Nicolas Ranc

Nicolas Ranc is a Professor at Arts et Métiers ParisTech, where he has been a faculty member since September 2006. He is affiliated with the PIMM Laboratory (Laboratory of Processes and Engineering in Mechanics and Materials) and leads research within the CoMet team (Behavior and Microstructure of Metals). His work bridges mechanical engineering and materials science with a focus on experimental characterization of metallic materials.

Professor Ranc's educational background includes:

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering (2004) with thesis "Etude des champs de température et de déformation dans les matériaux métalliques sollicités à grande vitesse de déformation" (Study of temperature and deformation fields in metallic materials under high strain rate loading)
• Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches (2014) with thesis "Contribution à l'étude du comportement thermomécanique des matériaux solides et des structures" (Contribution to the study of thermomechanical behavior of solid materials and structures)

Professor Ranc's research focuses on the mechanical behavior of metallic materials, particularly studying thermal effects associated with mechanical solicitations. His work includes developing thermal measurement techniques using visible and infrared pyrometry, investigating metallic materials under dynamic loading conditions, and studying deformation and fracture mechanisms in metals. Specific areas of interest include the Portevin Le Chatelier effect, high-cycle and very high-cycle fatigue phenomena, and ultrasonic fatigue testing. His research combines advanced experimental techniques with theoretical analysis to understand material behavior at multiple scales, with publications showing a consistent focus on fatigue mechanisms and thermal measurement methodologies.

Professor Ranc has successfully supervised numerous PhD students to completion, with two currently working under his supervision. His research is supported by competitive grants including an ANR project (GIGADEF) and an ERC Consolidator grant (FastMat). These projects enable cutting-edge research in advanced fatigue testing methodologies and material characterization, with emphasis on ultrasonic fatigue testing and synchrotron-based characterization techniques.

As part of the PIMM Laboratory, Professor Ranc has access to state-of-the-art experimental facilities including thermal imaging systems, ultrasonic fatigue testing equipment, and collaborations with synchrotron radiation facilities for in situ characterization. His research group provides students with opportunities to work with advanced experimental techniques and participate in international collaborations focused on understanding material behavior under extreme loading conditions.