Research

The activities of LGEF are characterized by a strong multidisciplinary approach. Although the issue of coupling phenomena in materials and systems may seem narrow at first glance, it actually draws upon three main fields: mechanics, electricity, and thermal sciences. Furthermore, the Laboratory’s activities focus equally on the physical aspects related to material properties, their processing and synthesis, their characterization, and their deployment within systems.

The objective is to understand the physics of materials under real operating conditions while being able to synthesize and implement them, addressing the key questions: Why, How, and Under What Conditions?

It should be noted that a significant part of our work is application-oriented. Our fundamental research is systematically translated into scientific questions in the fields of materials science and system-level applications.

Without necessarily engaging in the systematic development of full prototypes, the laboratory consistently seeks to provide proof of concept (demonstrators or pre-prototypes developed in collaboration with industrial partners or public industrial and commercial establishments) through system-level studies. Its approach is based on modeling, characterization of material coupling properties, and their integration into systems, for which dedicated in-house test benches can be developed.

Within this framework, activities are structured around three major thematic areas:

Materials and constitutive laws within our field of expertise, including electroactive polymers, composites, and inorganic materials. Among the latter are piezoelectric ceramics, around which LGEF has maintained extensive knowledge and expertise.

Integration of materials into structures, leading to their functionalization. This includes various techniques ranging from additive manufacturing to 3D/4D printing and screen printing.

Implementation of materials within electroactive systems. In identifying key technologies, particular emphasis has been placed on the increasing intersection of disciplines, highlighting strong synergies between chemistry, materials science, processing techniques, and system integration. Naturally, cross-cutting technologies such as 4D printing and bio-inspired approaches play a central role in this strategy.

The strength of the laboratory lies in the open-mindedness of its research teams, who have carried out projects across transversal themes ranging from structural control to energy harvesting, and from surgery to astrophysics. The application domains of coupled materials, as well as recent and ongoing research, are organized according to the major Societal Challenges that structure research at INSA.