General Description

The University of Cantabria (www.unican.es)is a young modern public institution with more than 13000 students whose main purpose is to contribute to social progress through a firm commitment to teaching and scientific excellence. Research is one of the most important features of the University of Cantabria. The projects carried out by its research groups cover the most varied aspects of Arts and Sciences in both basic and applied research. The University of CantabriaMechanical engineering group (UC-MEG) belongs to the Department of Structural and Mechanical engineering whichinvolves more than 40 academic staff. UC-MEG research activities cover several topics as: Mechanical design and optimization, Dynamics of gear transmissions and noise and vibration measurement and control.

Supervisors and Expertise

Prof. Dr. F. Viadero, Full Professor in Mechanical engineering and scientist-in-charge, expertise in machine dynamics, supervisor of 10 PhD theses, and more than 20 Msc Theses, Dr. Alfonso Fernández del Rincón, dynamic modelling and experimental analysis, former Marie Curie Fellow, (co-supervision of 4 PhD Theses and more than 15 MSc Theses) Dr. Pablo García, noise simulation and measurement (>10 MSc Theses); Dr. Ana de Juan, Multibody models and optimization (supervision of 4 MSc Theses).   

Key Facilities and Infrastructure

Multichannel data acquisition systems for noise and vibration, Vibration testing facilities combined with climatic chamber, Test bench for Dynamic analysis of Planetary and ordinary Gear transmissions, Computational tools for simulation, accelerometer calibration system, etc.

Previous Involvement in Research and Training Programmes

UC-MEG has been involved in several research projects in EU programs as PROMOSHYGES for monitoring of hydro-generators and TRANSUS for animal transport welfare. Moreover UC-MEG has participated on regional programs with several projects regarding the suspension design for buses (TRANSCOIN), dynamics of gear transmissions including defects (DITEPID, MOVIPREN), Dynamics of wind turbine drivetrains (DINAER), noise in industrial environments and vibration control in the Altamira Caves.

Current Involvement in Research and Training Programmes

COST Action TUD -1105 NVH analysis techniques for design and optimisation of hybrid and electric vehicles; TRANSUS, easy-to-handle transport container system that enables the most efficient transport of slaughter pigs from farm to slaughterhouse (http://transus.net/)

Publications