Topic title |
Possible scientific supervisors |
Source of funding |
Research and development of additively manufactured high performance composite structures reinforced with continuous fibers
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prof. dr. Marius Rimašauskas |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies are 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.
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Research on the application of active fluids to dynamic vehicle detection
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prof. dr. Egidijus Dragašius |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Research on this topic can be carried out not only by mechanical engineering masters, but also by mechatronics, automation, electrical or informatics engineering masters. The idea of the proposed topic: to design a car speed measurement system using active (rheological) fluids. With a low power control signal, active fluids can be used to create a variable damping force. It is desired to improve the characteristics of the piezo-cable system by applying active (rheological) fluids to it, thus expanding its possibilities of use on roads with various surfaces. This would be achieved by activating the rheological fluid and varying the loads transmitted to the piezo cable. The installation and operation costs of such a system would likely be lower than laser-based speed measurement systems.
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Development of eco-friendly plastic composites with excellent mechanical properties for engineering application
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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.
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Bioinspired flight mechanism for flapping-wing micro air vehicle. Research, development, simulation. |
prof. dr. Rimvydas Gaidys |
state-funded |
Bioinspired artificial micro sensors for flight. Research, development, simulation. |
prof. dr. Rimvydas Gaidys |
state-funded |
Dental biomechanics - orthodontic tooth movement and occlusal contact. Research, development, modeling |
prof. dr. Rimvydas Gaidys |
state-funded |
Biohydrogen production using catalytic thermochemical reforming process |
vyr.m.d. dr. Ahmed Samy Yousef Saed |
state-funded |
R&D of the multi?degree?of?freedom piezoelectric drives |
prof. dr. Vytautas Jūrėnas |
state-funded |
Development of electrically conductive fibre reinforced polymer composites with self-diagnostic function
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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.
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Investigation of friction stir welding process of welding dissimilar materials
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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.
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Hybrid additive manufacturing of multi-layer biocomposite structures for healthtech applications
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vyr.m.d. dr. Rolanas Daukševičius |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Development of hybrid additive manufacturing (AM) platforms for multi-material additive fabrication of various (bio)polymer/composite products is an important driver of several advanced manufacturing fields such as 3D/4D (bio)printing and the emerging field of additively manufactured (bio)electronics/mechatronics. In particular, multi-tool extrusion-based hybrid AM platforms are needed for fully additive fabrication of multi-layer/function heterogeneous structures, which are applicable in novel healthtech and medtech devices (e.g. wearable or implantable diagnostic/therapeutic devices such as sensors for physiological monitoring, smart regenerative implants, etc.). To implement hybrid AM process it is necessary to integrate several AM tools including different extruders for deposition of multiple structural and functional (bio)polymer/composite layers (e.g. conductive, piezoelectric, bioactive). Hybrid AM platforms may also be integrated with other technological modules/tools, e.g. for generating electrical or acoustic fields or for performing photonic processing (e.g. sintering). Hybrid AM platform should be developed to extrude thermoplastic and viscous materials in order to provide more design freedom for efficient manufacturing of customized multi-layer/function components (e.g. flexible devices with embedded sensing, energy harvesting, electrostimulation or other smart functionalities). The main aim of the PhD project is to demonstrate hybrid AM of multi-layer (bio)polymer/composite structures and a multi-function component intended for a relevant application case in health/med-tech. A PhD student will work at KTU Institute of Mechatronics on: i) assisting the development of multi-tool hybrid AM platform; ii) investigation and validation of multi-material hybrid AM process; ii) characterization of functional properties of fabricated multi-layer samples; iii) simulation-driven design, prototyping and performance testing of a multi-function component.
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Development and research of a system of non-contact damage control and monitoring system for composite materials using finite element model updating
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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.
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Development, investigation and application of composite materials for microfluidic systems
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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.
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Development of composite self-cleaning nanofiltration membranes for water treatment |
prof. dr. Giedrius Janušas |
state-funded |
Flexible micro hydraulic structures with integrated sensing function
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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.
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Mechanical imprint of nanostructures in metals: devices and technologies
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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.
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Development of methods of joining materials, application in industry and investigation of the properties of the obtained joints
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prof. dr. Saulius Baskutis |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Masters of production and manufacturing engineering can conduct scientific research on this topic in doctoral studies. The idea of the proposed topic: to develop a method and methodology for restoring/renewing the functionality of machine parts by forming wear-resistant or anti-friction coatings from composite and/or metal materials on the functional surfaces of the parts, or by connecting different materials in other ways. It is planned to use ultrasonic visualization, radiographic analysis, adhesion, magnetic particle and capillary non-destructive control methods for researching formed coatings and joints. After experimentally evaluating the quality of the complex restoration of parts surfaces or parts joining processes, the aim will be to implement the developed method and methodology in practice.
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Research of metal cyclic strength and fatigue life under multiaxial loading
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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.
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Development of hybrid composites based on natural fibers: research and application in bioengineering
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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.
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Development of a new technological approach to TIG DC welding of aluminium alloys
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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.
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Design, research and application of new bio-sustainable nanocomposite thin films in the production of flexible electronic systems |
asist. dr. Sigita Urbaitė |
state-funded |
Research on the mechanical properties of new packaging materials and the development of sustainable packaging materials |
asist. dr. Laura Gegeckienė |
state-funded |
Research and development of robitised incremental polimer sheet forming
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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.
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Digital-Twins towards Structural Health Monitoring of composite structures
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prof. dr. Paulius Griškevičius |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
The research would aim to improve structural health monitoring (SHM) techniques for composite structures by integrating the concept of a Digital Twin. The developed system intends to analyse the mechanical response of the physical structure and assess the health of the structure. The main objective is to develop a system in which Digital Twins, together with integrated sensors and data analysis techniques, allow the monitoring and prediction of the health of composite structures.
The research would involve the development of validated finite element model of a selected composite structure, including material characterisation and calibration of the material model, in the laboratory using full field displacement and strain measurements from a 3D digital image correlation system. The different damage patterns (different positions, sizes and shapes) generated in the finite element model of the composite structure will be used to create a virtual database of mechanical response and used to train the surrogate mathematical model. The surrogate deformation maps of the digital twins under different loading conditions and damage will be applied for health diagnosis and condition monitoring of the composite structure.
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Printable bio-based functional composite materials for additive manufacturing of mechatronic eco-devices
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vyr.m.d. dr. Rolanas Daukševičius |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
More sustainable manufacturing of next-generation functional/smart composite materials based on nature-derived polymers is a prerequisite for development of environmentally safe (multi)functional components, which will be increasingly used within the emerging fields of green or degradable/transient (bio)electronics and (bio)mechatronics. In particular, thermoplastic bio-based smart composites (e.g. bacteria-derived biopolymers with eco-friendly fillers) are needed for extrusion-based additive manufacturing of various smart eco-structures/devices. They should have negligible negative impact on ecosystems/health and should possess advanced functional/smart properties such as electrical conductivity, sensing, energy harvesting, etc. Applications are diverse and include limited-lifespan electronic devices (e.g. disposable sensors for environmental monitoring), sensorized compostable consumer products, diagnostic/therapeutic healthtech devices, resorbable implants/scaffolds, etc. To ensure cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability it is important to further develop and validate melt-based manufacturing processes for more eco-friendly (e.g. solvent-free), more efficient and industrially scalable production of extrudable bio-based composites. The main aim of the PhD project is to manufacture a biopolymer-based functional/smart composite material using hot melt extrusion and to demonstrate the use of extruded filaments/granules in 3D printing a multifunctional eco-device (e.g. limited-lifespan disposable sensor). A PhD student will work at KTU Institute of Mechatronics on: i) demonstration and validation of filament extrusion process for a specific type of bio-based functional/smart composite; ii) characterization of mechanical, physicochemical and relevant functional properties of extruded and printed samples; iii) simulation-driven design, rapid prototyping and performance testing of printed prototypes of a multifunctional eco-device.
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Development of maintenance optimisation method
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doc. dr. Kazimieras Juzėnas |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
The efficiency of methods and technologies of Maintenance 4.0/5.0 depends on the ability to integrate knowledge from different fields of science and technology to develop solutions than can be easily adapted in different fields of industry and different companies. The aim of this research is to create a multi-parametric optimization method that integrates technical diagnostics, big data analytics and expert decision support tools, enabling the optimization of technical maintenance activities in various business sectors.
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Research and development of sustainable additive manufacturing process for production of natural fibers reinforced composites
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prof. dr. Marius Rimašauskas |
state-funded |
Research Topic Summary.
Additive manufacturing (AM) known as 3D printing is a digital manufacturing process dedicated for the production of complex geometry parts. Growing interest in AM is related to the main benefits of technology: reduction of waste, design flexibility, minimization of product delivery time and better process performance. Another important point is that the variety of materials is also constantly increasing and opening new possibilities for applications. Materials, starting from polymers, metals, ceramics, and composites are widely used in AM technologies, however sustainability aspect should be considered too, especially when talking about composites. This research will focus on the development of the AM process for production of composites reinforced with natural fibers. The main benefit of natural fibers is environmental friendliness due to material renewability and biodegradability. The combination of natural fibers and biopolymers will allow to produce structural parts with predictable mechanical performance and behavior. Moreover, AM of natural composites will help to minimize process impact on environment and reduce CO2 level.
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