Industrial and Materials Science

"Enhancing user experience in an energy monitoring platform: The full process from problem identification to concept development"
Abstract: As energy consumption continues to rise, the need for effective tools that promote energy awareness and encourage sustainable behaviour has become increasingly important. This study explores how the user experience (UX) of energy metering data presentation in a digital platform can be enhanced and thereby support behavioural change toward energy efficiency. The project was conducted in collaboration with Elvaco, a company specializing in smart energy metering solutions, and focused on improving the user experience of their new digital platform, Play.   The initial phase of this study involved problem identification through user research, market analysis and literature review to understand the key challenges of Elvaco’s digitalization. One aspect of the findings indicated that end-users often are unexperienced regarding energy systems and lack knowledge of supporting insights and actionable recommendations, leading to limited behavioural change. By applying user-centred design principles, the study examined how end-users interact with energy data and what design elements facilitate better understanding and decision-making. A combination of usability testing, interviews and prototyping in Figma was used to develop and evaluate approaches in presenting energy data in a clear and actionable way. Particular attention was given to behaviour-oriented design, including knowledge enhancement and decision-support tools, to motivate users toward more sustainable energy consumption.    The results indicate that a well-structured, intuitive data presentation, combined with additional support and recommendations, significantly improves user engagement and the ability to take informed actions. This study contributes to the field of sustainable UX design by demonstrating how digital solutions can bridge the gap between energy awareness and behavioural change. 
Program: MPDES Industrial Design Engineering Examiner: Helena Strömberg, IMS Supervisor(s): Helena Strömberg, IMS
Opponent: Fokke Verburgh &amp; Siyuan Hu 
Date and time: 24 March 2025, 11.00-12.00 Location: <a rel="noopener" href="https://maps.chalmers.se/#dcce1020-9ec8-11e8-a0b8-f1d1dcb8e3ff" target="_blank" title="Nordanvinden" data-anchor="#dcce1020-9ec8-11e8-a0b8-f1d1dcb8e3ff">Nordanvinden</a>

"Measuring and modelling material properties during high loading rates"
Abstract: This thesis aims to evaluate a method for analyzing the high-strain-rate behavior of A36 steel by combining experimental testing and numerical modeling. Experimental testing consisting of uniaxial compressive tests and Split Hopkinson Pressure bar&nbsp;tests were performed to cover low and high strain rates. The method’s ability to use&nbsp;low strain rate data to predict high strain rate behavior using the Johnson-Cook material model was evaluated. Numerical modeling and parameter optimization were&nbsp;performed in LS-DYNA and LS-OPT, respectively. The results showed reasonable&nbsp;agreement between the experiments and simulations for hydraulic compressive and&nbsp;Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar tests. Consistently, an explicit strain rate dependency&nbsp;is present throughout the tests, but fluctuations in the Split Hopkinson Pressure&nbsp;Bar data complicated the data analysis. The method has strengths and limitations.&nbsp;While the Johnson-Cook material model effectively models A36 steel at high strain&nbsp;rates, additional refinements in the numerical model and parameter optimization&nbsp;process are needed to obtain a reliable set of parameter values. Improving the reliability of the strain gauge data and introducing striker velocity measurements could&nbsp;elevate future method development. In this thesis, the method chosen to evaluate&nbsp;steel’s high strain rate behavior provides a foundation for further work. Refinements in experimental setup and numerical modeling are necessary to improve the&nbsp;reliability of the results before they can be applied effectively in future studies.
Program: MPAME Applied Mechanics Examiner: Magnus Ekh, IMS Supervisor(s): Gengsheng Wang, FOI
Opponent: Alexander Körner&nbsp; 
Date and time: 28 March 2025, 09.00-10.00 Location: <a rel="noopener" href="https://maps.chalmers.se/#28b67b10-5978-11ef-8642-ef86c6635c92" target="_blank" title="Studio 1" data-anchor="#28b67b10-5978-11ef-8642-ef86c6635c92">IMS Studio 1</a>

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Presentation of master thesis

Master thesis presentations at Industrial and Materials Science

24 March 2025

11.00-12.00: Linnea Bjöörn, MPDES

28 March 2025

09.00-10.00: Frida Krohn, MPAME