Vous êtes ici : Version française > Séminaires MEGA

Séminaires de laboratoire labellisés MEGA (archives)

Séminaires MEGA 2025


  • 06 NOV
    The presentation will cover analytical methods for the modelling of lubrication with smooth surfaces in heavily loaded lubricated non-conformal contacts. This is in the so-called elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) regime. The physical and mathematical nature of the pressure spike will be discussed. The extension of these methods to time dependent problems, including the squeeze term in the Reynolds equation will be included. Semi-analytical methods of the type known as “rapid” for sinusoidal and general roughness in micro-EHL will be presented, including their extension to mixed lubrication via the use of FFT approaches. After this extensive coverage of the lubrication phenomenon in non-conformal contacts, different damaging surface modes will be discussed, e.g. mild wear, surface distress and frictional heating. Techniques for the modelling of these surface damage modes will be covered. Finally, it will be presented a novel approach for the integral modelling of the life of machine elements ....
  • 02 OCT
    Abstract: Cross-country skiing performance is strongly influenced by the resistive forces acting between skis and snow. Among these, ski–snow friction plays a decisive role, as it emerges from a complex interplay of material properties, ski geometry, base preparation, snow characteristics, and environmental conditions. This seminar presents recent advances in the multi-scale analysis of ski–snow friction carried out at the Ski & Snow Lab, Luleå University of Technology, within the Swedish Research Centre for Sports and Performance Technology (SPORTC). Combining field experiments with innovative tribometric methods, high-resolution surface characterisation, and numerical modelling, we demonstrate how macro-scale ski geometry and micro-scale ski-base textures interact to determine contact mechanics and frictional losses. Results from glide tests and RTK-GNSS–based tribometry are integrated with surface topography measurements and contact simulations, providing predictive insights into friction coefficients unde
  • 30 SEPT
    Presenting an overview of the BikeZ project, which explores the dynamics of mass cycling in urban environments. Combining computational modeling with large-scale field experiments in Zurich, BikeZ aims to uncover the fundamental principles governing bicycle traffic flow. The talk highlights key insights from data analysis, recent experimental campaigns, and the development of novel simulation tools to support sustainable urban mobility planning.
  • 25 SEPT
    Il est désormais unanimement reconnu qu’avant les événements cardiovasculaires catastrophiques, lesanévrismes aortiques entrent dans un cercle vicieux combinant altérations des propriétés biomécaniques dela paroi et transformations fonctionnelles des cellules. Les améliorations de la prise en charge clinique et dupronostic nécessitent que nous soyons capables de relier la mécanobiologie cellulaire aux modèles tissulairesde mécanobiologie artérielle. Nos contributions récentes sur ce sujet ont été à la fois numériques etexpérimentales :1. 2. 3. nous avons quantifié les propriétés mécaniques multiaxiales d’échantillons d’anévrisme en combinant desmesures multimodales en champ complet in vitro afin d’alimenter une caractérisation inverse desmatériaux à l’aide de la méthode des champs virtuels ;nous avons mis en relation les transformations de la mécanobiologie des cellules musculaires lisses avecle remodelage tissulaire survenant au cours de la progression de l’anévrisme ;nous avons dévelop
  • 23 SEPT
    The introduction of foreign atoms and/or vacancies into bulk crystal lattices induces atomic-leveldefects, forming unique defect structures depending on their atomic coordination chemistry andsizes relative to constituent atoms in the matrix. These defects can develop into more complexstructures such as one-dimensional dislocations and multidimensional nanostructures. Theyuniquely interact with charge carriers and phonons that determine many important physicalproperties of materials, consequently serving as an effective means of manipulating propertiesof bulk solids for extraordinary behaviors. Accordingly, elucidating formation mechanisms ofthese defects is the innovative foundation of developing highly predictable design principles fordesired defect structures within bulk crystals. Understanding atomic-level crystal lattice designcan be extended to more macroscopic lattice chemistry to stabilize unique heterostructurednanohybrid materials. This unique material design can realize extraord
  • 17 JUIN
    This talk presents theoretical and experimental studies of active acoustic metamaterial (AMM) cells for nonreciprocal transmission of sound and vibration. Such active AMMs promise to achieve superb sound and vibration isolation at low frequencies, which is normally difficult with traditional materials and measures. Furthermore, active AMM could exhibit acoustic opacity in one direction while preserving acoustic transparency in the opposite direction. Feedback control systems with dislocated sensor-actuator pairs are used to induce the nonreciprocity. The principle of operation of the active control system is first elaborated through simple lumped-parameter models. It is the shown theoretically and experimentally that the dislocated transducer methodology induces a broad frequency band nonreciprocal vibration transmission and that the active control system can be made stable regardless the transducer dislocation. The nonreciprocal transmission of sound is studied using a dedicated theoretical model. The model
  • 23 MAI
    Plongez dans un quart de siècle de recherche appliquée au service de la santé auditive et de l’oreille humaine avec Jérémie Voix, professeur à l’École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS), à Montréal au Canada. Cette rétrospective mettra en lumière des réalisations marquantes : du développement d’une méthode révolutionnaire de test d’atténuation des protecteurs auditifs – aujourd’hui commercialisée mondialement et intégrée dans les programmes de prévention des pertes auditives – à l’exploration des interfaces cerveau-machine intra-auriculaires, en passant par des recherches en micro-récupération énergétique. Ensemble, explorons les défis technologiques et commerciaux qui ont jalonné ce parcours scientifique, véritable plongée dans le conduit auditif humain!
  • 15 MAI
    Arrays of vertically-aligned multiwall carbon nanotubes, also known as multiwall carbonnanotube forests, are conductive materials. Yet, when a focused beam of light strikes a nanotubeforest, the generated heat remains confined to the illuminated region. This makes it possible toachieve a high-temperature spot on the material using low optical power, for example from aninexpensive laser pointer, and leads to the localized thermal emission of electrons and photons.We will discuss this ‘heat trap’ effect, its characteristics, and example applications that it enablesin energy conversion and free-electron devices, notably a compact, inexpensive electronmicroscope. We will also cover several possible mechanisms behind this heat localization andexperimental efforts on its detailed characterization, in particular on thermal electronspectroscopy and thermal photon hyper-spectroscopy.
  • 15 MAI
    Aux alentours des années 80, le LVA s’intéresse à la vibro-acoustique des structures, notammentà la transparence acoustique des coques cylindriques raidies, pour les applications aéronautiques, puisau rayonnement acoustique des coques cylindriques en fluide lourd, pour les applications militaires liéesà la discrétion acoustique des navires. Cette première partie de l’exposé, mettra en perspective, lesrésultats obtenus dans ce contexte où l’acoustique numérique et expérimentale est encore bien débutanteet les phénomènes majeurs encore peu connus. Le laboratoire se familiarise avec les notions de masse etde rayonnement ajoutés par rayonnement, avec les modèles de coque cylindrique, minces et raidies etles notions de couplage fluide structure. Comment faire confiance dans ces résultats où l’expérience enfluide lourd est inaccessible ! Néanmoins, le LVA apprend beaucoup de ceux-ci et les notions de masseajoutée par rayonnement deviennent familières, grâce aux méthodes semi-analytiques modales q
  • 17 AVR
    La présentation portera, à travers des cas concrets, sur trois modes de recherche différents orientésvers des applications industrielles : en milieu industriel même, au niveau intermédiaire entre la rechercheamont et l'industrie, et au niveau universitaire. Les programmes de recherche individuels et collectifsseront illustrés. Les sujets abordés couvriront la dynamique et les vibrations des véhicules ferroviaires,les techniques
  • 04 AVR
    In vivo muscle biomechanical properties are classically deduced from inverse dynamics or measures of joint torque performed using ergometers. However, this provides information about the combined behavior of several structures. Thus, it is complicated to isolate the behavior of an individual muscle. Ultrasound elastography techniques have been developed with the aim to non-invasively assess localized stiffness. In this presentation we focused on the supersonic shear imaging technique that allows us to recover stiffness by looking at the propagation of shear waves. In the case of isotropic, homogeneous and quasi-incompressible biological tissues, the propagation velocity is directly linked to the shear elastic modulus. However, this link is not so obvious in muscles due to their anisotropy. Here we present how stiffness as well as viscosity can be estimated in fusiform muscles but also in pennate muscles by using specific ultrasound sequences that allows to directly recover anisotropy in a 2D imaging plane. Fi
  • 20 MARS
    Fibre-reinforced composite materials, particularly pultruded glass fibre-reinforcedpolymer (GFRP) profiles, have emerged as a promising alternative in the constructionindustry due to their high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and lowmaintenance requirements. However, their deformability, anisotropic behaviour, andbrittle failure modes present significant challenges to widespread adoption. Concernshave also been raised about their use in seismic areas due to their lack of ductility— akey feature in current design philosophies, including Eurocode 8.This presentation will explore research on the structural behaviour of fibre compositestructures, from individual members to full-scale systems, demonstrating theirpotential to exhibit (pseudo-)ductile failure modes and energy dissipation capacity.Additionally, their predominantly elastic behaviour can facilitate the recentering ofstructures after seismic events, enabling a design approach focused on damagelimitation rather tha
  • 24 JANV
    The application of biomechanics in clinical rehabilitation and sports is crucial for optimizing functional performance and promoting recovery. This presentation will introduce a series of studies and interventions involving biomechanics in both clinical practice and sports, with a focus on motion analysis, balance assessment, postural control, and musculoskeletal modelling. It will include an exploration of the role of postural control in the elderly population, particularly those with and without fall experiences, analyzing their responses to continuous and unexpected perturbations. Additionally, the discussion will cover the impact of innovative virtual reality training on improving balance and functional performance in patients with degenerative lumbar spine disease, as well as its effects on post-stroke rehabilitation.
  • 24 JANV
    The application of biomechanics in clinical rehabilitation and sports is crucial for optimizing functional performance and promoting recovery. This presentation will introduce a series of studies and interventions involving biomechanics in both clinical practice and sports, with a focus on motion analysis, balance assessment, postural control, and musculoskeletal modelling. It will include an exploration of the role of postural control in the elderly population, particularly those with and without fall experiences, analyzing their responses to continuous and unexpected perturbations. Additionally, the discussion will cover the impact of innovative virtual reality training on improving balance and functional performance in patients with degenerative lumbar spine disease, as well as its effects on post-stroke rehabilitation.

Séminaires MEGA 2024


  • 18 DÉC
    Research on applied acoustics at the Politecnico di Torino has been carried out in the framework of TEBE (Technology, Energy, Building Environment) group, which counts more than 50 people who work around the theme of building physics. In particular, research started more than twenty years ago on the important topic of classroom acoustics because of the obsolete requirements and the very poor acoustic conditions of school buildings in Italy. The focus was on the broader goal of good speech communication between teacher and pupils, which is the primary need in small and large classrooms of any order and grade. In fact, detrimental effects of bad acoustics affect speaking behavior of teachers and attention and learning processes of pupils. Research focused on the optimal room acoustics for both speaking and listening, which results have been included in the recent technical standard on classroom acoustics in Italy, recalled in a law on public buildings. Studies on the best extension and position of sound diffuse
  • 08 NOV
    Rotating convection is a prototypical system at the core of geophysical fluid dynamics. However, the parameter values for geophysical flows take values that are far outside those that can be studied in the laboratory or via state of the art numerical simulations. In this talk I will describe a formal asymptotic procedure that leads to a reduced systemof equations valid in the limit of very strong rotation. These equations describe four regimes as the Rayleigh number Ra increases : a disordered cellular regime near threshold, a regime of weakly interacting convective Taylor columns at larger Ra, followed for yet larger Ra by a breakdown of the convective Taylor columns into a disordered plume regime characterized by reduced heat transport efficiency, and finally by a new type of turbulence called geostrophic turbulence.
  • 05 NOV
    I will begin by probing into the past to discover the origins of the Finite Element Method (FEM), and then trace the evolution of those early developments to the present day in which the FEM is ubiquitous in science, engineering, mathematics, and medicine, and the most important discretization technology in Computational Mechanics. However, despite its enormous success, there are still problems with contemporary technology, for example, building meshes from Computer Aided Design (CAD) representations is labor intensive, and a significant bottleneck in the design-through-analysis process; the introduction of geometry errors in computational models that arise due to feature removal, geometry clean-up and CAD “healing,” necessary to facilitate mesh generation; the inability of contemporary technology to “close the loop” with design optimization; and the failure of higher-order finite elements to achieve their full promise in industrial applications. These issues are addressed by Isogeometric Analysis (
  • 18 OCT
    La présentation, en anglais, du Pr. Cloutier sera intitulée « Development of next-generation ultrasound and optical elastography imaging methods ». Elle portera sur les avancées en imagerie viscoélastique des tissus biologiques, incluant l’élastographie vasculaire non invasive des carotides et la validation clinique pour l’athérosclérose. Elle présentera aussi une méthode d’imagerie pour diagnostiquer la stéatose hépatique non alcoolique et une technique d’imagerie optique pour analyser la mécanique des cellules individuelles.
  • 03 OCT
    The aim of the seminar is to discuss the energy transition in Brazil from the perspective of the research themes of the Institute for Mobility and Sustainable Energy (IMES), an innovation and development institute focused on the production, transport and conversion of energy, ready to serve the automotive industry and energy companies in general. IMES is developing a range of multidisciplinary research projects focusing on the renewable energy value chain, decarbonization, energy efficiency, and industry 4.0.
  • 01 OCT
    Advances in semiconductor technology have increased heat dissipation in electronic devices, where efficient thermal management is crucial to prevent malfunctions and extend component lifetimes. A key strategy involves using thermal interface materials (TIMs) to enhance heat transfer between cooled components and heat sinks. However, as device sizes shrink, the thermal resistance at component-TIM interfaces becomes increasingly significant. This presentation briefly mentions our group's work in modifying solid-liquid interactions to reduce interfacial thermal resistance, where the effects of surface morphology, crystal orientation, surfactant molecules, and self-assembled layers on heat transfer properties are demonstrated. A greater detail is also given on developed computational methods for estimating heat flux, computing work of adhesion, and modeling interfacial transport, which provide new insights into optimizing thermal management solutions.
  • 18 SEPT
    Les élastomères renforcés par des particules solides (appelées charges) ont des propriétés mécaniques particulières, très complexes, qualitativement différentes des propriétés de la matrice élastomères seules. Ces propriétés incluent à la fois des effets viscoélastiques, de forts effets non linéaires et des effets mémoire. La prise en compte de ces propriétés complexes constitue un défi lorsqu'on s'intéresse à des applications ou propriétés spécifiques telles que la mécanique du contact, le frottement, la résistance à la déchirure, l'usure, etc. Je présenterai une revue pragmatique de ces propriétés et un aperçu de la compréhension généralement admise aujourd'hui.
  • 12 SEPT
    This study investigates the interaction between viaduct foundations and seismically induced landslides. Given the complexity of viaduct structures, seismic effects, and landslide phenomena, this research is vital for understanding infrastructure resilience. The motivation stems from documented cases of viaducts collapsing or being damaged by landslides, both seismic and rainfall-induced. The primary objective is to examine how different landslide types impact viaduct structures, focusing on foundation interactions. Methodologically, a three-dimensional model was developed using Plaxis 3D software. Under the considered configurations, results indicated that under static conditions, the landslide had minimal impact on viaduct movements, with deep foundations playing a stabilizing role. Under dynamic conditions, significant residual displacements were observed, demonstrating a shift in landslide behavior due to seismic activity.
  • 12 SEPT
    There is a renewed interest in the stability of slopes that are subjected to earthquake loading. There have been numerous examples of slope instabilities and failures that were recorded in previous earthquakes such as the 921 Ji Ji earthquake in Taiwan in 1999 to more recent the Sichuan earthquake in China in 2008 and the Kahramanmaras earthquake in Turkey in 2023. With increased rainfall intensities that destabilize the slopes even smaller magnitude earthquakes can trigger landslides. In this presentation the use of dynamic centrifuge modelling will be shown to be a useful tool in investigating the slope failure mechanisms under seismic loading. At Cambridge university the problem of slopes, both very gentle as well as very steep slopes has been studied using the centrifuge testing. The basic principles of dynamic centrifuge modelling, the scaling laws that pertain to this technique and some of the newer developments in measurement techniques using optical measurements will be presented.
  • 17 JUIL
    The conference will address various factors that influence the perception of noise in buildings : Psychological and Physiological Responses to Floor Impact Sounds and Effects of Visual Factors on Responses to Neighbor Noise
  • 16 JUIL
    Digital human models in healthcare and well-being serve as sophisticated digital representations of physical entities, systems, or processes that operate across diverse environments, including healthcare settings. These models are intricately connected with various digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and ergonomic simulations, enabling seamless integration of data and insights to enhance overall well-being. By leveraging digital human models, professionals can personalize health interventions to meet individual needs and preferences effectively, while also optimizing human performance, comfort and well-being. These models provide comprehensive insights into various aspects of health, care, and well-being, facilitating tailored approaches that optimize healthcare practices and foster advancements in personalized and precision medicine.
  • 17 JUIN
    Full-field mesoscale computational modeling of statistical volume elements, coupled with calibration and validation experiments, provides a pathway for establishing microstructure-property relationships in additively manufactured parts. However, the fildelity of these relationships is sensitive to the microstructure representation and grain scle constitutive model, especially in complex geometries, and must be properly characterized and understood. In this talk, I will present results from two projects highlighting existing challenges, recent progress and future directions of research in this filed. Part I of this talk demonstrates our approach to choosing an optimized combination of microstructure and topology that works efficiently for a specific condition in lattice structures. Part II examines the size effect in AM thin wall structures spanning from room temperature to elevated loading conditions. We specifically investigate the anomalous high-temperature size effect in Titanium and Nickel super alloys.
  • 23 MAI
    Problem solving is a major quest of artificial intelligence. Constraint Programming (CP) contributes to this quest by providing high level languages that allow one to describe a problem in a very declarative way by means of constraints, that is, properties of the solution to be found. These problems are then automatically solved by embedded solving algorithms. These algorithms are usually based on a systematic exploration of the search space combined with constraint propagation techniques (to reduce the search space) and ordering heuristics (to guide the search). In this tutorial, we shall first illustrate the interest of using CP through several examples, and then we shall introduce the basic principles used by CP solving algorithms.
  • 02 MAI
    Comfort in vehicle seats is important in increasing sales but also in making passengers feel good and even prevent musculoskeletal injuries. Comfort is influenced by many factors. In this presentation scientific research is presented, which gives background to a design of seats focused on comfort. Attention will be paid to avoiding inactivity, how human senses work and recordings of aircraft interior elements that influence comfort.
  • 30 AVR
    La récupération d’énergie vibratoire vise à alimenter des capteurs sans fils communicants. Afin de concevoir des récupérateurs robustes aux variations de l’environnement vibratoire, il est nécessaire de pouvoir récupérer une puissance suffisante sur une plage de fréquence la plus large possible. Ainsi, dans cette présentation, nous présenterons des approches multiphysiques et non linéaires permettant d’élargir la bande passante de récupérateurs d’énergie vibratoire. À partir de modélisations multiphysiques, alliant des aspects mécaniques et électriques, nous explorerons l’influence du circuit d’interface sur le comportement dynamique du récupérateur. Nous démontrerons à la fois théoriquement et expérimentalement qu’une telle influence peut être exploitée pour améliorer la bande passante du récupérateur.
  • 11 AVR
    Thermal transport at interfaces plays an essential role in various nanoscale systems, spanning nanoelectronics, batteries, thermoelectric devices, nanofluids, and cancer thermal therapy. Atomistic simulations, notably molecular dynamics, offer a powerful approach for investigating interfacial thermal conductance and resistance, providing insights into atomic-level interactions. In this presentation, I utilize molecular dynamics simulations to present findings on interfacial phonon heat transport across 2D or 3D solid-solid and solid-liquid interfaces. By exploring various interface structures, material combinations, and temperatures, we elucidate the dependency of thermal conductance on interfacial characteristics. Furthermore, we investigate the influence of defects, including vacancies, on modulating phonon transport across interfaces. Through analysis of phonon scattering mechanisms and energy transfer processes, we uncover key factors influencing heat conduction at the nanoscale interface.
  • 03 AVR
    This talk will present recently published work conducted as part of the SINEW project (SINkhole Early Warning), and aimed at proving the feasibility of using combined Distributed Fibre Optic Sensing (DFOS) and Satellite imaging (DInSAR) as an early warning system for sinkhole detection. The work involves 1g experiments using a plane strain trapdoor and scaled to provide insight into the formation of a sinkhole in sand, in which DFOS cables are laid at selected depths. The DFOS data are compared with the geomechanics of the soil displacement, recorded using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and Finite Element analyses to further understanding applications in the field. Satellite imagery of a sinkhole collapse in Naples are presented in parallel. The results show the potential for the incorporation of DFOS and DInSAR in the construction of critical infrastructure to enable early detection of sinkhole formation and thus opportunity for remedial action to prevent catastrophic failures.
  • 21 MARS
    Decarbonisation requires the propulsion and power industries to be flexible to new architectures and products. Understanding the underlying thermofluid mechanisms will be essential for the success of these products. This talk presents the flexibility of some recent research approaches and contributions to understanding of the field.The first part of the presentation details recent advances in understanding and exploitation of 3D flows. Using both experimental and computational methods to investigate the flow topology and loss mechanisms has allowed new design criteria and geometries with increased performance. Three applications are shown: gas turbine compressor aerodynamics, hybrid rocket engines for space access and an all-electric liftfan currently in development.The second part presents some research approaches of the future; how emerging experimental and analysis methods could be used within a new centre being built in Cambridge.
  • 18 MARS
    Les troubles musculo-squelettiques constituent un enjeu de santé et de société majeur puisqu'ils affectent de nombreux travailleurs dans des domaines très variés. Les nouvelles technologies centrées sur l'humain, notamment les robots collaboratifs et les exosquelettes, pourraient permettre de répondre au moins partiellement au problème des TMS en apportant une assistance physique à l'humain au travail, réduisant ainsi la pénibilité physique de certaines tâches. Toutefois, pour tirer le meilleur parti de ces assistances, il est indispensable de les concevoir et les intégrer sur les postes de travail en tenant compte du fait que ces systèmes seront en interaction avec un agent autonome et variable : l'humain. La simulation est alors un outil puissant puisqu'elle permet d'évaluer de nombreux cas à moindres frais. Dans cette présentation, j'exposerai les concepts d'un outil de simulation d'humain numérique orienté vers la conception de dispositifs robotiques en interaction physique avec l'humain...
  • 22 FÉVR
    Optimization and random sampling play a crucial role in many current applications in both biomechanics and computer aided surgery. In this field, metaheuristic algorithms, capable of effectively exploring the solution space, are a very attractive option. With Genetic Algorithm, or its real-coded variant, being a common choice. The first part of the seminar will focus on utilizing these methods to tackle common problems in computer aided surgery, namely – path planning for medical tools in surgical procedures. Following that, the seminar will delve into the application of the methods in multibody modeling of biomechanical joints, focusing on the ankle. This will include testing the model with its random variants and uncertainty quantification.

Séminaires MEGA 2023


Séminaires MEGA 2022


Séminaires MEGA 2021