Computational Materials Processing

The Computational Materials Processing (MatPro) department develops mathematical models for industrial production and processing of materials

The Computational Materials Processing (Matpro) department leads the way in cutting-edge research and development on industrial material processes, reactors, and components, utilizing advanced mathematical modeling and numerical methods. Our focus lies on the mathematical modelling of the underlying physical and natural phenomena using numerical methods, especially the Finite Element Method.

With over 30 years of experience in developing our own mathematical source code, our tools have been utilized in research projects with national and international industries, making our expertise highly sought-after worldwide. The Finite Element Method has enabled us to tailor-make our code for various materials and processes. Efficiently coupling microstructural models with macroscopic finite element methods is a key strength of our competence.

materials
The Computational Materials Processing (MatPro) department develops mathematical models for industrial production and processing of materials

Our expertise primarily revolves around aluminum processes such as electrolysis, melt cleaning, continuous casting, and welding. We are proud to be running a DC-casting project with leading partners such as Alcoa, Aleris, Arconic, and Hydro. Our work has earned us international recognition, with partners from Germany, Poland, USA, and Canada.

We work closely with Norwegian and international industries to improve their production processes and products. Our research involves the development of mathematical models for a wide range of industrial material processes, including welding and additive manufacturing, production of hollow sheets and profiles by extrusion, shape casting, direct-chill casting, crystallization, and reactors for silicon production and CO2-capturing. We model a broad range of materials such as aluminum alloys, steels, silicon, titanium, and polymers, and the list continues to grow.

Our software for processing materials provides important input for evaluating performance and lifetime of products. We also engage in numerical analysis of floating, building integrated and rack mounted solar panels, and the electrochemistry of batteries. At Matpro, we strive to create a better future through research, and our projects contribute to the UN’s sustainability goals 7, 8, 9, 12, and 13.

Our workdays involve hands-on numerical modelling and development of our various in-house finite element software tools. We also use commercial and open-source modelling frameworks. Our researchers are constantly learning and building strong competence in both mathematics and the application domains, enabling us to solve specific challenges for industry customers through numerical studies.

Research Areas


Continuous casting of aluminium

Highly efficient and cost-effective process for production of semi-finished aluminum products such as billets, slabs, and ingots. At Matpro, we develop tools to optimize this process.

Shape casting with aluminium alloys and bronze

Manufacturing process for producing components with intricate geometries utilizing a permanent mold or a sand mold. At Matpro, we leverage our numerical modeling solutions to optimize the manufacturing process and product quality.

Welding of steels and aluminium

Critical process for the manufacturing of various products. At Matpro, we conduct research and provide numerical modeling solutions for welding processes, including arc, laser, and friction stir welding.

Additive manufacturing

Revolutionary process for producing high-quality, customized components with minimal material waste. At Matpro, we conduct research and provide numerical modeling solutions for various additive manufacturing processes.

Crystallization of silicon with the Czochralski method

we specialize in developing mathematical models for the crystallization of silicon using the Czochralski method. Our research focuses on optimizing the process and improving product quality, with the goal of helping industries to apply these models to their production processes.

Crystal of Czochralski-grown silicon, Source: Wikipedia

Aluminium electrolysis

Critical process in the production of aluminum. At Matpro, we conduct research on this process to model physical phenomena involved, optimize energy consumption, and reduce environmental impact, all while working closely with the industry to improve efficiency and sustainability.

Illustration: Norsk Hydro

Extrusion of structured sheets and profiles

Extrusion is a manufacturing process for producing structured sheets and profiles. At Matpro, we conduct research on this process, utilizing numerical modeling to optimize product quality for industries.

Ongoing projects


ALSIM

Modelling of semi-continuous casting of aluminium.

Madam

Development and production of metal alloys for powder-based additive manufacturing

SUCCEED

Sustainable and cost-efficient manufacturing of new solar technology in Norway

PROSun

Performance and Reliability of Ocean Suns floating photovoltaic Technology

HydroSun

Developing competence for hydro- floating PV (FPV) hybrid power plants

Be-Smart

Innovative Building Envelope for Sustainable, Modular, Aesthetic, Reliable and efficient Construction.

FLEX4FACT

Industrial cluster flexibility platform for sustainable factories to reduce CO2 emissions and to enable the energy transition.

QuickProd

Quick and simple assembly in automotive production enabled by a new casting technology

FLOW

Analysis and prediction of floating PV power plant performance

IMPRESS

Improved yield, lifetime and LCOE of floating solar power plants

MariSol

Develop and document knowledge related to the performance, reliability and degradation of integrated float and PV panel. 

SolTak

Building-integrated solar cells for Norwegian roofs

Key Figures


9+

EU/NRC Projects

15.0 M +

Funding (NOK)

Partners