One example is the development of the so-called "Impact Drive," a test rig used to understand and improve how screws are tightened in different applications. Screws are everywhere, from household machines to farming equipment and wind turbines. If a screw isn’t properly tightened, it can lead to serious failures and even catastrophes.
The students have developed both smart software and a new mechanical design for the rig. By combining simulations in programs like OpenModelica with practical experiments, they have created algorithms that automatically calculate and control exactly how to tighten a screw reliably. To be able to tighten screws reliably to the right pretension makes it possible to use smaller or fewer screws, which leads to less resource usage and more efficient products. Effects influencing the tightening have been investigated and results integrated in the design and algorithm.
To make the rig more flexible and easier to use, they also redesigned its structure. Using a new, modular and smarter design, parts can easily be swapped or adjusted as needed. This improved design makes the rig both easier and safer to work with.
The work has been done in close collaboration with industry. For example, advanced equipment from the company Atlas Copco has been used to validate the results. Thanks to this, the students can test their solutions in real-world conditions and ensure they work in practice.
"It’s impressive to see how the students have combined advanced simulations, hands-on experiments, and industrial feedback into a functional and innovative system," says Martin Hochwallner, project supervisor at Linköping University.
The result is a combination of digital simulation, practical engineering, and industrial application — a perfect illustration of how research and education can go hand in hand with business.