The Institute of Structural Analysis does basic research in different fields of statics, structural dynamics and applied material sciences. The projects are theoretically-numerically orientated. In detail the main focus is laid on the following issues:
Due to growing sensitivity to imperfections and aeroelastic vibrations, the formation of slender structures promotes the appearance of instabilities. Vibrations are characterized by alternating mechanisms of excitation between the structure investigated and the fluid flow circulating around.
The regarded systems may be subdivided into volume coupled multi field systems and surface coupled multifield systems. In porous media materials like concrete, asphalt, soil or waste, the different physical-mechanical, biological-chemical or transport processes interact strongly with each other. Research is aimed at efficient algorithms for numerical analysis of thermo-hygro-mechanical-chemical coupled processes in volume coupled multifield systems. Significant couplings are to be considered in the related constitutive models. The modeling of surface coupled multifield systems describes the interactions in a multibody system, where the single structures can be defined as solids and fluids respectively.
In many areas of engineering it is important to predict the failure of components as exact as possible. Especially statements concerning the time of failure, the location and the ultimate loading are of great interest. Therefore, nonlocal damage mechanics is applied to investigate components and structures in the framework of continuum mechanics and thermodynamics.
The modeling of engineering constructions always requires the abstraction of the real structure. To get significant results of numerical analysis limitations and uncertainties of the mathematical model developed are to be described. Therefor system identification and parameter optimization procedures as well as stochastic methods are employed.
Beside finite element concepts based on displacement orientated formulations finite elements are developed and applied for models in mixed formulation. Current research focuses especially on development of space-time finite elements, the description of discontinuities by XFEM and on concepts for modeling fluid-structure interactions. As an alternative to continuum mechanics the deformation behaviour of structures is investigated by particle methods.
The research group Regenerative Energien (Renewable Energy) works on the development and on the construction of machines for power generation. The main focus is on the exploitation of hydro potential and on energy storage.