| Topic title |
Possible scientific supervisors |
Source of funding |
|
Development, investigation and application of composite materials for microfluidic systems
|
prof. dr. Giedrius JANUŠAS |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
For the development of functional microfluidic elements, the technologies of micro mechanical fluidic devices development as well as particle positioning and control technologies in them need to be available. When developing the mentioned technologies, it is necessary to form the nano/micro cavities to trap bio particles to be used for diagnostics function. With the application of piezoelectric nanocomposites such micromechanical systems with nano/micro cavities can be controlled at nano/micrometer level what can be used as particle traps and positioning places thus serving as the basic principle of sensors or filters development. Carrying out the research it is planned to make the microfluidic acoustophoresis device from piezoelectric nanocomposite for which micro scale level piezoelectric properties are characteristic what in turn would assist in more effective and higher precision generating of bulk acoustic waves thus ensuring higher effectiveness of microparticles manipulation and control. This will be achieved by synthesizing nano composite, evaluating its mechanical, electrical, hydrophobic and dynamic properties, and developing technologies for nano/micro cavities and microstructure formation in nano composite.
|
| Design, research and application of new bio-sustainable nanocomposite thin films in the production of flexible electronic systems |
lekt. dr. Sigita Urbaitė |
state-funded |
|
Development of hybrid composites based on natural fibers: research and application in bioengineering
|
prof. habil. dr. Arvydas PALEVIČIUS |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Hybrid composites are one of the emerging fields in mechanical engineering science which has attracted attention for their different engineering applications. That is why the main focus in future research will be done on creating new types of hybrid composite and their properties investigation and application in bioengineering.
|
| R&D of the multi degree of freedom piezoelectric drives |
prof. dr. Vytautas JŪRĖNAS |
state-funded |
|
Development of eco-friendly plastic composites with excellent mechanical properties for engineering application
|
prof. dr. Daiva ZELENIAKIENĖ |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
The general challenge in mechanical engineering is developing strong, damage tolerant, lightweight, and reliable materials and structures working under severe exploitation conditions (extreme mechanical loads, high humidity, rain erosion, etc.). Traditional glass fibre-reinforced plastic (GFRP) composites can be an excellent solution for such issues. However, with the increasing application of GFRP in multiple industrial sectors, a global need to recycle these plastic wastes emerges. Switching to environmentally friendly epoxies instead of traditional matrices is vital, but it often leads to poorer mechanical properties. Two ways that help to sustain mechanical properties are the modification of the matrix and the use of advanced fibres such as three-dimensional (3D) woven fabrics. These fabrics are becoming a preferred choice for manufacturing GFRP composites. They have several advantages over two-dimensional laminated composites, such as higher delamination resistance, higher impact strength and resistance to crack propagation.
The aim of this research is to develop high-performance 3D woven GFRP composites based on the novel recyclable epoxy resin. This sustainable epoxy will be modified with environmentally friendly nanofillers to improve its mechanical, barrier and flammability properties. It will be used both as a 3D woven GFRP composite matrix and after appropriate tailoring, as a protective coating. The use of 3D woven fabrics for GFRP composites will compensate the potential decrease of mechanical properties due to the eco-friendly epoxy.
|
|
Trainer development for human shoulder joint
|
prof. dr. Egidijus DRAGAŠIUS |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Scientific research on this topic can be carried out not only by masters of mechanical engineering, but also by masters of mechatronics, automation, electrical or informatics engineering.
The idea of the proposed topic: to design a mechatronic device - a controlled shoulder joint trainer. The novelty and originality of the idea and experience in the field of the research is that is offered the solution to develop and test a shoulder joint trainer that is user-friendly, easily adaptively controlled using an electromyography (EMG) model. EMG is a diagnostic procedure that aims to assess the condition of nerves, muscles and the nerve cells that control them (motor neurons). EMG will be used to assess the electrical activity of the muscles (i.e., the total action potential) on the skin surface, both when the muscles are relaxed and when they tightened at different intensities. Upon detection of movement from the processed EMG signal, a control signal will be generated, which will be transmitted to the executing components of the trainer so that the corresponding movement of the trainer can be performed together with the movement of the shoulder joint.
|
|
Development of electrically conductive fibre reinforced polymer composites with self-diagnostic function
|
prof. dr. Daiva ZELENIAKIENĖ |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
The development of advanced transport, aerospace, wind turbines and other structural components of fibre reinforced polymer composites is constantly growing due to perfect combination of their high stiffness, strength and low density. During in-service life these composite structures are subjected to impact and fatigue loads, causing a localized damage such as matrix cracking, delamination and fibre breakage, which leads to the degradation of the mechanical properties. These damages are usually invisible and the prediction of the required maintenance intensity, ensuring the cost efficiency avoiding a catastrophic failure is a very difficult task. Structural health monitoring for the damage detection is essential to enhance in-service reliability and lifetime of composite structures. Many types of sensors, vibration, wave propagation techniques have been developed for damage sensing. Despite their advantages, these techniques also have a number of disadvantages, for instance, integrated sensors can cause the increase of stress concentration in a part, contactless methods are often difficult to use due to sophisticated equipment.
The aim of this study is to develop novel electrically conductive fibre reinforced polymer composites with excellent mechanical properties and self-diagnostic function. The objectives for this aim are the following: optimisation of hybrid-hierarchical composite microstructure to ensure extraordinary electrical properties of the material without losing excellent strength and stiffness; experimental-numerical analysis of complex damage processes of new composite with optimized structure under fatigue and impact loading; modelling of the correlation between electrical parameters and damage propagation; development and validation of structural health monitoring methods based on the correlation between electrical parameters and damage propagation.
|
|
Development of flexible micro hydraulically actuated structures with integrated sensing function
|
doc. dr. Kęstutis PILKAUSKAS |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Taking ideas from nature i.e. biological systems is the promising way in order to develop of biomedical systems functioning effectively in interaction with the human body and capable of performing monitoring and stimulation tasks. The main idea of the current research is the development of active micro hydraulically actuated system with integrated sensing function. The research tasks are achieved by integrating flexible micro hydraulic element with piezo polymer. Thus the functional component capable of making flexural movements and having the integrated sensing function together with theoretical background of its design will be available.
|
|
Research and development of robitised incremental polimer sheet forming
|
doc. dr. Darius EIDUKYNAS |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Complex geometric shapes and details of various purpose objects and figures are rapidly increasing nowadays in various fields of industry and everyday life. Despite the fact, that modern computer hardware and software greatly facilitates the creation of such objects/shapes during the design phase, the actual production of such objects is very complicated and expensive. For this reason, the incremental forming of sheets, mainly made from metals, is being investigated and used nowadays. This machining method allows a significant reduction in time and cost. Among other things, the incremental sheet forming allows the production of objects/shapes of extremely complex geometric shape which would be very difficult or even impossible to produce by traditional methods.
The aim of doctoral research is to develop and investigate a technology for the robotic incremental sheet forming of a polymer (thermoplastic) sheet. The research results obtained during the doctoral studies would be useful for companies in the plastics molding, processing and molding industries, which could increase their productivity using the developed technology and enable the market to offer more complex shapes that are difficult or impossible to produce with the current technology.
|
|
Cleaner manufacturing of 3D printable multifunctional biocomposite materials and structures for regenerative medicine applications
|
vyr.m.d. dr. Rolanas DAUKŠEVIČIUS |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Development of “greener” processing methods for manufacturing of novel functional and smart thermoplastic composite biomaterials is very important for enabling 3D printing of safe multifunctional components for various biomedical applications such as regenerative medicine devices. Highly relevant uses of smart thermoplastic biomaterials include printed tissue engineering scaffolds and implants as well as different active components that are responsive to external stimuli (e.g. mechanical, electric, magnetic, thermal). Specifically, solvent-free processing methods based on hot melt extrusion are highly promising for clean manufacturing of thermoplastic biocomposites that are safe to humans, animals and environment. Extruded smart biocomposites may be successfully applied for fused filament or granule fabrication (FFF/FGF) of highly customizable biomedical components and devices with embedded useful functionalities (e.g. bio-stimulation, sensing, etc.). Therefore, the main aim of PhD project is to manufacture smart biocomposite filaments via melt processing and demonstrate 3D printing of multifunctional structures intended for a regenerative medicine use case. A PhD student will work at KTU Institute of Mechatronics on application, investigation and optimization of melt-based manufacturing of a specific type of smart biocomposite, characterization of extruded and printed biocomposite samples, simulation-driven design, prototyping and performance testing of multifunctional biocomposite structures.
|
|
Development of flexible piezoelectric sensors and energy harvesters using multi-material 3D printing technology
|
vyr.m.d. dr. Rolanas DAUKŠEVIČIUS |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Development of multi-material extrusion-based additive manufacturing (3D printing) of smart composite components is an important driver of several interconnected high-tech fields such as additively manufactured electronics/mechatronics, bioprinting, 4D printing, etc. Multi-tool 3D printing platforms are needed to enable fully additive manufacturing of multi-material components for use in various application domains (e.g. biomedical, automotive, etc.). It requires integration of multiple processing tools including use of several extruders for deposition of structural, electrical, smart/active and various functional layers using thermoplastic filaments and granules or viscous pastes/inks. Such multi-tool printing platforms provide more design freedom for efficient manufacturing of customized smart components with embedded self-monitoring and/or self-powering functionalities (e.g. deformation, vibration sensing and energy harvesting). These functions may be realized with piezoelectric devices that are designed as multi-layer structures (transducers) by properly arranging piezo-active, conductive and dielectric materials. Therefore, multi-material 3D printing technology should be implemented for fabrication of novel piezoelectric sensors and energy harvesters having advanced structural configurations (e.g. flexible, stretchable, conformable). The main aim of the PhD project is to demonstrate fully additive manufacturing of complex-shaped piezoelectric sensors and energy harvesters. A PhD student will work at KTU Institute of Mechatronics on collaborative implementation of multi-tool 3D printing platform and will focus on different research activities such as investigation and optimization of multi-material printing process, characterization of (piezo)mechanical properties of printed samples, simulation-driven design, prototyping and performance testing of piezoelectric devices.
|
|
Research and development of additively manufactured high performance composite structures reinforced with continuous fibers
|
doc. dr. Marius RIMAŠAUSKAS |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies are reasonably considered as an important part in the Industry 4.0 era. The influence of AM in today's global manufacturing environment is crucial and results are showing that AM has the potential to become a game changer in traditional manufacturing. Flexibility, reduced delivery time, improved design, reduced amount of waste are undeniable advantages of AM technologies. These are the main reasons why in the last decade we can observe continuous growth of the AM market. However, with such rapid technological growth many challenges arise too, among which the main one is lack of know-how. New materials and technological processes require specific knowledge which are generated during research activities. This research will focus on additive manufacturing of composite structures made of high-performance engineering thermoplastics reinforced with continuous fibers. Combinations of continuous fibers and high-performance thermoplastics should allow to improve mechanical performance significantly, moreover properties of polymers such as heat resistance, chemical resistance, biocompatibility will allow to use composite structures in aerospace or automotive industries or medical sector .
|
| Dental Biomechanics - orthodontic tooth movement and occlusal contact. Research, development, modeling |
prof. dr. Rimvydas GAIDYS |
state-funded |
|
Development of a new technological approach to TIG DC welding of aluminium alloys
|
prof. dr. Regita BENDIKIENĖ |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Aim: to carry out a feasibility study of TIG DC automated welding of aluminum alloys.
Tasks:
1. To determine the influence of TIG AC and TIG DC welding technologies on the microstructure, mechanical and performance properties of aluminum alloy welded joints;
2. To analyze the influence of shielding gas type and flow rate on arc shape, molten pool behavior in DC welding;
3. To perform a study of the thermal efficiency of variable polarity aluminum arc welding by performing a molten metal bath analysis.
Results: the obtained results will allow to solve the main technical problems of non-destructive TIG AC and TIG DC joining of aluminum alloys.
|
|
Investigation of friction stir welding process of welding dissimilar materials
|
doc. dr. Ramūnas ČESNAVIČIUS |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
One of the modern metal products industries is the welding of metal parts. In addition to traditional welds used in the past: electric arc, plasma gas flow, conventional spot welding and many other welds, new, progressive welding methods are increasingly being used: laser, friction welding. Welding using these methods can be done more precisely, more efficiently, it is possible to weld materials that are difficult or even impossible to weld in traditional ways. The most important welding parameter is the seam reliability. The thread must meet the operational design requirements. It is affected by the metal composition, welding method and mode. When welding with conventional technology, good weldability is considered when the joint strength obtained is equal to the strength of the base metal.
The purpose of the study is to make experimental investigation and numerical simulation of Friction Stir Welding (FSW) process of dissimilar materials and their alloys.
|
|
Research of metal cyclic strength and fatigue life under multiaxial loading
|
doc. dr. Ramūnas ČESNAVIČIUS |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
The structural integrity of components of environmentally hazardous enterprises must be ensured under normal operating conditions and in hazardous conditions. Nuclear power plants, thermal power plants, chemical industry companies, oil industry companies, gas pipelines, heating networks, etc. can be classified as hazardous. Metal structures and pipelines in the above-mentioned companies may cause metal degradation due to higher temperature, more aggressive working environment exposure, and thus their integrity will be vulnerable. One of the main mechanisms of degradation is metal fatigue, which may lead to structural fracture.
The purpose of the research is to investigate the fatigue and its cyclic properties of metals used in energetic objects by applying multiaxial loads and determining the relationships between these types of load deformation and fracture properties.
|
|
Development of non-invasive device and methods to treat pulmonary hypertension and other related diseases
|
v.m.d. dr. Mantas VENSLAUSKAS |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Proposed to develop a novel non-invasive vibro-acoustic device to modulate drug action on pulmonary blood flow, bronchial function, and mucociliary clearance. This device will benefit patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) or pulmonary hypertension (PH). Currently, the PH is treated with drugs, while the ARDS – with the mechanical ventilation and other supportive measures. Both conditions have a high mortality rate. The vibro-acoustic device will operate in the frequency range of 50 Hz -20 kHz with possibility to induce low frequency (between 5 and 15 Hz) acoustic waves in lung tissues. It is planned to create and identify the optimal operating characteristics of the device and define device capabilities to modulate the H2S, NO, endothelin, and prostacyclin signalling pathways in human lung arterioles and adrenergic signalling in the bronchioles. In the laboratory of KTU Institute of Mechatronics it will be intend to develop a prototype and study the dynamic and metrological properties of the device. A 3D laser Doppler vibrometer, PSV-500-3D-HV (Polytec Inc.), can be used to determine the amplitude and frequency characteristics of the acoustic waves emitted by the vibroacoustic device. Considering ex-vivo experimental results, it will be determined the optimal operating modes of the device using the holographic system PRISM-100 (HYTEC Inc.). The electrical resistance of the device will be measured with a Wayne Kerr 6500B resistance analyser (Wayne Kerr Electronics Ltd). The main social benefit of this device will be the improvement of life quality and the decrease mortality of the ARDS and PH patients. The successful development of this device during will provide sufficient evidence to initiate the clinical development stage of our proposed device.
|
|
Integrated experimental-computational approach for characterization of biocomposites mechanical properties, calibration of material models and prediction of mechanical behavior
|
prof. dr. Paulius GRIŠKEVIČIUS |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Identification of material properties and accurate prediction of mechanical behaviour is particularly relevant for high performance anisotropic materials such as biocomposites.
Research objectives are to develop a verified combined experimental - computational tool based on 3D digital image correlation technique for accurate identification of anisotropic material properties, calibration of numerical models and prediction of mechanical behaviour.
The tasks of the research are to perform data?rich mechanical testing of structures to quantitively identify the elastic properties, strength parameters, damage initiation and failure mechanisms of 3D printed biocomposites; combining experimental - computational tools to calibrate material models; developing validated numerical models to predict the mechanical behaviour of 3D printed biocomposites.
The verified experimental-computational methodology will allow to identify and characterise the mechanical properties of composite structure; it will improve the confidence in designing lighter and reliable composites structures. The analysis of experimental DIC results using simulation technique with conjunction of inverse FEM may open possibility for new NDT approach for the detection of an early small-scale damage in composites and the assessment of damage tolerance.
Experimental equipment: Extrusion-based bioprinting, Instron Electropuls E10000 linear-torsion machine with 3D digital image correlation (DIC) technique.
|
|
Development and research of a system of non-contact damage control and monitoring system for composite materials using finite element model updating
|
doc. dr. Darius EIDUKYNAS |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Composite materials and structures are becoming more and more important due to modern lightweight design strategies imposed by the need of material, fuel consumption and costs reduction; especially in key industries like automotive, aerospace, wind energy. The goal of the research is the development of a new Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) method for lightweight composite structures; based on a combined experimental and computational approach. The experimental method of non-contact photogrammetry will be deployed for damage detection; in conjunction with the computational method of Finite Element model updating for damage identification (i.e., localization, characterization). Special attention in terms of both theoretical formulation and computational implementation will be given to the new nonlocal peridynamics theory for composite damage mechanics analysis. The research idea is mainly motivated by the advantages offered by the non-contact feature of the proposed SHM method; eliminating thus the need of complex sensor networks attached to the structure for damage detection; and eliminating thus some of the main disadvantages of the attached/embedded SHM sensing systems: pre-defined known locations for sensors placement, possibility of sensors damage, sensitivity of the sensor baseline measurements to environmental conditions, complex wiring and data acquisition systems, high implementation and operation costs. Consequently, the research results and the SHM method proposed here can have direct applicability and can be of high-interest for advanced industrial application such as aeronautical and wind energy lightweight composite structures.
The impact of the research is expected under multiple aspects of scientific (new knowledge, research, and innovation capacity), economic (condition based maintenance, reduced inspection down time), and societal (increased safety and security for structures and public) benefits.
|
|
Mechanical imprint of nanostructures in metals: devices and technologies
|
prof. habil. dr. Arvydas PALEVIČIUS |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
A single-step nanoimprint process for direct patterning of metallic nanostructures at room temperature will be analyzed. Porous anodic alumina (PAA) will be used for stamps and the structure will be optimized by adjusting the PAA fabrication parameters.
Expected research results will force the applications of imprinted metal nanostructures in bio-sensing, diagnostic imaging, catalysis, food industry and environmental conservation.
|
| Development and research of personalized devices used in medicine |
doc. dr. Aurelijus DOMEIKA |
state-funded |
| Tracking the movement of autonomous robots and ensuring mutual communication for collision prevention |
m.d. dr. Marius GUDAUSKIS |
state-funded |
| Research and development of light weight ballistic protection for light unmanned vehicles protection |
v.m.d. dr. Andrius VILKAUSKAS |
state-funded |
| Research and application of biomimicry - emulation of the structures and functions of biological systems in the creation of energy accumulators |
prof. dr. Rimvydas GAIDYS |
state-funded |
| Application of the principles of solving technical problems of biological systems in mechanical engineering - a physical system based on artificial intelligence to follow the mechanical effects of the environment. Research, development, modeling. |
prof. dr. Rimvydas GAIDYS |
state-funded |
| Research on the mechanical properties of new packaging materials and the development of sustainable packaging materials |
lekt. dr. Laura GEGECKIENĖ |
state-funded |
|
Development of eco-friendly hybrid composites for advanced industry
|
prof. dr. Giedrius JANUŠAS |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
This research topic is intended for the amenities and technologies conditioning the further development of hybrid natural fiber-based biocomposites for lightweight body panels in automotive applications, flexible sensors, advanced electronic devices, solar cells and etc. It is planned to develop natural fiber reinforced bio matrix-based hybrid composites in the presence of nanoparticles (bio-based) based on the rule of hybridization concept. To acquire superior mechanical properties, hybrid composites are fabricated by joining two or more different natural fibers with similar chemical composition and mechanical properties under the same matrix material, evaluating its, mechanical, morphological, wettability, chemical, and dynamic properties. Results of this research will be substantial for the expansion of a new generation of eco-friendly hybrid composites.
|
