Structural Impact Laboratory (SIMLab)
A Centre for Research-based Innovation
NTNU's Structural Impact Laboratory (SIMLab) works on developing methods and tools for the virtual product development of structures exposed to impact and collisions. Having mapped the tasks that must be solved to achieve ground-breaking research within the strategically important areas of safety, the environment, economy, and structural reliability, the long range goal is to further the technology platform.
This technology platform is a main goal for SIMLab, and this platform will provide the development frame for safe and cost-effective structures. The platform is built on four pillars:
- Materials
- Solution techniques
- Structures
- Demonstrators
These central research priorities are pursued in cooperation with partners SINTEF, Hydro Aluminium, and leading car manufacturers (i.e. Audi, Renault, BMW and Toyota Motors Europe) along with other major partners: Statoil, Norwegian Public Roads Administration, Norwegian Defence Estates Agency, SSAB Swedish Steel and Benteler Aluminium Systems.
Improving the best
In Trondheim, Norway, a truly international group of researchers are busily working on their PhD theses. In doing so, they are helping some of the world's leading industrial players improve their performance. This leaflet gives you a chance to meet them! Enjoy!
Hydro Alumium visit
Hydro Alumium visit
The President and Chief Executive Officer of Hydro Aluminium, Dr Svein Richard Brandtzæg, visited SIMLab on 18 April. Hans Erik Vatne, Senior Vice President and the new Head of Technology at Hydro, was leading the delegation. The agenda was future challenges in aluminium research and the test facilities available at SIMLab. The visit understates Hydro's interest in SIMLab's work and how Hydro plays a vital role to SIMLab as a partner.
The meeting was also covered by the press. See more here:
http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/distrikt/nrk_trondelag/1.8082324
http://www.tu.no/industri/2012/05/08/krasjlab-kan-bli-stoppet
SIMLab Annual report 2011
SIMLab Annual report 2011
The annual report for 2011 is being printed as we speak. The digital version is available, however. Download the annual report to read about last year's activities. In addition, five of SIMLab's partners have been interviewed, focusing on how SIMLab's work benefits the partners and how the knowledge is transferred.
SIMLab on Discovery Channel
SIMLab on Discovery Channel
Tune in on Discovery Channel on Thursday the 15th at 22.00.
MegaWorld is a Discovery Channel Canada production that focuses on achievements in science and engineering. In 2010 an episode focusing on Norway was filmed and airs on Discovery Channel all over the world. In addition to SIMLab, this episode also presents CHC Helicopters in Stavanger, Moxy Doosan Dump Trucks in Elnesvågen, Ski Flying Hill in Vikersund, The Ulstein X-bow in Ulsteinvik, Eker Design in Fredrikstad and Nammo Explosives in Raufoss.
Midway Evaluation of the Centre
Midway Evaluation of the Centre
The fourteen Centres for Research-Based Innovation (CRI) supported by the Research Council of Norway were evaluated by one-day site visits in October 2010, approximately 3.5 years after they were started and about midway in the planned eight-year programme. The evaluation had two main purposes:
• To form the basis for a decision by the Research Council of Norway about whether to continue financing of
each individual centre for the final three years of the eight-year term.
• To give comment and advice to the centres about their activities and how it should be improved.
Each Centre was evaluated by a team of four experts. Two of them were experts that had the competence to evaluate the Centre from a scientific point of view. Two further "generalists" had experience from similar programmes for university-industry research collaboration. The "generalists" evaluated the management, organization and funding of the Centre, and also its interactions with user partners, in terms of mutual mobility of researchers, transfer of results and stimulation of innovations.
SIMLab was evaluated on 27 October 2010, and the conclusions and recommendations from the panel were as:
• That the transfer of results for application in partner industries be enhanced by arranging courses specifically designed for individual partners.
• That the Centre vigorously continue its efforts to ensure continuation after 2014.
• That strong efforts be pursued to engage more women as senior researchers and students 
• That the Centre pay some attention to the fact that the present rather informal way of management is effective, but highly dependent on personal contacts.
Based on the evaluation report the Research Council of Norway has approved a prolongation of SIMLab from 2012 to 2014 without requiring any improvements.
Contact Persons
Magnus Langseth, Centre Director
Tel: (+47) 73 59 47 82
Peter Karlsaune, Coordinator
Tel: (+47) 73 59 46 72
Postal address
Department of Structural Engineering
NTNU, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
Visiting address
NTNU, Richard Birkelands vei 1a, Trondheim
(2010 pdf - 4MB)
SIMLab Annual Report 2009
(2009 pdf - 3.5MB)
Research programmes and demonstrators
SIMLab works with aluminium extrusions and plates, aluminium castings, high-strength steels and polymers. The basic research areas forming the SIMLab technology platform, (1) materials, (2) solution techniques, and (3) structures, are linked through 5 research programmes and the Demonstrator activity.
