LOME is a unit from INEGI located at the INEGI/FEUP (University of Porto) facilities. Created with funds from the CIENCIA program (1991-1993) to provide experimental support to research activities for the design, inspection and non destructive testing of structures and mechanical components.

With modern equipment, and served by an active staff of 15 researchers, LOME is mainly oriented to R&D activities leading to the development of new optical/hybrid techniques for static and vibration analysis and their application in industrial environments. It is also an infrastructure of technology transfer to assist industry in the following areas:

• Vibration analysis.
• Optical non destructive testing (Holography, ESPI, Shearography and Digital holography).
• Mechanical design (prototypes and special equipments).
• Mechanical characterization of materials at high speed rates (Hopkinson Bar).
• Design of pressure vessels and piping systems.
• Strain gauge analysis (static and dynamic).
• Residual stress analysis.
• Stress analysis by photo-elasticity (shape optimization using 2D and 3D photoelastic models).
• Numerical 3D characterization of object forms for rapid prototyping.
• Smart structures (Piezoelectric control of shap and damping)
• Continuing education (short courses and training in any of the above techniques).

In association with two other groups (CEMACOM and CETRIB), LOME is part of the EXPMAT - Experimental Mechanics and New Materials research unit at INEGI, sponsored by FCT (Ministry of Science and Technology).