At IRDL, Stéphanie Thuillet developed models for the micro-forming of ultra-thin sheets of copper alloys.
Stéphanie Thuillet, chercheur·e au sein de IRDL (Institut National Polytechnique de Bretagne).
Thèse soutenue en 2023 à l'école doctorale Sciences de l'ingénierie et des systèmes (Nantes Université).
Référencée dans le réseau ABES/STAR, cette thèse répond aux critères de rigueur de l'enseignement supérieur français.
The miniaturization of components has become an unavoidable necessity in many industrial sectors, particularly in areas as varied as watchmaking, electronics, and even biomedicine. In a world where the size of devices decreases while their functionality increases, micro-forming processes, which allow for the creation of very small parts, are at the heart of this technological evolution. However, the inherent complexity of these processes requires precise and adapted behavior models to optimize manufacturing. It is in this context that Stéphanie Thuillet's thesis is situated, proposing a modeling of the behavior laws for ultra-thin sheets of copper alloys, a subject of great relevance for modern industry.
One of the main challenges of micro-forming lies in the variability of material behaviors at this reduced scale. Indeed, the mechanical properties of materials can change radically when transitioning from macroscopic dimensions to microscopic dimensions. Research has identified isotropic and anisotropic behaviors, which are essential to ensure the precision of the produced parts. For example, in the case of electronic components, a minimal variation in the structure of a part can lead to functional failures. By developing suitable plasticity models, Thuillet paves the way for a better understanding of deformation phenomena, which could significantly reduce the need for experimental tests, often costly and time-consuming, thus accelerating the product development process.
The methodology adopted by Stéphanie Thuillet is based on rigorous experimental campaigns, followed by finite element simulations. These simulations allow for anticipating material behaviors without having to conduct each test in the laboratory, representing a considerable gain in time and resources. The integration of non-associated plasticity models proves to be a significant advancement, as it improves the accuracy of deformation predictions. This innovative approach could also be applied to other materials and processes, thus broadening its potential impact on the industry.
The results of this research are promising for the industry. By optimizing manufacturing processes, companies could not only reduce their costs but also improve the quality of their products. For example, in the watchmaking sector, where precision is crucial, better-designed parts thanks to these behavior models could lead to more reliable and durable watches. Thuillet's thesis, validated by the ABES/STAR network, demonstrates academic rigor and relevance to contemporary industrial challenges, particularly in a context where competition is increasingly fierce.
The implications of this research go far beyond simple modeling. They raise fundamental questions about the future of manufacturing processes and how companies can adapt to the growing demands for miniaturization. The transition to more efficient and cost-effective manufacturing methods is a necessity to remain competitive in the global market. In the context of West Africa, for example, where industrialization is booming, advancements like those proposed by Thuillet could play a key role in the development of new technologies and job creation.
In conclusion, Stéphanie Thuillet's thesis represents a significant advancement in the field of micro-forming. It offers interesting perspectives for optimizing industrial processes while highlighting the importance of research and innovation in a constantly evolving sector. The challenges related to miniaturization are not only technical but also strategic, requiring a multidisciplinary approach to meet the needs of a rapidly changing industry. Thus, this research could well be the catalyst for a new era of manufacturing, where precision and efficiency will be the watchwords.
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Sources et accès
Stéphanie Thuillet. Modélisation de lois de comportement pour le micro-formage de tôles ultra-fines. Matériaux. Université de Bretagne Sud, 2023. Français. ⟨NNT : 2023LORIS655⟩. ⟨tel-04362498⟩