| Outline the scientific activities you conducted while in Tohoku University (e.g. experiments, discussions, research trips) |
After giving presentations about my laboratory and my research project in France (to Prof. KATO and Prof. TAKAGI laboratories), I had numerous scientific discussions with members of both laboratories. My major interest was the tribology of diamond coatings in the laboratory of Prof. TAKAGI and the tribo-coating of In as well as the effect of N2-gas flow on friction of CNx coatings in Prof. KATO laboratory. Master students of Prof. KATO laboratory introduced me to Ion Beam Mixing Deposition system, to the tribo-coating device and to ball/disk tribometer used for CNx coating experiments.
I also had the chance to attend the 1st INABIO Symposium organized by Prof. TAKAGI. Furthermore, Prof. KATO planned for me a visit at the AIST Center of Tsukuba, where I notably met Prof. NAKAYAMA. I had successful exchanges with him about the possible influence of microplasma in the tribological phenomena occurring for CNx coatings under gas blow.
|
Give your impressions of the present state of science in Tohoku University in your field
|
To my mind, the present state of science in Tribology at Tohoku University is especially high. At first, the renowned Tribology Laboratory of Professor KATO is for a long time a world Center of Excellence in this field. The development of innovating studies reinforces still today the supremacy of the laboratory in this discipline. Research involving new aspects as Computational Chemistry with Prof. Miyamoto laboratory, or demonstrating very low friction phenomena in air as CNx coatings contributes to the improvement of the knowledge about tribological behavior. Furthermore, recent and very unique experiments carried out in Prof. TAKAGI laboratory on diamond coating will certainly play a key-role in the achievement of super-low friction. They also strengthen the tribology theme of this multidisciplinary laboratory.
|
Give 21st Century COE of Flow Dynamics your comments or suggestions particularly with regard to the internship program
|
I am very grateful to the International Internship Program for giving me the precious opportunity to visit Prof. KATO laboratory. The administrative staff of the Program is very considerate towards the foreigner students and helpful. My stay was very well organized and profitable. More generally, I think that this kind of Program is of first importance to create or reinforce stable links between Japanese and foreign research. And this is probably one of the major stakes nowadays.
|
General impression you had of Sendai and Japan during your stay
|
I am very impressed by the state of science, and especially Tribology, in Japan. The country is certainly the research leader in this field.
From a more tourist point of view, downtown Sendai is a nice place to visit and enjoy promenade or quiet historical temples. The sea-side near the city and the Matsushima island is one of the most beautiful points of view in Japan and make the stay of the foreign student very pleasant.
|