| Structural
materials |
 |
Special emphasis is placed on the
relationships
between microstructure, properties and processing of materials for high
temperature
applications. Research focuses on dislocation dynamics and
microstructural
damage accumulation during creep. In addition to metals and metallic
alloys,
metal matrix composites, polymers and ceramics also receive some
attention. |
| Functional materials |
|
The Materials Science and
Engineering
Program has a long tradition of research in the field
of shape memory alloys. Basic research is devoted to the nature of the
martensitic
transformation. The application of shape memory alloys (e.g. in
sensor/actuator
technology) is also a main focus of the research. A large part of this
research is funded from a Center
on Shape Memory Technology (SFB 459) supported by the Deutsche
Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG). |
| Reactions in solids and between gases/liquids
and
solids |
|
This research area concentrates on
the investigation of microstructural mechanisms, which control
and limit the processing, service and recycling of engineering
materials. Research subjects include particle coarsening under
creep
conditions, high temperature oxidation, and the formation of new phases
by
interdiffusion processes. |
| Mechanical and microstructural characterization |
|
Specialized mechanical and
microscopic
techniques are employed to characterize materials at the micro- and
nanoscale. These methods include advanced transmission electron
microscopy investigations. |
| Modeling |
|
In addition to the experimental
work,
mechanical (FEM analysis) and micromechanical modeling (dislocation
dynamics)
are performed. There is also an effort that uses software to support
microstructural characterization (quantitative image analysis, contrast
simulations of TEM micrographs). |
