Technological research project "InTenX - Instrument for investigating mechanical properties of materials in extreme conditions" (starting date: December 1^st 2012). ​

The goal of this project is to design and construct the prototype of an instrument for measuring mechanical and technological properties of materials in extreme conditions - at low and high temperatures, exposed to radiation and large magnetic fields. The instrument will be able to act as a simple testing machine, stressing the sample and measuring its deformation, or act in combination with other material investigation methods such as magnetism and resistance measurements, x-ray diffraction and similar. Commercially available tensile testing devices either use mechanical/hydraulic force amplification or the piezoelectric effect for applying stress on the sample; mechanical instruments are usually bulky and contain complicated moving parts, making their usage in extreme conditions almost impossible, while piezoelectric instruments cannot produce large forces. Our prototype will use a different approach: direct application of gaseous helium pressures for applying a large force on the sample. This approach should eliminate the above-mentioned problems of existing techniques, enable miniaturization of the instrument without sacrificing the available force, and provide the possibility of measurements in large magnetic fields and temperatures ranging from the boiling point of helium (-269°C) to several thousand degrees. During the process of development of new materials, knowing their properties under mechanical stress and strain is of paramount importance, giving our instrument the possibility for a broad range of applications and a large potential market. Some of the prospective end users will be scientific and development laboratories investigating new materials, as well as the energy, aerospace and military industries.

Technological project “Contactless luminescent thermometer for special needs in electroenergetic facilities” (starting date: December 1^st 2012).

The main goal of the twelve-month project is a feasibility test of the concept of a new temperature sensor for parts of electroenergetic facilities in extremely demanding conditions. Principal investigator is prof. dr. sc. Antonije Dulčić. The project will enable employment of two young researchers. If the concept proves to be feasible, we will start development of the sensor for industrial purposes in collaboration with SMEs.