Project FSPL

"Research Focus Lightweight Design" (FSPL) (completed 01.2012)

Project content and results

The content-related objective of the research focus on lightweight design at the University of Applied Sciences is to promote lightweight design technologies through application-oriented research and development projects. Within the framework of the research focus on lightweight design, three positions for scientific staff have been created in the following research areas:

Mechanics of materials and numerical simulation

The competencies in the research area of material mechanics and numerical simulation lie in the areas of material laws, damage and fracture mechanics as well as the material characterization of compact and cellular lightweight materials required for this purpose. For the characterization of the material behavior or the damage processes, single and multi-axial static or cyclic tests at different temperatures (up to 350 °C) are performed. The results are used to develop continuum mechanical material laws in the linear and nonlinear range or to experimentally determine material parameters for existing material laws. Various modern methods are available for the investigation of damage processes, such as scanning electron microscopy, computed tomography or optical 3D strain measurement systems.

Structural mechanics and fatigue strength

In this research area, the topics "Fatigue analysis for magnesium alloys" and "Fatigue analysis for complete vehicles" are addressed. The aim of the area "Fatigue analysis for magnesium alloys" is to investigate the fatigue behavior of different magnesium alloys. Particular attention is paid to the characteristic differences in the deformation behavior of wrought magnesium alloys compared with cast magnesium alloys. The aim of the area "Fatigue tests on complete vehicles" is to optimize fatigue strength post-processing tests. By setting up a test rig for complete vehicles developed at LLK, fatigue strength post-processing tests can be carried out with a high post-processing quality by implementing variable force directions.

Adhesive bonding technology and composites

In the field of adhesive bonding technology, the primary objective is to establish the research infrastructure for the production and testing of structural adhesives. By expanding the infrastructure, particularly in the area of handling hazardous materials, the research area "fiber composites" is to create the conditions for further developing certifiable manufacturing processes for highly efficient lightweight design methods. Both objectives can be innovatively combined as a symbiosis for the further development of each individual sub-area. The preliminary work on the testing of structural adhesives in the Adhesive Bonding Technology research area developed into the research project "Determination of the material characteristic functions of structural adhesives for the formation of effort hypotheses".

Laboratory Extension

As part of the research focus on lightweight construction, the lightweight construction laboratory was expanded with an extension of the servo-hydraulic test equipment (linear cylinder, test equipment for fatigue strength post-processing tests on complete vehicles, test set-up for characterizing cyclic crack growth). Furthermore, the electrodynamic shaker was supplemented by a load frame and the measurement and control technology. The Adhesive Bonding Technology and Composites Laboratory was fundamentally built up and equipped with a high-precision production facility for test specimens and bonding devices, an adaptively controlled tensile testing machine, measuring sensors and a device for surface pretreatment of the test specimens. In a further expansion step, ventilation, air humidification, extraction, workplaces for hazardous substances and storage facilities for adhesives were procured. The expansion into a training center for adhesive bonding technology was carried out via an ESF project with a further tensile testing machine, a contact angle measuring device, DSC and TGA analysis, a plasma device, a rotary mixer and high-precision specimen measurement.

Data & Facts

Project nameResearch focus on lightweight design
Technology fieldLightweight Design
Project duration2009-2012
Funding600.000 EUR
Support ProgramProgram for the Promotion of Technology Transfer and Applied Research and Development at Universities of Applied Sciences
Project PromoterBavarian State Ministry of Science, Research and Art