The joins in components made from high performance films (e.g. flexible roof and facade components) must meet high standards, particularly in terms of mechanical stability. The joining process must also be flexible and capable of generating different weld geometries. While the conventional thermal welding process continues to be developed further, researchers are also developing laser radiation welding for use on polymer films. The application of the absorber material needed to weld transparent films is a crucial stage in the process. Both the film and the weld are subjected to different mechanical testing processes under real conditions; the material and weld properties are used to evaluate the operational behavior of the film components.

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Dental composites must meet mechanical, chemical, processing technology and, increasingly, aesthetic requirements. The development of modern composites is therefore subjected to a continuous improvement process that is aimed at achieving the best compromise between the various requirements. New methods are being developed to supplement the tests specified in the customary standards in order to establish the abrasion resistance or the polishability of a material, to determine its volume and temperature behavior during the hardening process or to analyze the development of stress in dental composites as a result of water absorption or hardening in light. Varnishes or adhesives can be analyzed using our own mini tensile test and shearing test method.

Abrasive and polishing effect of dental prophylactic pastes. (PDF)

Characterization of the mechanical properties of dental composites during hardening. (PDF)

Dental materials and models of dental material behavior. (PDF)

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The microstructural processes that take place in materials under thermal and mechanical loads are highly complex. Purely phenomenon-based models rarely describe the material behavior adequately, which is why we develop mechanism-based models that take the relevant deformation and damage mechanisms and the complex interrelationships into account. Mechanism-based models allow us to make conclusions about the influence of multiple axes and can, as long as the mechanisms remain constant, predict material behavior under wide-ranging load conditions. The models are implemented within finite-element programs and can be used to calculate the optimization of component geometry and component lifespan.

Material models that describe the mechanical behavior of metals at room and high temperatures. (PDF)

Thermomechanical fatigue of cast iron materials. (PDF)

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