Other Segments

For the design of infrastructure and components in LNG applications, understanding the mechanical behaviour of materials at expected operating temperatures is essential. To support this, we have performed, for example, tensile tests at -165 °C using a dewar setup. These tests enable the characterization of material properties under realistic cryogenic conditions relevant for LNG environments.

To minimize surface deformation errors of the M1 mirror segments of the European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT), the support positions were optimized using a parametric finite element model of the mirror segment and its support structure. The optimization process was driven by gradient-based numerical algorithms to achieve optimal support configurations for minimal surface deviations under operational conditions.

To assess the suitability of epoxy resin bonding in wooden aircraft construction, a comprehensive study was conducted. This included a literature review and a series of mechanical tests—tensile, tensile shear, transverse tensile, fatigue strength, and pull-off—on various combinations of resins, wood types, environmental conditions, and temperatures.

Test samples were manufactured, bonded, conditioned, and then tested under defined conditions. Based on the results, recommendations were derived regarding the optimal resin, glueing procedure and wood type for reliable and durable bonding in aviation applications.

Adhesives are widely used in the space industry, yet their behaviour under cryogenic conditions is still not fully understood. In this project, we carried out an extensive characterization campaign to close this gap and provide reliable data for future space missions.

We investigated a wide range of adhesive–substrate combinations, manufactured and tested representative samples between −269 °C (4 K) and +80 °C, and documented their mechanical and thermal properties. Using highly specialized test setups — including tensile and shear testing under vacuum, CTE measurements, and combined thermal–mechanical cycling — we successfully measured stiffness, strength, and cohesive properties of adhesives under extreme conditions.

Our results confirmed expected effects such as increased brittleness and strength at cryogenic temperatures, while also highlighting challenges like post-curing effects and hydrostatic stresses. The novel test methodologies we developed enable the use of miniaturized specimens, real-time strain monitoring, and adaptive testing strategies, providing unique insights beyond current standards.

With this work, we demonstrated our ability to generate reliable adhesive material data under realistic space conditions, supporting robust design, material selection, and the development of improved material models for future high-performance adhesive joints.