(following text extracted from the website of the Instrumentation Laboratory at the ULg)

Research topics

The Instrumentation Laboratory at the Université de Liège is part of the EMMI research Unit of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science - Engineering Faculty (FSA) - University of Liège (ULg).

This Laboratory is specialised in the characterisation of various materials geared towards engineering applications. Basically, the research carried out in the laboratory focuses on studying three kinds of materials:

• Functional" ceramics with non-linear properties
• Dielectrics et Insulators
• Magnetic ordered nanostructures

"Functional" ceramics with non-linear properties

Within this area, the laboratory works as a partner of the SUPRATECS group (Services Universitaires Pour la Recherche et les Applications Technologiques des matériaux Electrocéramiques, Composites et Supraconducteurs). The group – directed by Prof. M. Ausloos (Applied Statistical Physics and Materials Laboratory – ULg) includes various laboratories belonging to the faculties of Science and Engineering of the Liege University, the department of inorganic and physical chemistry of the Ghent University (Prof. S. Hoste) and laboratories of the Royal Military Academy (Lt-Cl. Dirickx).
 
The studied "functional" ceramics are mainly High-Temperature Superconductors (HTS) and Colossal Magneto-Resistive (CMR) manganates. Both of them require experimental conditions involving low temperatures as well as high magnetic fields. In addition to using commercial measurement devices, the laboratory has developed its own data acquisition set-ups in which the materials are characterised through

• Electrical measurements : 

resistivity, Hall effect, current- voltage relationships, R-L-C characteristics,... on conductor  materials, superconducting (bulk or tape) and magnetoresistive ceramics, measurements on dielectric materials,

•  Magnetic measurements : 

DC magnetisation, magnetic permeability, AC susceptibility, Hall probe mapping, magneto-optical imaging, magnetic shielding, influence of "crossed" magnetic fields, superconducting levitation force,

•  Thermal measurements : 

thermal conductivity, specific heat, thermopower, coupling with magnetic properties.

The final objectives are thus the elucidation of the physical mechanisms involved in the materials, combined with a co-ordinated research effort looking into their use in engineering applications, such as sensors, rotating machines and flywheels.>

Previous Projects :

The SUPRATECS group has taken part in several important projects, on both international (Brite-Euram, Supermachines, SCENET - SuperConducting European NETwork), national (Impulsion) and regional (VESUVE) scale. The group has also been the recipient of a grant from the University of Liège (ARC).

 Current Projects :

The SUPRATECS group is a partner of the European Forum For Processors of large grain (RE)BCO [EFFORT].

The laboratory is member of GREPES : Groupe de Recherche pour Electronique de Puissance en Environnement Sévère (Research group for Power Electronics in Severe Environment).

Magnetic Shielding with High Temperature Superconductors – Interaction substrate-superconductor, scaling-up and geometric effects – financed by the Royal Military Academy.

Dielectrics and Insulators

Within this area, the research carried out in the laboratory concerns the predictive maintenance of high-voltage insulating components used in power plants and power cables. The laboratory has acquired some expertise in the electrical characterisation of various insulating materials, including polymer films and potential-grading varnish used on alternator stator bars. The evolution of the properties of the insulation subjected to thermal and / or electrical ageing, as well as the influence of external parameters (temperature, moisture, corrosive gases) are also investigated.

The studied subjects are the following :

• Study of non-linear potential grading materials used for reducing the partial discharges on end-windings.
• Electrical characterisation of so-called "semi-conducting" varnishes.
• Transient study of charge - discharge currents through the mica-resin insulation.
• Partial discharge measurements under influence of vibrations.
• Expertise in low current measurements.
• Electrical characterisation of ceramic insulating composites and polymer materials.

Previous Projects :

The laboratory has completed a Brite Euram contract (EURIDICE -1996-2000) in collaboration with various universities, research centres and electricity producers in Europe (Belgium, Luxembourg, France and Spain).

Current Projects :

The laboratory takes part in a « EUREKA » European Project (Verification of Distribution Cables) in collaboration with various universities and companies in France and Belgium and is leader of a project financed by the DGTRE and aiming at designing new antistatic filters (coll. with Centexbel and UCL).

Magnetic ordered nanostructures

In collaboration with Prof. B. Vanderheyden (FSA) and the Microscopy Laboratory (CAT-µ) of the University of Liege, we aim at determining quantitatively the local distribution of magnetic induction in ordered magnetic nanostructures using Magnetic Force Microscopy signals. The research has been financed by ULg (Impulsion contract) and by the FNR.

Address

Instrumentation Laboratory
Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
(Institut Montefiore)
University of Liège
Sart-Tilman, Bldg. B28, Parking P32
B-4000 Liège
BELGIUM