At HAPI, we are driven by a passion for advancing knowledge in materials science and in mechanics of solids, with a particular focus on the cracking resistance of metals. Our mission is to uncover the intricate fracture behavior of metallic sheets, that depends on thickness in a way that has not been well understood up to now. The goal is to guide towards the development of a new generation of ultra tough metallic systems and, in the meantime, provide more predictive models to assess the integrity of structure made of metal sheets.
Why “HAPI”?
The name “HAPI” is a tribute to three pioneering scientists whose groundbreaking contributions continue to inspire generations:
- John W. Hutchinson (Harvard University): Renowned for his work in solid mechanics and structural stability.
- Tony Atkins (University of Reading): A pioneer in materials mechanics and fracture studies.
- André Pineau (École des Mines): A leader in material degradation and fatigue behavior. André Pineau unfortunately passed away on march 1, 2024.
While their research is not directly connected to our current work, the acronym “HAPI” symbolizes our admiration for their extraordinary contributions to science and education, and for long term collaboration with the PI of the project
The Legacy of HAPI
The spirit of HAPI lives on through our commitment to pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery. By building on the foundations laid by past innovators, we strive to chart new paths in understanding material mechanics and developing practical applications that benefit industries and society alike.
Latest articles
Stay updated on the latest findings, events, and breakthroughs from the HAPI project.
- Thomas Pardoen gave a talk entitledOn the thickness dependence of the fracture toughness of not-so-thin metal sheets 9&10 April 2025, WORKSHOP ON DUCTILE FAILURE, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway
- Thomas Pardoen’s Keynote SpeechThomas delivered a keynote speech at MEALOR Days.
- New PhD Student – SaraIntroducing Sara, the newest PhD student in the HAPI team.