FP6: MOBILITY-1.1 Marie Curie Research Training Networks (RTN)

Feedback from a partner, EPFL-LTCV. Michaud

ERAcademy course, Oct.28, 2009

Cordis web site

Research Training Network• Marie Curie Research Training Network

• Multidisciplinary Research and Training on Composite Materials Applications in Transport Modes

• Funded by the Human Resources and Mobility Programme as part of the European Commission FP6

• Development of innovative composite materials applications for the rail, aerospace, maritime and automotive transport modes

• 14 organisations of renowned international stature in 11 countries across Europe, coordinated by University of Newcastle

Momentum partners

Objectives• “The objective of the MOMENTUM research training

network is to set up an effective and sustainable research platform for the study and development of innovative composite materials applications for the rail, aerospace, maritime and automotive transport modes using outstanding training based on a multidisciplinary approach and transfer of knowledge as main tools producing a new generation of highly employable researchers with unique skills.”

• 15 PhD students, 3 post-docs, and common training sessions on the topics studied by each

Training objectives- Defining the means whereby research teams of international

stature can interlink and collaborate within the well defined context of MOMENTUM;

- Implementation of a well-structured training programme for both ESRs and Ers

- Provision of a cohesive flexible and multidisciplinary framework for training and professional development;

- Development of a critical mass of qualified researchers to create value to the European community;

- Development of extended links to the new member states, candidate and associated countries as well as other less favoured regions of the EU.

Research objectives

- New and improved concepts for composite material transport applications, leading to an increased usage of composites and better vehicle solutions meeting energy, environment and safety requirements. These novel concepts will include integrated designs with broadened functionalities, lightweight designs

- to reduce fuel consumption, increase capacity, minimise detrimental impact on the transport infrastructure and the surrounding environment, and improve eco-sustainability and durable designs

- to provide increased service-life and reduced maintenance costs;

- Improved competitiveness for the composites industry by reducing development costs and time-to-market for new transportation products;

- The creation of an infrastructure for sustainable intersectoral and multidisciplinary cooperation and cross-fertilisation;

Work Packages• New Material Concepts

• Design Simulation and Modelling

• Manufacturing Technologies

• Durability and Repair of Structural Components

New Material Concepts

• Development of resin systems suitable for fast irradiation induced curing, to be implemented in high volume composite materials production processes, Palermo University (I)

• New material concepts suitable for high volume production in the automotive industry, CRF-Centro Ricerche FIAT (I)

• Selfreinforced polypropylene PPrPP/CF hybrid composites and their mechanical properties, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (B)

Design, simulation and modelling

• Damage mechanisms and failure modes,University of Zaragoza (E)

• Optimisation of non-linear structural analysis of composites, Zagreb university (Hr)

• Analysis of the behaviour of composites at elevated strain rates, Riga Technical University (Lv)

• Design and simulation of joints, ALSTOM Transport (F)

Manufacturing Technologies• Liquid resin infusion process optimisation, Stuttgart University-

Institute for Aircraft Design-IFB

• 3D braiding simulation for a rotary braider; RTM infusion simulation and draping simulation of fabrics, Stuttgart University-Institute for Aircraft Design-IFB

• Manufacturing process suitable for high volume production: Advanced microwave curing, Stuttgart University

• Thermoplastic manufacturing processes for marine applications, VTH/ Newcastle

Durability and repair of structural components

• Finite Element modelling of composite sandwich repairs, University of Porto (P)

• Integrity of composite aircraft fuselage materials under post-crash fire conditions, Newcastle University-NewRail-Centre for Railway Research (UK)

• Fire protection systems for composite transport structures, Newcastle University-NewRail-Centre for Railway Research (UK)

Recycling / Life Cycle Assessment• Development of high performance composites made from

recycled PP and carbon fibers. Technologies, sustainability. Legislation, Swedish Institute of Composites-SICOMP (S)

• Coupled life cycle cost and environmental impact approach to composites, EPFL-Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (CH)

In practice, after 4 years

• A loosely formed network, some informal collaboration based on friendship/scientific relevance

• A very “hands-off” coordinator (with plus and minuses)

• A good number of PhD theses will have been made ( not 15, maybe 13) on topics that are all in line with the initial topics.

• Scientific meetings where all participants present: like a small conference, very good training as well.

• Training sessions: in general, good level, and forms bonds between the students.

Main outcome• A strongly bonded “family” of young researchers, seed of

networking for the future.

Impact for us• - A fellowship that was difficult to handle versus EPFL HR

rules and doctoral school: higher salary, 3 years limit, training that is not validated by our Doctoral school ( or some of it only)

• - Increased bureaucracy: audits every year, and expenses that are linked with the fellow, and the supervisors ( implies to redo all accounting at the end of each year), problem of Euro-CHF conversions for the salary.

• + A friendly network, possibility to organise training sessions (with fondue!)

• + Some collaboration results with several partners

• I will be on the thesis committee of 2 students from Stuttgart-EADS

Conclusion• Overall, good system to foster research and training of

your researchers in a given field, and to foster their European integration ( each in a different country from their own)... The “Momentum” family will follow them forever.

• For the host institute, rather free money for a PhD, no deliverables due for the other partners, but rules are not always in line with EPFL, and fellowship is limited to 3 years.

• Acknowledgements: Robert Witik, our Momentum fellow, P. Menu, EPFL financial services, Maria Delaloye our secretary, C.Ludwig, J. Payet, J.A. Månson and others for contribution to supervision.

Questions?