RTU Institute of High-Performance Materials and Structures

Institute of High-Performance Materials and Structures (IHPMS), previously Laboratory of Experimental Mechanics of Materials (LEMM), commenced its work in January 2019, joining Institute of Mechanics and Mechanical Engineering at Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Transport and Aeronautics, Riga Technical University (RTU). Currently, IHPMS is a part of Faculty of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at RTU. The goal of IHPMS is to develop a new research direction at RTU, which is related to the development of experimental mechanics methods for innovative constructive materials. The main task of the institute is to study the operation of new multifunctional materials, composites and other innovative materials. IHPMS is equipped with advanced instruments for sample preparation, materials testing and characterization, including QATM Qpol polishing machine, Zwick/Roell universal testing machines (with max. load capacity of 150 kN and 600 kN), Messphysik non-contact video-extensometer, and the recently acquired FLIR high performance thermography and thermal imaging camera. In addition to the experimental setup, IHPMS offers expertise in computer-aided design and modeling. The current scientific research at IHPMS focuses on novel composite manufacturing techniques, multifunctional hybrid textile composites, high performance sport equipment and glass fiber composite recycling and life cycle assessment. Along with research, IHPMS also supports student projects and conducts summer schools for university students at undergraduate and graduate level (https://www.rtu.lv/en/fmeta/about-faculty/news-3/open/Study-of-material-fracture-can-be-very-interesting-and-fun).