During a visit to LENAM, we took the opportunity to speak with Ing. Petr Horník, Ph.D., Head of the Experimental Laboratory. Petr, could you tell us what LENAM focuses on and what makes your laboratory unique?
First, I would like to explain the name LENAM. It is actually an acronym that stands for the Laboratory of Experimental, Numerical and Analytical Mechanics. I am responsible for the field of experimental mechanics. Our experimental laboratory operates in three fundamental areas. These include material testing, component and product testing, and various specialised tests conducted according to specific customer requirements in order to meet their needs.
You have been the head of the testing laboratory for eighteen years. What do you enjoy most about your work?
Definitely the variety of the work. You are constantly discovering new things, continuously learning, and gaining new knowledge. This process has been ongoing throughout my entire time at the company. So, the main benefit I see is precisely that diversity. It is also connected to the fact that we work across different fields – whether it is material testing on one hand or, for example, testing of internal combustion engines, which represents a completely different area of mechanics.
You mentioned a wide range of fields. For whom are these tests intended? Who are your clients?
Our clients are primarily from the automotive sector, mainly development companies. However, we do not limit ourselves to this segment. We also operate – and would like to further expand – into other areas, such as aerospace, rail vehicles, and more.
How does cooperation with a client proceed from the initial contact to the test results?
In the first phase, the client approaches us with their request. It is usually a specific problem that needs to be solved, which is why they turn to us. We need to obtain all available information from them, as this is a key stage for us. We then propose a procedure and conduct an analysis, whether experimental, computational simulation-based, or a combination of both. After completing the analysis, we present the results to the client. We propose measures they can implement, and we discuss these measures and their feasibility directly with them in each specific case.
Can you give us an example of a specific problem you address?
As an example, we can mention the optimisation of gear geometry in automotive gearboxes, particularly with the aim of reducing noise, increasing load capacity, or reducing passive resistance caused by friction losses.
What are the most challenging or interesting projects on which you have worked?
I would probably mention the development process of a racing engine and the optimisation of some of its components. In particular, this involved focusing on increasing performance, or rather reducing power losses, for example by optimising the oil pump or testing different materials for friction pairs, such as the rocker arm and cam.
Development today is very dynamic. Where is the field of material testing heading? What can we expect in five years?
The trend is that material models for computer simulations are becoming increasingly accurate, which in turn places higher demands on more precise input data. This is closely related to the development of more sophisticated material testing methods. This trend is already observable and will continue in the future. For example, there is a shift away from standardised tests towards more specialised testing methods, which are already being used today and will continue to be applied.
What sets LENAM apart from the competition? Why should a customer choose you?
LENAM has more than 30 years of experience in the field. We support product development, and the company is built on deep expertise, particularly in the field of mechanics. It originated from an academic environment and maintains a high level of expertise to this day. The fact that our customers keep coming back to us is the best proof of the quality of the services we provide.
What would you say to companies that are hesitant about testing their products?
Product testing has always been and will continue to be an essential part of development. Despite the fact that product development is increasingly supported by computer simulations, experiments can never be fully separated from this process. Physical testing will always be necessary to validate computer simulations and verify their accuracy, which makes testing of real products essential. Conducting physical tests helps prevent issues when products are introduced into serial production. Therefore, experimental testing is a necessary part of the product development phase.
Thank you for the interview.
You’re welcome.
