Interreg-Project n2m (nano to macro)

"Synthesis, characterization and technological manufacturing approaches for "n2m" (nano to macro) lightweight construction"

Within the framework of the INTERREG project "Synthesis, Characterization and Technological Manufacturing Approaches for Lightweight Construction "n2m" (nano to macro)", a joint cross-border research and development center for lightweight construction was established by the project partners of the Paris Lodron University Salzburg (PLUS) and the University of Applied Sciences in Landshut (HAW). This has made it possible to link basic scientific research at the PLUS with application-oriented research and development at the Lightweight Construction Competence Center of the Landshut University of Applied Sciences (LLK) in the subject area of lightweight construction.

To realize innovative lightweight structures requires a cross-scale approach from material development with the investigation of relevant interfaces and volume properties to the characterization and simulation of material and structural properties as well as the development of suitable production and process technologies. To achieve this goal, the particular challenge of the project was to combine interdisciplinary approaches to thinking and research in the fields of materials chemistry, manufacturing technology, mechanics, materials engineering and analysis. By means of the joint knowledge-based processing of concrete problems in 3 focus modules "Hybrid structures by using T-RTM processes (TeTIHS)", "Laser-based joined light metal structures (LasLei)" and "Notched and formed magnesium sheet structures (MagForm)", such a linkage could be successfully realized.

With the procurement of a transmission electron microscope at PLUS, a laser welding system, a heating press, a vibration polisher and a heat treatment furnace at LLK Landshut, the project significantly expanded the research capabilities of the two facilities. By creating a joint center, the partners brought together there will have cross-border access to the respective facilities. This will ensure research and cooperation in the region even after the project has been completed. Cutting-edge research and long-term collaborations will be sustainably supported and deepened through these activities.

The establishment of the center has already enabled the integration of additional new partners in the region and beyond (TU Bergakademie Freiberg, FH Kuchl, PLUS - Center for Human Computer Interaction, University of Magdeburg, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, LKR Ranshofen, TU Munich). In addition, 6 follow-up projects were approved by the end of the project period, resulting in 11 full-time scientific positions. Among others, a DACH application jointly submitted by PLUS and LLK to the Austrian Science Fund (FWF, Lead Agency) and the German Research Foundation (DFG) was approved, from which 2 additional scientific full-time positions will be created.

The Bavarian-Austrian research and development center makes the two university locations of Landshut and Salzburg more attractive for students and researchers. Project work and final theses, internships, workshops and cooperative doctorates are possible on a cross-border basis. This cross-border partnership is already bearing fruit. 

One doctorate carried out in cooperation dealt with the characterization and modeling of magnesium in order to be able to use it in industry. Magnesium is one of the lightest metallic construction materials, which poses great challenges to product development and manufacturing due to its complex microstructure (hexagonal close-packed crystal structure). By characterizing and modeling the fatigue behavior, the material becomes predictable, a basic requirement for industrially exploiting the high lightweight potential of magnesium. This doctoral thesis was supervised by Prof. Dr. Otto Huber from Landshut University of Applied Sciences and Prof. Dr. Oliver Diwald from the University of Salzburg.

Also successfully completed within the framework of the n2m project was a dissertation supervised by Prof. Dr. Holger Saage, professor at the LLK of Landshut University of Applied Sciences, and Prof. Dr. Mathias Göken, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg. This dealt with the corrosive and thermo-mechanical behavior of intermetallic titanium-aluminum compounds. Compounds that are very light and suitable for use at high temperatures and thus find application in turbine blades, for example. 

¹ J. Denk, A. Nischler, L.C. Whitmore, O. Huber, H. Saage, Discontinuous and inhomogeneous strain distributions under monotonic and cyclic loading in textured wrought magnesium alloys, Mater. Sci. Eng. A, 764, 138182, 2019;