The Mechanics and Proceeded of Development (MPE) department is dedicated to the study of ceramic and composite materials, using mechanics to optimize direct processing methods and their impacts on structures and microstructures. Its work is organized around two areas: innovative materials for energy and the environment, and advanced processes for renewable energies. These activities illustrate the department’s commitment to energy transition and sustainable innovation.
Head
Julien Bruchon
Email: julien.bruchon@mines-stetienne.fr
Phone: +33 4 77 42 00 72
Areas of Expertise
Core Competencies
The department develops expertise at the interface of several disciplines, enabling an integrated approach to processing methods:
- Materials science and experimental characterization
Detailed analysis of material structures and properties. - Mechanical and physical modeling
Simulation of processing and forming phenomena. - Scientific computing and numerical methods
Development of numerical tools for material design and optimization.
Fields of activity
The work focuses on direct processing methods, without material removal, applied to:
- Powder metallurgy, particularly ceramic sintering.
- Structural (bio-)composite materials, produced by liquid resin infusion.
Research Areas
Powder metallurgy and advanced sintering
- Development of rapid sintering processes (microwave, flash) and additive manufacturing to design high-performance ceramics, applied to healthcare (bioceramics), energy, defense, and design.
- Study of microwave-matter interactions during heating/sintering, particularly the influence of chemical compositions and dielectric properties of materials.
Structural composite materials
- Multi-scale characterization of resin-fiber interactions in Liquid Composite Molding (LCM) processes, with a focus on synthetic fibers (carbon, aerospace) and natural fibers (flax, sports and leisure), as well as thermosetting and recyclable thermoplastic resins.
- Simulation and optimization of fiber reinforcement forming, calculation of mechanical properties of parts, and non-destructive testing of composite quality through inverse methods.
Through this approach combining experimentation and modeling, the MPE department supports advances in design and manufacturing of innovative materials for the industry of the future.
Research unit
This affiliation reflects a synergy between expertise in mechanics, materials science, and process engineering. UMR 5307 promotes a multidisciplinary approach to study, design, and optimize advanced materials and their manufacturing processes. Through this collaborative framework, the MPE department operates within a cutting-edge research dynamic, in partnership with academic, industrial, and institutional stakeholders, strengthening its role at the heart of challenges related to energy transition and sustainable innovation.
Contact and Practical Information
- Head
Julien Bruchon - Email
julien.bruchon@mines-stetienne.fr - Phone
+33 4 77 42 00 72
- Address
École des mines de Saint-Étienne
Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering
158, cours Fauriel,
42000 Saint-Étienne, France - Transportation
Bus: Line 6, stop “École des Mines”