Mechanical models are essential for the development of modern and innovative mechanical systems in that they provide the means to optimize design, to understand and predict failure of mechanical parts, and to thus ensure the integrity and reliability of mechanical components. Classical, but for many applications still unresolved questions reside in the definition of equations that describe the non-linear, time and history dependent force-deformation behaviour of materials (constitutive modelling, continuum mechanics) as well as the service history dependent deterioration of materials (damage mechanics), and in the development of analytical and numerical models of the response of complex mechanical systems. New challenges are related to coupled field problems in modern engineering applications and concern the dependence of the mechanical behaviour on, e.g., temperature fields, environmental effects, electromagnetic fields, effects from fluid-structure interactions. We investigate these phenomena for applications of existing and new high temperature materials, “smart materials”, active structures and adaptive mechanical system in energy technologies, biomedicine and transportation.

The High Temperature Integrity group (HTIG) was formed in 2006 to develop and provide state-of-the art high temperature mechanical design, assessment and remining life solutions underpinned by fundamental scientific research. Existing expertise is founded on over 40 years combined experience of the power generation industry. The intention is to extend the scope of this scientific and technological knowledge base to energy, transportation and other sectors, with a focus on:

• Specialist analysis and modelling of high temperature material property data and
• Defect-free and defect assessment of high temperature components and structures

Underpinned by the results of:
- Advanced high temperature testing, and
- Material structure and high temperature damage
  condition assessment

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Head of Laboratory: Prof. Dr. Edoardo Mazza
Secretary: Michèle Köhli
E-mail: lab119@empa.ch
Fax: +41 58 765 42 52