric Analysis (IGA) project, an extensive inter-university collaboration between the Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL) and the Université de Liège (ULG). The project targets two pioneering applications: self-healing metallic systems and biological heterogeneous microarchitectures.
At UCLouvain, our research is primarily focused on the development of self-healing metallic structures, with a particular emphasis on those produced through advanced 3D printing techniques, such as Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF). The UCLouvain team is led by two prominent experts in the field. Professor Aude Simar, an expert in material science and advanced characterization techniques, is leading the material science efforts, while Professor Jean-François Remacle, a renowned specialist in meshing, is head of the numerical team.
Together, they are developing innovative finite element meshes capable of addressing the intricate geometries and multiscale nature inherent to self-healing lattice structures. At UCLouvain, we are addressing a critical challenge in computational engineering: the accurate simulation of the mechanical behavior of these complex metallic lattice structures. Utilizing real-world data from 3D X-ray tomography, we are developing meshes that reflect the intricate geometries of these materials, thereby facilitating more precise predictions of their performance.
This enables us to establish a closed-loop system between design, manufacturing, and simulation, thereby optimizing the design and performance of 3D-printed, self-healing systems. While the larger Discrete-IGA project includes biological applications at ULG, our work at UCLouvain is exclusively focused on advancing self-healing metallic systems. Through this research, our objective is to advance the boundaries of lightweight, impact-resistant, and self-healing materials, contributing to significant advancements in the field.