Johannes Kepler University Linz - JKU

The Johannes Kepler University (JKU) Linz is represented in the consortium by its Institute of Structural Lightweight Design (IKL). The IKL is part of the Department of Mechatronics and is dedicated to the development of lightweight design concepts for industrial applications. JKU-IKL operates a flexible test platform that allows a wide range of structural tests from coupon to component level, as well as a comprehensive SHM measurement technology laboratory. The Institute is an active member of the Industry Committee for Structural Analysis (IASB, publisher of the structure analysis handbook HSB).

In SUSTAINair, JKU-IKL is going to provide the structural testing (static, dynamic, cyclic) of metallic, composite and additively manufactured coupons, hybrid joint elements and components. This will help to assess the structural capabilities of the innovative designs developed in SUSTAINair. In addition, JKU is collaborating in the development of sensors and sensor systems and is leading the development and validation of structural health monitoring (SHM) methods for continuous and automatic damage diagnosis based on the provided sensor data.

Andreas Dengg

Andreas Dengg is a fellow researcher at the JKU Institute of Structural Lightweight Design in Linz (AUT). After his studies of mechanical engineering at the Technical University of Graz (AUT), he worked in the Upper-Austrian aviation industry for one and a half year, returning to university for his PhD studies. Main focus of his research in the framework of the SUSTAINair project is Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) for damage diagnostics.

For the coming future, I want to say to myself that the field of engineering and working in SUSTAINair enabled me to do both: Satisfy my curiosity as well as addressing real-word problems.

Christoph Kralovec

Dr. Christoph Kralovec is senior researcher with a strong background in computer-aided methods for design, structural analysis and multidisciplinary optimization. His current research is dedicated to two major fields: First, structural lightweight design with focus on static and fatigue strength analysis of materials and joining elements, effects of manufacturing defects, characterization and application of composites and additively manufactured materials. Second, development of online and onboard SHM systems for mechanical structures to compensate design uncertainties and maintain the structure’s integrity during operation.

Structural health monitoring (SHM) requires advanced sensor technologies and measurement data evaluation methods to allow early damage diagnosis, and thus, to optimize MRO services.

 

SUSTAINair allows my team and me at JKU to support a more sustainable deployment of raw materials by working towards replacement of today’s scheduled maintenance and withdrawal from service of structural components by a condition-based approach – thus changing the industry standard.

Martin Schagerl

Prof. Martin Schagerl is head of the Institute of Structural Lightweight Design and head of the Christian Doppler Laboratory for Structural Strength Control of Lightweight Constructions at the JKU Linz. Martin Schagerl has a very strong scientific background in applied mathematics, engineering mechanics and strength of materials. Furthermore, he brings along industry experience in the aeronautical sector, where he worked for seven years at Airbus Germany GmbH. As head of the structure analysis methods and tool department he contributed among other projects to the structural design of the aircrafts A380, A400M and A350.

SUSTAINair’s interdisciplinary and high profile consortium enables the harmonized development of smart sensor technologies and SHM methods for early damage diagnosis. This allows us to contribute to aircraft safety and cost-efficiency of MRO operations.