About us

A mechanical engineering laboratory serving the energy transition

LEMTA (Laboratoire Énergies & Mécanique Théorique et Appliquée) is a Joint Research Unit (UMR 7563) of the University of Lorraine (EMPP Research Department) and CNRS (CNRS Ingénierie). Research is carried out by more than 190 collaborators: 80 researchers, 32 administrative and technical staff in shared research support services, and around 80 doctoral and post-doctoral students.

The lab is organised in eleven teams that belong to three research departments (Energy and Transfer – Fluid & Rheophysics – Energy Vectors). In addition, we have a cross-disciplinary research team specialized in MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). LEMTA is very active in fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, soil mechanics, heat and mass transfer, electrical engineering and electrochemical systems. Our research combines fundamental and applied sciences, disciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches, with a strategy definitely focused on the energy transition, hydrogen applications, decarbonization of electricity & heat, as well as the safety of goods and people through subjects such as fire and nuclear safety or audibility and acoustics.

Cutting-edge equipment for research

Most of our research works are based on the development of innovative measurement techniques:

  • laser-induced Phosphorescence/Fluorescence
  • infrared thermography
  • laser velocimetry
  • rheo-optics
  • light scattering
  • thermography and multispectral imaging for high temperatures
  • hydrogen & electrochemical systems
  • MRI and NMR spectroscopy

These devices are integrated in a certified platform: the Métro’NRJ platform (STAR’LUE label)

Modelling and numerical simulations are also core activities of the LEMTA, particularly in the fields of characterization of materials, devices and systems that will meet tomorrow’s energy challenges.

A laboratory open to cooperation with industrial and international world

LEMTA is a member of the Institut Carnot Icéel, and collaborates with numerous institutional, research and industrial partners (ANDRA, CEA, CSTB, IFPEN, INERIS, INRS, IRSN, etc.). 

We coordinate and are partners of numerous programs funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR), and collaborate with major industrial players
(ArcelorMittal, Air Liquide, EDF, Safran, Total-Energies, Saint-Gobain, GE Vernova,
etc.).

We are also involved in numerous partnerships with European and international laboratories. We are also active in two joint programs of the European Energy Research Alliance (EERA), one dedicated to materials and processes for energy applications (AMPEA), and the other on fuel cells and hydrogen.

Update August 2024