Press and publications

Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM

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Current press releases in english

More press releases on our german website

Research news: Shooting at ceramics

Producing thin ceramic components has until now been a laborious and expensive process, as parts often get distorted during manufacture and have to be discarded as waste. Researchers are now able to reshape the surfaces of malformed components by bombarding them with tiny pellets. [more]

(14.03.2012)
Detecting hydrogen in metal components using computer simulations

In order to make modern metal components for lightweight cars, satellite launch rockets or modern power stations safer and less sensitive to hydrogen, the Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM is developing modern computer simulations as part of the »MultiHy« project, which is supported by 3.4 million Euros of funding from the EU. The simulations will be used to predict and assess how susceptible different materials and components are to so-called hydrogen embrittlement. The simulations must take the complex microstructure of the materials as well as realistic operational conditions and typical mechanical loads into consideration. [more]

(28.03.2012)
Research news: Bobsled runs – fast and yet safe

They should prove a challenge for the athletes, but not put them in danger: bobsled runs have to be simulated before being built. This simulation is based on the friction levels of the runners on the ice. Now it has become possible to measure these levels accurately. These results will help build the run for the 2014 Olympic Winter Games. [more]

(01.12.2011)
Research News: Custom glass bending

The possible applications for curved glass panels are many and varied – ranging from facades to designer furniture. Researchers have now developed a process which enables the panels to be shaped six times faster and considerably more cost-effectively. Even small batches can be produced economically. [more]

(07.11.2011)
Research News: The green look for EV charging stations

The network of electric-vehicle (EV) charging stations in Germany is still relatively sparse, but their number is growing rapidly. The majority of roadside charging points take the form of steel-clad pillars. A group of researchers has set out to develop an alternative design based on environmentally compatible materials. [more]

(10.10.2011)