Martin Gröhlich

Who are you and what is your research topic?
My name is Martin Gröhlich. After my studies in mechanical engineering at the Leibniz University
Hannover, I work as a research engineer at the Institute of Aeroelasticity of the German Aerospace
Center (DLR) in Göttingen. My major research topic is the modeling and efficient layout of
viscoelastic damping.

Which research question are you working on?
The major objective is to model and to improve the damping performance of vibrating systems
including viscoelastic materials. While mass distributions and stiffness properties are mapped in
detail in FEM calculations, the cause related modeling of damping effects is often neglected. Previous
knowledge about material inherent damping would be of great benefit, since this would allow
systems to be designed in terms of their damping behavior in the preliminary layout. For this
purpose, viscoelastic materials are key components. Due to their special material properties, they
can dissipate vibrational energy under dynamic loads. However, the material properties are highly
dependent on frequency and temperature. This causes an additional challenge for a tailored damping
design.

What makes this topic special/exciting for you?
Like most people, I have been fascinated by aviation since my childhood. Later on, during my studies,
I was particularly interested in structural dynamics and FEM. In particular in the present time it is
mandatory to develop energy efficient and sustainable technologies and to set a good example for
future generations. Therefore, the topic of viscoelastic damping layout is an excellent opportunity to
combine my interests on the on hand and to contribute to a better society on the other hand.

Why is your topic relevant for future aviation?
Future aircraft are becoming lighter and more fuel-efficient. At the same time, lightweight design has
the disadvantage of leading to a higher susceptibility to vibrations. Flight maneuvers or occurring
gusts can cause enormous vibrations that jeopardize the control of the aircraft. In order to ensure
flight safety in the future, damping of wing vibrations is essential. A tailored damping design yields an
effective suppression of safety-critical vibration modes, thus compensating for the disadvantage of
lightweight constructions.

What is special about participating in the interdisciplinary research
network SE²A?
It is a great opportunity to network with colleagues from other disciplines that have the same
objective. On the one hand, it allows for an insight into related special fields and, on the other hand,
it enables an exchange of ideas about common methods and approaches.