Activity Report of Open Application Program 2022 vol.18 (Course B)
Clarifying the mechanism of the fracture of shape memory alloys through experiments and analysis: Aiming for joint global research
Report from Aichi Institute of Technology
Through the Sakura Science Program, Associate Professor Vladimir Dunić from the University of Kragujevac in the Republic of Serbia was invited for three weeks from February 20 to March 12, 2023. Together with Associate Professor Ryosuke Matsui of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering at Aichi Institute of Technology, his destination, he engaged in an initiative that aims to promote joint research concerning the "Clarification of the mechanism of the fracture in shape memory alloys through experiments and analysis."
Associate Professor Dunić is a researcher specializing in applied mechanics (a field of study that deals with the various mechanical phenomena in engineering), and in particular has numerous achievements relating to finite element analysis (computer simulation of mechanics, deformation, heat, etc.). He has already published an academic paper jointly authored with Associate Professor Matsui on the mechanical characteristics of shape memory alloys. Meanwhile, the Functional Materials Laboratory at Aichi Institute of Technology has been mainly carrying out practical research concerning the high functionality and application of shape memory alloys for around 10 years. As a consensus has already been reached that their experience and knowledge complement each other, this program seeks a more specific way to carry out joint research in the future, and activities were carried out with the main goal of building a more stable relationship and increasing mutual collaboration. To accomplish this, we planned program content based on the idea that it was necessary for Associate Professor Dunić to experience Japan's industry, history, and culture, and gain a greater interest in Japan. Another important goal was to provide an opportunity for international exchange to the student members of the laboratory. Below is a report on the main activities.
■ Introduction to the laboratory and experiments
We held a tour introducing the experiment equipment in the Functional Materials Laboratory. We also introduced some of the experiments being carried out in the lab with demonstrations, and asked Associate Professor Dunić to carry out a fatigue test on shape memory alloy wire to give him a more detailed understanding of the content of the experiments. The experimental methods, etc., were mainly explained by the student members of the lab. They were able to experience the difficulty and importance of understanding each other in English.
■ International seminar on shape memory materials and research discussion
At the international seminar on shape memory materials, Associate Professor Dunić started by giving an explanation of the history and culture of the Republic of Serbia and the content of his research to date, then Associate Professor Matsui gave an overview of Aichi Institute of Technology and introduced the research of the Functional Materials Laboratory. A lively discussion took place, with lots of questions and opinions exchanged, including from some students who participated remotely.
Research discussions took place as appropriate during the program. These clarified the research tasks that both researchers should undertake in the immediate future, and confirmed the direction of themes that should be resolved in the future. Student members also actively participated in the research discussions and enthusiastically worked to promote joint research with the aim of international exchange.
■ Tour of the Toyota Automobile Museum
The Functional Materials Laboratory stands within Aichi Institute of Technology's Yakusa Campus, which is in Toyota City where the headquarters of Toyota Motor Corporation are located—it is an area with an active automobile industry. Thus, Associate Professor Dunić visited the Toyota Automobile Museum to gain an understanding of Japan's industrial history through automobiles. In addition to the history of Toyota Motor Corporation, he was able to learn how automobile manufacturers in Japan and overseas worked to develop the automobile industry by looking at actual vehicles. There was also an exhibition area showing successive generations of rally cars as a special exhibition. This was a truly valuable experience.
■ Visit to the University of Kitakyushu and tour of TOTO Museum
Associate Professor Dunić visited Associate Professor Hiroki Cho and Associate Professor Takumi Sasaki of the University of Kitakyushu. Research on the applications of shape memory alloys has already been carried out at both Associate Professors' labs, and there was a seminar on the details and a tour of the experiment equipment. Associate Professor Kohei Takeda of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Aichi Institute of Technology, also joined this visit. The seminar included an introduction to Associate Professor Dunić's research as well as research presentations by the students of the University of Kitakyushu, and a lively discussion took place.
In Kitakyushu City, Associate Professor Dunić also toured the TOTO museum, whose headquarters is located there. Through the many exhibitions, he learned about the history of the company and its latest technology, which it is continuing to improve to enhance the hygiene of toilets and kitchens. This opportunity enabled him to understand the Japanese industry from a different perspective to automobiles.
■ The outcomes of this program and future prospects
We recognize the great significance of using this program to invite the excellent researcher from other country. The specialist fields of Associate Professor Dunić and the main implementor of the program are different, but we hope that these will complement each other and promote joint research. Additionally, Associate Professor Dunić has a wide range of personal connections, especially in Europe, so this will build a broad network through the addition of the main implementor to these connections. On the other hand, the program served as a catalyst for Associate Professor Dunić to build a network in Japan by visiting different university.
Moreover, not only the main implementor but also the supporting students were able to deepen international exchanges on research and culture, and enhance their international awareness.