Methodology

The SOLUTION project is organized across 6 Work Packages (WP)

WP1 – Multiscale simulations (lead: UBU)

Objectives: To develop appropriate simulation tools to identify frictional properties of TMD layers at nanoscale by combination of ab initio and molecular dynamics techniques.


WP2 – Fabrication (lead: IRE)

Objectives: Deposition of novel lubricant coatings based on TMD by two techniques – magnetron sputtering and electrodeposition. The coatings will be deposited in laboratory scale and selected solutions will be up-scaled.


WP3 – Advanced Characterisation & Industrial testing (lead: JC)

Objectives: Complete macro and nanoscale characterization of as-deposited coating and, particularly, identification of worn surfaces with respect to formation of a thin TMD tribolayer. This WP will act as feedback for WP2 (fabrication) and validate data obtained in WP1 (simulations).


WP4 – Dissemination & Exploitation (lead: IPN)

Objectives: To coordinate and promote the dissemination of the results to the scientific community, and their commercial exploitation. This includes communication to various target groups, and IPR management.


WP5 – Training (lead: CTU)

Objectives: To ensure high-quality individualized training in scientific/transferable skills, network-level training in interdisciplinary skills and entrepreneurship, and training in intersectoral competence through secondments.


WP6 – Management (lead: US)

Objectives: The overall technical and administrative management of the project. This includes ensuring that the recruitment and technical work is carried out on schedule, to budget, and to the highest standard, coordination of all legal and financial aspects of the work, coordination and facilitation of collaboration between the ESRs and partners, and liaison between EU and consortium.

The SOLUTION project consists also of 6 Training Units (TU)

TU1 – Synergy of simulations, fabrication and application (lead: US)

The main disadvantage in traditional educational approach is focus on specific particulars of selected scientific area. Researchers are thus excellent in a very narrow field of science, but lack general overview across related disciplines. TU1 will provide a basis and awareness of each discipline as input and output for the other disciplines.

TU2 – Multiscale simulation of friction (lead: UBU)

Simulation of frictional properties is central training unit of SOLUTION. Only knowledge based design based on simulations can provide necessary step-change and bring novel solid lubricants on the market; trial/error attempts have failed. TU2 will provide relevant training in simulations accessible to both theoreticians and experimentalists; both groups will learn details of the method.

TU3 – Coating fabrication and characterization (lead: IREIS)

Experts from academia and industry will overview various deposition and characterization methods of solid lubricant materials highlighting their industrial relevance and market penetration.

TU4 – Project management (lead: IPN)

All ESRs involved in the project will be expected to hold future roles that include team working and project management. Therefore, the main objective of is to move the ESRs towards administrative part of the which emphasizes project work in an industrial and also scientific context.

TU5 – Market risks: legislation, safety, environmental impact (lead: FOR)

Awareness of market risks is a key knowledge for any material designer and/or product manager. TU4 will identify the main market risks spanning from legislation till safety.

TU6 – Market implementation in the area of solid lubricants (lead: JC)

Between the end of a development project and a new product there is normally a gap of two or more years where many additional skills are needed to fulfill the different steps to market implementation. TU6 will consist of a lecture session with internal and external experts and a workshop on the implementation of SOLUTION results.