Labs in Kyushu University

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The lab works toward the safety of mechanical structures by studying metal fatigue and the strength of materials.

With the ultimate goal of making mechanical structures operate "safely," the Solid Mechanics Lab studies the strength of materials and how they fail. Its basic evaluation model is the Stress-Strength Model, which compares the stress generated in a mechanical structure with the strength of the material. Because many problems remain unsolved on the strength side, the lab conducts experiments and analyses from the viewpoint of micromechanics and connects the results to computational science methods. Taking into account failures caused by several factors combining, the lab also studies methods for preventing failures of real-world mechanical systems, such as automobiles, at the development stage.

#Metal fatigue #Hydrogen embrittlement #Fracture mechanics

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A tribology lab that explores the mechanisms of friction and lubrication.

The Tribology Lab specializes in tribology, the field that deals with problems of friction, wear, and lubrication. In collaboration with universities, research institutes, and companies in Japan and abroad, the lab works on everything from basic research into phenomena occurring at sliding surfaces to solving practical problems. The lab also holds "Tribology Discussion Meetings" that invite outside speakers to present topics. It welcomes motivated students and prospective postdoctoral researchers, both from inside and outside the university.

#Tribology #Elastohydrodynamic lubrication #In situ observation

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A lab that investigates the strength of tiny materials such as metal thin films.

With the ultimate goal of making mechanical structures operate "safely," the Solid Mechanics Lab investigates strength through experiments and analysis from the viewpoint of micromechanics. To elucidate the strength of tiny metallic materials, Associate Professor Toshiyuki Kondo experimentally evaluates tensile behavior, fatigue, and creep, mainly in metal thin films. One of the research themes is fundamental research on fatigue fracture of free-standing copper thin films. The lab strives to develop people who can find problems, solve them creatively, and demonstrate leadership.

#Thin films #Copper #Fatigue

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〈高分子複合材料トライボロジー〉 (introduction coming soon)

Tribological properties of polymer composites in hydrogen atmospheres (resin composites, friction, wear, piston rings)

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A materials strength lab that studies how hydrogen affects the strength of metallic materials.

The Hydrogen-Compatible Materials and Fracture Science Lab conducts experimental research on material strength, focusing on how hydrogen affects the strength of metallic materials (hydrogen embrittlement). The lab also studies the prevention of hydrogen embrittlement using impurities, as well as creep deformation in high-temperature hydrogen. Prof. Kubota is affiliated with the International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research, and conducts research with mechanical engineering students in a lab set up in both the undergraduate Department of Mechanical Engineering and the graduate Department of Mechanical Engineering. For bachelor's and master's theses, the lab respects students' independence and designs research so that they gain a broad range of skills, including building electric circuits and programming, machining test specimens, and presenting results.

#Hydrogen embrittlement #Fretting fatigue #Creep in high-temperature hydrogen

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A lab that studies the thermophysical properties of hydrogen and refrigerants and also works on hydrogen refueling technology.

Prof. Sakoda's lab studies the thermophysical properties of high-pressure hydrogen, refrigerants, and fluid mixtures. Focusing on low-GWP refrigerants, which have a low global warming potential (GWP), the lab measures pressure-density-temperature relationships, vapor pressure, and other properties. The lab also investigates the thermophysical properties of high-pressure hydrogen and works on developing technology for refueling fuel cell vehicles with hydrogen. Faculty members are affiliated with the Hydrogen Transport and Storage Division of the Sustainable Hydrogen Research Institute.

#Thermophysical properties #Low-GWP refrigerants #High-pressure hydrogen

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A lab that studies friction and wear, from joint lubrication to wear in hydrogen.

The Design Engineering Lab focuses on "soft" advanced materials, such as biomaterials and soft matter, and "soft" mechanisms, such as phase transitions and mechanical bifurcation phenomena. Specifically, it studies how biological joints move smoothly, resin materials used in artificial joints, and the friction and wear of sealing resins in hydrogen atmospheres. Through joint research with overseas research groups, the lab also invites researchers and sends students abroad. On the lab's website, it is introduced under the name "Design Engineering Lab."

#Tribology #Artificial joints #Hydrogen environments

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The lab explores the structure and properties of polymer surfaces and interfaces at the molecular level.

The Tanaka Lab aims to create new functions by understanding and controlling the structure and properties of organic polymer materials at the molecular level. As materials become smaller and thinner, surfaces and interfaces account for a larger proportion of the material, and phenomena different from those in the bulk interior appear. The lab conducts experimental research centered on polymer science, physical chemistry, and surface and interface science. The lab carries out joint research with companies, research institutions, and universities, and also uses large facilities such as synchrotron radiation and neutron sources when needed.

#Polymers #Surfaces and interfaces #Adhesion

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The lab develops catalysts based on inorganic nanomaterials for producing alcohols and ammonia.

The Yamauchi Lab studies electrocatalysts and nanoalloy catalysts made from inorganic nanomaterials, with the aim of realizing a sustainable society. The lab proposes a carbon-neutral energy cycle that circulates electricity from renewable energy through liquid fuels without emitting carbon dioxide, and develops catalysts for it. The lab also uses in situ spectroscopy, which examines the state of a catalyst while a reaction is taking place, as a research method. The results listed on the research page are those up to around 2018.

#Electrocatalysts #Nanoalloys #Ammonia synthesis

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The tribology lab studies friction, wear, and lubrication, including in hydrogen environments.

The Tribology Lab specializes in tribology, the field that deals with problems of friction, wear, and lubrication. Working with universities, research institutes, and companies in Japan and abroad, the lab tackles both fundamental issues, such as exploring and clarifying the various phenomena that occur at friction surfaces, and applied issues, such as solving practical problems. The lab also studies tribological properties in hydrogen atmospheres. Assistant Professor Hiroyoshi Tanaka aims to improve the performance of machine elements, focusing on rolling contact fatigue of bearings and DLC coatings.

#Tribology #Hydrogen #Rolling contact fatigue