The group focuses on materials science aspects of materials under a tribological load.

Our main research topics are:

• The elementary mechanisms for microstructural and chemical changes
• The materials science origins of friction and wear
• Size effects
• Contact mechanics
• Bio-inspired materials and structures
• Laser surface texturing
• Data Science in tribology

We develop and build our own equipment and instrumentation, e.g. an extremely high resolution in situ reciprocating tribometer

• Make use of ultra-high resolution electron and ion microscopy, including 3D reconstruction techniques
• Morphologically texture surfaces by means of laser radiation
• Employ modern x-ray techniques, including from synchrotron sources
• International collaboration with scientists

With this unique combination of scientific expertise and analytical tools we aim at strategically tayloring materials and microstructures for lower friction and less wear.

We always have very attractive topics available for bachelor and master theses, so please do contact us in case you are interested in joining the group!

ACADEMIA

The group offers a wide range of lectures and exercises for students at both the bachelor’s and master’s levels. In the undergraduate program, the focus field “Applied Materials” provides students with competencies in all material classes relevant to engineering sciences as well as in materials mechanics. Students learn how to select suitable materials, process them in a targeted manner, and tailor their properties. In addition, modern simulation, measurement, and characterisation methods as well as specialised manufacturing processes are introduced.

The master’s focus field “Materials and Technologies for Sustainable Energy Systems” offers an in-depth insight into pressing topics such as recycling loops and the challenges of combining resource efficiency with wear resistance. Students become familiar with both modern structural and functional materials as well as scrap- and circularity-compatible alloy design. After completing the program, they are able to describe, evaluate, and further develop the various processes, models, and materials.