Prof. Dr.-Ing. Uwe Mahn

• Advanced Engineering Mechanics
• Strength of Materials
• FEM
• Machine Design
• Metal Forming (sub-fields: solid forming and forming machines)

• FEM
• Mechanical Engineering

• Design, strength assessment and damage analysis of safety components
• Finite element simulation, including fracture mechanics, dynamics and acoustics
• Flow simulation using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
• Simulation of forming processes
• Linear roller guides
• Assemblies and design of machine tools
• Digital product and process development

• Component and damage analyses
• FEM and CFD simulations
• Optimisation of products and manufacturing processes through simulation
• Simulation and further development of forming processes
• Development and evaluation of new machine and component concepts
• Application-oriented research and development projects in cooperation with companies

The aim of the FEM module is to impart specialist and methodological skills in the use of the finite element method (FEM). The module builds on students’ existing knowledge in the fields of engineering mechanics, engineering thermodynamics, strength of materials and CAD. The module covers both the theoretical principles of FEM and its practical application to a range of technical problems. The aim of the course is to enable students to independently plan, carry out and evaluate calculation tasks using FEM in a targeted manner.

• Fundamentals of the FEM and its place amongst numerical methods for solving field problems
• Basic functions of FEM software, geometry-based modelling and meshing, meshing strategies (free and structured meshing)
• Solving static design problems using the FEM
• Meshing techniques and definition of boundary conditions, including plane modelling of spatial problems (plane stress state, plane strain state, rotational symmetry) and modelling of symmetric problems
• Dynamic analyses using the FEM (modal analysis, harmonic analysis, transient excitation)
• FEM calculations in mechanical acoustics
• Transient temperature fields and the associated displacement and stress fields
• Non-linear problems in the FEM: definition of contacts and connections, non-linear material behaviour – in particular plasticity – and large deformations, using stability problems as an example

Using machine tools as an example, the module develops specialist skills in the structural design of machines, as well as in the dimensioning of drive systems, frames and guideways. To this end, the module imparts extensive specialist knowledge of the structural design, function and calculation of machine tools, taking into account current norms and standards, and develops skills in the metrological analysis of machine components.

• Definition of a machine, a machine tool and their classification within mechanical engineering
• Basic functions and construction of typical machine tools such as lathes, milling machines and forming machines
• Machine bed components, their installation on the foundation, and the dimensioning and design of machine bed components
• Metrological investigation of the dynamic properties of machine frames using experimental modal analysis
• Classification of machine drives into main, secondary and auxiliary drives 
• Design of machine tool main drives (motor selection, determination of required gear ratios)
• Hydrostatic, hydrodynamic and rolling element guides, and their design
• Design of machine tool main spindles
• Metrological assessment of the accuracy of feed drives using a laser interferometer
• Layout and design of forming machines, particularly presses
• Specifications, requirements specifications and acceptance testing of machines