Mechanical Insights Symposium

Mechanical Insights: Shaping the Future of Museum Collection Preservation

November 12–15, 2024

Getty Center, Los Angeles

This symposium brought together an international group of experts in the mechanical characterization of historic and artists’ materials to discuss current and future trends in the study and preservation of museum collections. It provided a forum to discuss how mechanical research can inform decision-making in the management of museum environments, practical conservation, and the transportation of art objects.

Slowing or preventing physical changes in art objects is a fundamental and challenging aim for collections preservation. The role of scientific research is critical in understanding and quantifying processes that can affect collections including, temperature- and humidity-induced strain, shock and vibration, material fatigue, damage by exposure to light and ultraviolet, chemical interactions with pollutants. Knowledge of such processes will better inform appropriate object conservation strategies.

In the absence of this information and data, it is common in the museum community to adopt a "risk averse" approach, which can lead to adherence to stringent procedures and environmental conditions that can be prohibitively expensive, unsustainable, and significantly limit access to objects.

Research over the past decade has collected detailed material data to understand physical behavior, support modeling of failure mechanisms and identify the critical conditions that lead to physical change of museum objects.

Several scientific groups have focused on the development of data-based predictive tools that reflect the nuances of these degradation models. These tools enable practitioners to select materials and construction types, and define an object's state of conservation. The relevance of such tools depends on the implementation of effective validation procedures.

• Laboratory testing of historical and mock-up samples to inform predictive models
• Analyzing the risks to objects under external loads or subject to unstable climatic conditions
• Validation of predictive models through in situ monitoring, case studies, and field campaigns
• New and emerging technologies for mechanical testing and analysis of physical changes in cultural heritage materials
• Development of data-based tools for predicting physical change to art objects
• Development of knowledge-based strategies for environmental management

The symposium program includes the daily schedule and abstracts of talks and posters presented.

Download symposium program in PDF format

Symposium talks were recorded and are available for viewing on the Conservation Institute's YouTube channel. All videos have closed captioning and transcripts.

Talks are listed in the order and theme in which they were presented at the symposium. Abstracts of the talks are available in the symposium program.

The Forgotten but Most Important RH Fluctuation (which will increase with climate change)

Stefan Michalski, independent

Watch recorded session on YouTube. Session abstract available on YouTube page.

Materials Research @ IPI: Towards Informed Decision Making and Tangible Outcomes for Sustainable Preservation

Emma Richardson, Image Permanence Institute, Rochester, NY, USA

Watch recorded session on YouTube. Session abstract available on YouTube page.

Predicting the Long-Term Mechanical Behavior of Animal Glues Using Time-Temperature-Humidity Superposition

Alexandra Bridarolli, Getty Conservation Institute

Watch recorded session on YouTube. Session abstract available on YouTube page.

Design and Construction of a Biaxial Tester for Small Samples of Historical Textiles and Paintings

Antonio Iaccarino Idelson, Delft University of Technology

Watch recorded session on YouTube. Session abstract available on YouTube page.

Risk of Fracture in Massive Cultural Objects Made of Lime Wood: a Case Study of Veit Stoss’ Altarpiece

Łukasz Bratasz, Jerzy Haber Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland; and Magdalena Soboń (presenter), Jerzy Haber Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland; Wawel Royal Castle–State Art Collection, Poland

Watch recorded session on YouTube. Session abstract available on YouTube page.

Mechanical Research Applied to Overall Structural Assessment of Large Archaeological Wooden Objects from the Viking Age

David Hauer, Museum of Cultural History, University of Oslo

Watch recorded session on YouTube. Session abstract available on YouTube page.

Long-Term Hygromechanical Effects of Freezing Treatment for Disinfestation of 18th-Century Wooden Sculptures

Cécilia Gauvin (presenter), S-MA-C-H; Gilles Tournillon, S-MA-C-H and Atelier Tournillon; Leila Sauvage, S-MA-C-H, The Rijksmuseum, and University of Amsterdam

Watch recorded session on YouTube. Session abstract available on YouTube page.

Museum-Scale Devices for Monitoring Material Aging and Contamination

Kenneth R. Shull, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University

Watch recorded session on YouTube. Session abstract available on YouTube page.

Nanoindentation of Historic Materials

Naoki Fujisawa, Getty Conservation Institute

Watch recorded session on YouTube. Session abstract available on YouTube page.

Nanomechanical Properties of Paint from Authentic Paintings

Cecil Krarup Andersen (presenter), The Royal Danish Academy, Denmark; Alexandra Bridarolli, Getty Conservation Institute; Naoki Fujisawa, Getty Conservation Institute; Kristian Præstholm, The Royal Danish Academy, Denmark; Mikkel Scharff, The Royal Danish Academy, Denmark; Michal Lukomski, Getty Conservation Institute

Watch recorded session on YouTube. Session abstract available on YouTube page.

Invasive to Non-Invasive: Coupling DMA with DIC to Interrogate the Mechanical Response of Plastic Composite Objects During Dynamic Environmental Management

Jacek Olender (presenter), Emma Richardson, and Meredith Noyes, Image Permanence Institute, Rochester Institute of Technology

Watch recorded session on YouTube. Session abstract available on YouTube page.

Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) and its Role in Paint Tempera Dosimetry

Gary Foster, University of Sheffield ; Charis Theodorakopoulos, University of Northumbria; Marianne Odlyha (presenter), Birkbeck University of London

Watch recorded session on YouTube. Session abstract available on YouTube page.

Complexity In The Hygro-Mechanical Behaviour Of Wooden Panel Paintings: Undeniable Presence And Implications For Modelling And Conservation

Marco Fioravanti, University of Florence

Watch recorded session on YouTube. Session abstract available on YouTube page.

Advancing our Understanding of the Chemo-Mechanical Response of Oil Paint(ings): an Integrated Numerical-Experimental Study

Emanuela Bosco, Eindhoven University of Technology

Watch recorded session on YouTube. Session abstract available on YouTube page.

The "Zero Stress Level", Does It Exist? Experimental Analysis on Historical Wooden Panel Paintings and Numerical Non-linear Simulations

Lorenzo Riparbelli (presenter), DAGRI, Università di Firenze, Italy; Łukasz Bratasz, Jerzy Haber Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry Polish Academy of Sciences; Michał Łukomski, Getty Conservation Institute; Marco Fioravanti, DAGRI, Università di Firenze, Italy

Watch recorded session on YouTube. Session abstract available on YouTube page.

Towards Digital Twins for Panel Paintings: Finite Element Analysis of a Prototype at Climatic Loading

Michael Kaliske (presenter), Daniel Konopka, Technische Universität Dresden, Institute for Structural Analysis

Watch recorded session on YouTube. Session abstract available on YouTube page.

What Do We Know About Object Vulnerability to Environmental Variations

Łukasz Bratasz, Jerzy Haber Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry Polish Academy of Sciences

Watch recorded session on YouTube. Session abstract available on YouTube page.

NDE at its Extreme: Applications for Space Explorations

Shant Kenderian, The Aerospace Corporation, California, USA

Watch recorded session on YouTube. Session abstract available on YouTube page.

(Re-) Opening Doors to Nanomechanical Characterization of Complex Materials Through Atomic Force Microscopy

Adam Stieg, CNSI-Univeristy of California Los Angeles, USA

Watch recorded session on YouTube. Session abstract available on YouTube page.

Acoustic Emission Monitoring in Cultural Heritage Applications

Horst Trattnig, Vallen Systeme GmbH, Wolfratshausen, Germany

Watch recorded session on YouTube. Session abstract available on YouTube page.

Assessing Climate Damage Prediction with Acoustic Emission for Wooden Furniture

David Thickett, English Heritage Trust

Watch recorded session on YouTube. Session abstract available on YouTube page.

Mechanical Analysis of Restoration Protocols using Digital Image Correlation: Application to Textile and Paintings

Joséphine Delengaigne (co-presenter), Textile Conservator, graduated Institut National du Patrimoine, Aubervilliers, France, 2024

Marie-Laure Gascon (co-presenter), Painting Conservator, graduated Institut National du Patrimoine, Aubervilliers, France, 2024; Senior Lecturer, Contact and Structural Mechanics Laboratory, INSA Lyon, CNRS, LaMCoS, UMR5259, Villeurbanne, France

Julien Colmars, Research Engineer, Head of the Research Laboratory, Institut National du Patrimoine, Aubervilliers, France

Sandie Le Conte, Laboratoire de Recherche de l'Institut National du Patrimoine, France

Watch recorded session on YouTube. Session abstract available on YouTube page.

Evaluation of a Tear Mending by Digital Image Correlation (3D-DIC) and Analysis of the Impact of its Restoration on the Flatness of the Work

Marie-Noëlle Laurent-Miri (presenter), CY Cergy Paris Université, Laboratoire Heritages, EUR PSGS HCH ANR-17-EURE-0021, France

Nicolas Wilkie-Chancellier, CY Cergy-Paris Université, Laboratoire SATIE - UMR 8029 (Systèmes et Applications des Technologies de l’Information et de l’Energie) France

Sandie Le Conte, Laboratoire de Recherche de l'Institut National du Patrimoine, France

Watch recorded session on YouTube. Session abstract available on YouTube page.

Epidemiology of Decay: Environmental and Mechanical Study of Historic Tapestries on Open Display

Constantina Vlachou-Mogire, Historic Royal Palaces. London

Watch recorded session on YouTube. Session abstract available on YouTube page.

Vibration and Conservation: A New System to Reduce in situ the Low Frequency Vibrations

Sandie Le Conte (presenter), Institut National du Patrimoine, France; Loic Forma, Ircam–Sorbonne Université, France and CYU, France; Henri Boutin, Ircam–Sorbonne Université, France; Marguerite Jossic, Philharmonie de Paris; Wilkie–Chancellier Nicolas, CYU, France

Watch recorded session on YouTube. Session abstract available on YouTube page.

AGATO: An Online Decision Support Tool to Assist Museum Professionals with Preventive Conservation of Historic Mixed-Media Objects

Marjolijn Debulpaep, Elke Otten (presenter), Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage (KIK-IRPA)

Watch recorded session on YouTube. Session abstract available on YouTube page.

Michał Łukomski, Senior Scientist, Getty Conservation Institute

Watch recorded session on YouTube. Session abstract available on YouTube page.