The current research focus is the determination of manufacturing-structure-property relationships for metallic materials. The main focus is on the cyclic material properties that arise as a function of the microstructure of a material. We are particularly interested in the effects of local inhomogeneities in the material, such as non-metallic inclusions in high-strength steels or microscopic geometric notches in crystalline or amorphous metals. In the cases mentioned, the local microstructure in the immediate vicinity of the inhomogeneity plays a decisive role in crack initiation, early crack growth and crack propagation ability, which essentially determine the cyclic properties of materials and components. After the experimental determination of the specific failure sequence, an important approach of our work is to develop material science-based models for the failure sequence. From this, concepts are derived as to how the structure of the material can be specifically influenced in order to render the existing inhomogeneities harmless or at least reduce their damaging effect without impairing the positive properties and functions that may exist due to the inhomogeneity. For this purpose, for example, new thermomechanical treatments, which are mainly effective locally at the inhomogeneities, are being developed and their effects on the mechanical deformation behaviour analysed.

Ongoing Projects

Einfluss von Ultraschall auf das Druckverfestigungsverhalten metallischer Werkstoffe

Sonderforschungsbereich 926 – Deformation and fracture of surface structured specimens

Magnesium as an implant material

Steigerung der Ermüdungsfestigkeit bei HCF- und VHCF-Beanspruchung durch thermomechanische Behandlung im Temperaturbereich der maximalen dynamischen Reckalterung

Completed Projects

DFG Schwerpunktprogramm 1594 - Spannungsrisskorrosion und Korrosionsermüdung an massiven metallischen Gläsern auf Zr-Basis

Sonderforschungsbereich 926 - Bauteiloberflächen: Morphologie auf der Mikroskala; Mechanische Eigenschaften von mikrogefrästem cp-Titan und 16MnCr5

Stabilität der Mikrostruktur feinstkörniger unlegierter Stähle bei zyklischer Beanspruchung

DFG Schwerpunktprogramm 1466 - Unendliche Lebensdauer für zyklisch beanspruchte Hochleistungswerkstoffe
Rissinitiierung bei VHCF: Aufklärung relevanter Schädigungsmechanismen an 100Cr6

Research Fund for Coal and Steels - European Union
Understanding the basic mechanisms to optimize and predict in service properties of nanobainitic steels

Massive metallische Gläser durch selektives Laserstrahlschmelzen

Einfluss der Beanspruchungszustände in Wälzlagern auf das Schadensbild White Etching Cracks (WEC)