André Citroën honoured with University research chair
André Citroen, the founder of the eponymous car company, with the inauguration of the “André Citroën Chair” in mechanical and multiphysics modelling in cooperation with PSA Citroen. The objectives of the “André Citroën Chair” will be to explore issues related to materials and mechanical structures, surface physics, digital modelling and multiphysics couplings. Multiphysics treats simulations that involve multiple physical models or multiple simultaneous physical phenomena. For example, combining chemical kinetics and fluid mechanics or combining finite elements with molecular dynamics . Multiphysics typically involves solving coupled systems of partial differential equations .
Born in 1878 Andre Citroen graduated from the École Polytechnique in 1900 and the company he founded is renowned for its technical innovation and its development of new solutions to traditional engineering and automotive problems which included the B10, the first all-steel car body in Europe; the Citroen Traction Avant being the first front wheel drive steel monocoque production car, which paved the way for millions of today’s cars; the Rosealie, the first European diesel car; the hydraulic systems and self levelling suspension in the Citroen DS; the first European car with disc brakes and the fixed hub steering wheel seen on today’s Citroens.
In conducting its research, the Chair will benefit from the École Polytechnique’s culture of scientific excellence, by capitalising on the school’s top-level faculty and two world renowned research laboratories, the Solid Mechanics Laboratory (LMS) and the Thin Film Interface Physics Laboratory (LPICM).
The “André Citroën Chair” will support not only research, but also teaching, in particular by encouraging initiatives in the automotive field that will enable students who intern with Citroën to participate in industry-specific technological innovation processes.
The research work will be conducted in an international environment. In association with PSA Citroën University, for example, the “André Citroën Chair” will lead to cooperative programmes with Chinese universities, facilitate the invitation of international professors, encourage student exchange programmes and result in international conferences.
“The launch of the “André Citroën Chair” will help to secure PSA Citroën’s long-term relationship with École Polytechnique,” said Claude Brunet, Executive Vice President, Human Resources and Quality for PSA Citroën. This relationship has taken the form of an outstanding scientific research partnership, reflecting our dynamic schools and universities outreach commitment. The internationally orientated curricula and programmes offered as part of this Chair will address the challenges of tomorrow’s automotive industry. We are confident that it will help to attract the finest talent and that the name of André Citroën will enhance both our Citroen’s and École Polytechnique’s international reputation and influence.”
General Xavier Michel, Director of École Polytechnique, announced that “the creation of this research and teaching chair is part of an assertive commitment to partnering with business. It’s a fantastic tool for encouraging dialogue and outreach in areas where the École wants to lead the way – interaction between research and teaching, cross-discipline collaboration, dialogue with companies, interest in future challenges, international orientation and the integration of new, more holistic scientific approaches. École Polytechnique is delighted with this signature, which has further cemented its long-standing relationship with PSA Citroen.”
About the Solid Mechanics Laboratory (LMS)
Under the auspices of two engineering schools, the Solid Mechanics Laboratory (Laboratoire de Mécanique des Solides – LMS) operates as a joint research facility of France’s National Scientific Research Centre (Centre National de Recherche Scientifique – CNRS) and École Polytechnique.
Since its creation in 1961 by Professor Jean Mandel, the laboratory has been interested in experimental analysis and the development of analytical or digital models for the mechanical behaviour of materials and structures, in a commitment to providing basic tools for the resolution of scientific and industrial problems.
Using advanced experimental platforms and powerful computer resources, the laboratory is particularly focused on couplings between different physical scales and interactions between mechanical behaviour and physical and chemical changes.
About the Thin Film Interface Physics Laboratory (LPICM)
The Thin Film Interface Physics Laboratory (Laboratoire de Physique des Interfaces et des Couches Minces – LPICM) is a joint research unit of the Information and Communication Sciences and Technologies Department (STIC) of the National Scientific Research Centre (CNRS) and École Polytechnique.
Current areas of research include silicon and nanomaterial thin-films, electronics, carbon nanotubes and polarimetric instrumentation.
About École Polytechnique
One of the world’s leading engineering schools, École Polytechnique offers a unique combination of advanced scientific and technological research, teaching and innovation.
It is a highly international community, with 30% of students and 18% of the faculty and researchers coming from outside France. Its curricula promote a culture of excellence, primarily in the sciences, while embracing a strong commitment to the humanities.
Through its three degree programmes – engineer, masters and doctorate – École Polytechnique educates responsible men and women capable of leading complex, innovative activities to meet the challenges of 21st century society. The school’s 22 research laboratories, run jointly with France’s National Scientific Research Centre, are pushing back the frontiers of knowledge in today’s major inter-disciplinary scientific, technological and social challenges.
École Polytechnique is a member of the ParisTech research and higher education consortium and a driving force behind the Saclay campus project, which is being supported by 22 other academic and scientific partners.