Forschungsberichte
Forschungsberichte
Early Career Researcher gewähren uns einen Einblick in ihre aktuellen Forschungsprojekte und stellen die Arbeiten einzelner Fachgebiete bzw. Arbeitsgruppen vor. So tragen wir die Forschung nach außen und generieren mehr Sichtbarkeit innerhalb der Fakultät und nach außen. Zusätzlich wird der Beitrag über den LinkedIn-Account der Fakultät veröffentlicht.
Falls Sie auch Ihre Forschung hier abbilden möchten, melden Sie sich bitte per E-Mail an die Forschungskoordinatorin
Dr. Miriam Böhm (miriam.boehm@uni-due.de)
Engineering Mathematics – Dr. Elodie Donval
My current research project focuses on a better understanding of the mechanical properties of inorganic 3D printed sand cores for foundry applications. In this DFG-funded project, we are working closely with project partners to better understand the thermo-mechanical behaviour of the 3D printed material from an experimental and numerical point of view. My role in this project is to investigate the arrangement of sand and binder at the microscopic scale from a computational point of view.
Microstructure modelling
It is not always possible to collect CT scan data to understand the microscopic behaviour of composites. In such a case, computationally generated microstructures provide a convenient solution. In this project, we propose methods to model the arrangement of sand grains as they are deposited layer by layer in the 3D printing process and binder addition. This microstructure generation tool allows us to perform parametric studies and try to understand what the optimal printing parameters are.
Computing material properties
Once the microstructure is generated, we aim to evaluate the macroscopic behaviour of the printed material through computational FFT-based homogenization. The goal is to better understand the material and assess whether it has the required properties, particularly in terms of permeability and strength, to be used for casting. In this case, this is particularly challenging as we are looking at porous microstructures. We are therefore also developing efficient homogenization solvers.
About the working group:
Microstructure generation and computational homogenization are among the main topics of interest at the institute. On the microstructure generation side, we mainly work on industrial microstructures, composed of fibers for instance. Regarding computational, FFT-based homogenization, some of the questions we are addressing include: How can we improve the accuracy and computational time? Is it a good idea to perform the computation directly on the CT scan data, and if so, how? What can we do to better describe the failure at the microscopic level and what does it mean at the macroscopic level? By understanding composite materials at the microscopic scale, we hope to provide clues for to model them at the macroscopic scale. If you are interested in these questions too, the institute provides Master-level courses on these topics. We also offer Bachelor and Master thesis, feel free to reach out!
Q&A
What is your favourite experiment/research in general?
What I really like about my research is to understand how tiny changes in the microstructure can affect the global behavior of a whole element (a mold for my current project). By understanding that, it paves the way to optimizing the microstructure.
What do you enjoy most about your research in general at the faculty of engineering/or the UDE?
I am working in a great team at the Institute, and I think that’s the most important! However, one thing which is very specific to UDE and that I really enjoy as a postdoc is all the training opportunities about research-related skills and career development that are offered by the Graduate Research Center and the Research Academy Ruhr.
Is there something you are looking for? Like an expert for a specific method, critical feedback or a collaboration partner?
We would be very happy to find experimental collaboration partners interested in computational modelling of composite materials!
Contact
Metallurgy of Iron- and Steel-Production – Philipp Winstermann
Hydrogen plays a central role in the path to decarbonization. As a fuel or process gas, hydrogen releases no carbon-containing or other harmful emissions when used. The different temporal and geographical availability of renewable energies for producing green hydrogen highlights the necessity of storage and transportation options. This challenge is addressed by the Me2H2 project. The iron-steam process is to be established as an alternative to liquefaction, conversion to ammonia, or binding in hydrocarbons. The energy of the hydrogen can be stored by reducing suitable metal oxides based on iron. At the time and place of demand the energy stored in the iron material can be released again in the form of hydrogen through the iron-steam process. In this process, the material is oxidized with the help of steam, which reacts to form hydrogen. This process was already used industrially to produce hydrogen at the beginning of the 20th century and is thus proven on a large scale. Advantages include the avoidance of the "boil-off effect" of liquefied hydrogen and the toxicological safety compared to ammonia or liquid hydrocarbon carriers. Together with partners at the TU Clausthal, the Leibniz Institute for Materials-Oriented Technologies, thyssenkrupp SE, and the SMS Group, we are identifying suitable material systems, dealing with fundamental questions and developing the associated process and plant technology. Many thanks also to Rahmatika Islamia and Kesytlanang Tristanav W, two bachelor candidates that are currently working with Philipp under the double degree program!
About the working group:
The research area of metallurgy is primarily concerned with thermodynamic and kinetic investigations of liquid metal phases, metal/slag reactions, issues relating to the solidification of metals and the recycling of oxide and metallic residues (filter dusts, slags). To this end, research and teaching focuses on the characteristic properties of a wide range of metallic materials, including steel and cast iron as well as light and non-ferrous metals.
Q&A
What is your favourite experiment/research in general?
The experiment that works of course!
What do you enjoy most about your research in general at the faculty of engineering/or the UDE?
That our motto “open-minded” is lived out. New ideas are appreciated as there is a lot of room to gain experiences and test different scientific approaches.
Is there something you are looking for? Like an expert for a specific method, critical feedback or a collaboration partner?
I am open to network, especially in the field of hydrogen storage and transport.
Contact
Maschinenbau und Verfahrenstechnik
Institut für Technologien der Metalle (ITM)
Process Engineering / Water Technology – Marko Schiele
Water appears in various forms, such as groundwater from the soil, surface water from rivers and lakes, or spring water. In most cases, direct consumption is not entirely safe due to pollutants or microbial health risks. Coagulation and flocculation are water treatment processes that destabilize and agglomerate suspended particles to form larger, settleable flocs that can be removed by sedimentation or filtration. Being one of the first steps in the treatment chain, especially for surface waters, the coagulation process is nowadays almost exclusively relying on metal-based coagulants such as iron or aluminum, often in combination with synthetic organic polymers. The project ‘”Nature Floc” is aiming at a more eco-friendly coagulation process. We characterize, compare and test coagulants on base of natural raw materials such as starch or chitosan (a polymer derived from the shells of shrimps). Algae-based substances also show potential. The comparison of flocculants through flocculation tests is the exciting part of the project. Practical lab experiments are always fascinating, and in flocculation tests, they are also highly visual, making it immediately clear whether changes in parameters had a positive or negative effect. The overarching goal of the project is to obtain legal approval for natural flocculants in water treatment in Germany. Through our research work, we can truly make a difference!
Über die Arbeitsgruppe:
Um die nationalen und internationalen Herausforderungen im Bereich der Wasserversorgung zu adressieren, werden am Lehrstuhl MVT/WT mit den Schlüsselkompetenzen Membranfiltration und Adsorption schwerpunktmäßig die drei Forschungsfelder
Erschließung belasteter Wasserressourcen
Prozessoptimierung und -simulation
Kreislaufwirtschaft
bearbeitet. Konkrete Themen in laufenden Projekten sind die weitergehende Aufbereitung von Kläranlagenabläufen, die Wiederverwendung hypersalzhaltiger Abwässer sowie die Nutzbarmachung stark verschmutzter Wasserressourcen (z.B. ölhaltige Abwässer oder eutrophe bzw. stark algenhaltige Wässer). Schwerpunkte bei der Prozessoptimierung und –simulation liegen auf integrierten Membransystemen und Hybrid-Membranprozessen sowohl mit keramischen als auch mit polymeren Membranen. Im Forschungsfeld Kreislaufwirtschaft werden umweltfreundliche und regenerative Materialien und Betriebsstoffe für die Wasseraufbereitung erforscht, dazu zählt auch die Vermeidung oder Nutzbarmachung von Rest- und Abfallstoffen.
Q&A
What is your favorite experiment/part of your daily work?
My favorite part of the day is conducting my lab experiments. My favorite experiment is the flocculation test or „Jar-Test“, where the flocculant is added to the contaminated water under continuous stirring to start the flocculation process. I like that this experiment gives direct insights into how well the flocculation works based on the set parameters.
What do you enjoy most about your research in general at the Faculty of Engineering or the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE)?
First of all, I appreciate that the faculty’s research addresses real future challenges and thus has a positive impact on water treatment. I also enjoy having the freedom to explore my own project while receiving extensive support in improving myself and growing through the Project.
Is there something you are looking for? Like an expert for a specific method, critical feedback or a collaboration partner?
The project is still in its early stages, and we have reliable partners by our side who support us with their specialized expertise.
Contact
Maschinenbau und Verfahrenstechnik
Additive Fertigungstechnik – Marius Meyer
Bei der Reparatur von Aortenaneurysmen, also Vergrößerungen der Hauptschlagader, kommen sogenannte Stentgrafts zum Einsatz. Hierbei handelt es sich um eine stabilisierende Gefäßprothese, die üblicherweise aus einem Kunststoffgewebe besteht, in das ein Drahtgeflecht aus Metall eingenäht ist. Während das Gewebe, also der Graft, die Funktion des Gefäßes übernehmen soll, sorgt die Stentstruktur aus Metall für die mechanische Stabilität und die Befestigung in der Aorta. Die Implantation solcher Stentgrafts erfolgt unter Einsatz von Röntgenstrahlung über die Oberschenkelarterien. Dieser Vorgang ist mit einer entsprechenden Strahlenbelastung verbunden, sowohl für medizinisches Personal als auch behandelte Personen. Das BMBF-geförderte Verbundprojekt MEVAR hat zum Ziel, Stentgrafts aus einem Polymer herzustellen, das im MRT sichtbar ist, um die Strahlenbelastung zu minimieren und den aktuell sehr kostspieligen und größtenteils manuell ablaufenden Fertigungsprozess mittels Kunststoff-3D-Druck zu automatisieren. Hierzu wird am Lehrstuhl für Fertigungstechnik eine Hochtemperatur-Materialextrusionsanlage entwickelt, mit welcher der Druck von schlauchförmigen Bauteilen aus speziell für diesen Prozess zu entwickelnden, biokompatiblen Hochleistungspolymeren möglich ist. In dieser Anlage wird die Stentstruktur über ein rotatorisches Druckbett direkt auf den Graft aufgedruckt, sodass kein manuelles Nacharbeiten mehr notwendig ist.
Über die Arbeitsgruppe:
Im Mittelpunkt der langjährigen Aktivitäten im Bereich der Rapid Technologien stehen dabei stets aktuelle Probleme auf dem Weg zum Rapid Manufacturing wie beispielsweise die Qualifizierung neuer Materialien, das tiefgehende Prozessverständnis, die RM-gerechte Konstruktion oder die Entwicklung von medizinischen Instrumenten. Alle Forschungsaktivitäten auf dem Gebiet der werkzeuglosen Fertigung werden am Lehrstuhl im Rapid Technology Center (RTC) gebündelt. Im Bereich der Montagetechnik beschäftigt man sich vornehmlich mit dem Integrieren von hybriden Systemen zur Flexibilisierung der Prozesse, mit der Optimierung manueller Arbeitsprozesse hinsichtlich Ergonomie und Gestaltung, sowie mit Simulationen in der Montage. Für die Zusammenführung der Forschungsvorhaben auf dem Gebiet der Montagetechnik existiert am Lehrstuhl Fertigungstechnik das Labor für Montage und Simulation „HYBRID PROCESS“.
Q&A
What is your favourite experiment/research in general?
DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry, dt. Dynamische Differenzkalorimetrie), weil sie Auskunft darüber gibt, welches thermische Verarbeitungsfenster ein Material hat, die Vorbereitung der Proben ein wenig Fingerspitzengefühl erfordert und die Messungen größtenteils von allein ablaufen.
What do you enjoy most about your research in general at the faculty of engineering/or the UDE?
Die Möglichkeit zur Mitgestaltung des eigenen wissenschaftlichen Werdegangs über die Akquise von Folgeprojekten, sodass man nicht nur innerhalb seines ursprünglichen Fachgebiets bleiben muss, sondern die Arbeit auch selbstständig in eine gewünschte Richtung lenken kann.
Is there something you are looking for? Like an expert for a specific method, critical feedback or a collaboration partner?
Aktuell suche ich hauptsächlich nach möglichen Kooperationen für Folgeprojekte zur Weiterentwicklung und Untersuchung des (Kunststoff)-3D-Drucks. Die für mich interessantesten Bereiche sind hier Materialextrusion auf Textilien, gedruckte Verbundsysteme (insb. für orthopädische/medizinische Anwendung) und Kunststoff-/Werkstofftechnik.
Contact
Maschinenbau und Verfahrenstechnik
Institut für Produkt Engineering
Energy Technology – District Heating - Joana Verheyen
District heating systems (DHS) are a cornerstone of urban energy infrastructure, distributing heat through networks that supply residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Traditionally these centralized systems are powered by fossil fuels and need to be transformed through the integration of renewable heat suppliers and waste heat. Within the research project TeoS*, we at the Chair of Energy Technology are working with our partners, the district heating network operators BTB GmbH Berlin and Fernwärme Duisburg GmbH, on how such networks can be supplied in the most climate-friendly way possible. First, the project partners' data will be collected and processed in order to develop models for the energy conversion plants, thermal energy storage and distribution grids. Taking into account characteristic meteorological years as well as price and heat demand profiles, the future scenarios are then calculated, checked for plausibility and evaluated from a technical, economic and ecological point of view. The combination of optimized system operation (unit commitment problem) and hydraulic network calculation is an important goal here, as challenges such as lower temperature levels or fluctuating availability arise from the integration of sustainable energy sources such as large heat pumps (river water, waste water, waste heat), deep geothermal energy, industrial waste heat, and solar thermal energy. To reduce the mismatch between availability and demand, both short-term and seasonal thermal energy storage systems are considered. *"Technology-Open Energy System Analysis for the Derivation of Measures for the Decarbonization of Urban Heating Networks" ("Technologieoffene Energiesystemanalyse zur Ableitung von Handlungsmaßnahmen für die Dekarbonisierung urbaner Wärmenetze"), research grant no. 03EI1060A, funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action
Über die Arbeitsgruppe:
The Chair of Energy Technology (LET) conducts experimental and simulative research in the field of electrochemical energy converters as well as in the field of rational energy use and energy conversion with a focus on CHP, renewable heat and district heating. Specifically, the design, processes and possible applications of batteries (zinc-polyiodide, nickel-zinc, zinc-manganese, lithium-ion), fuel cells and renewable energy sources (hydrogen, ammonia) are being intensively researched. In the field of rational use of energy, several software tools have been developed for the calculation and evaluation of energy conversion systems (conventional and renewable), thermal energy storage, optimal plant operation and thermo-hydraulic modeling of district heating networks. The work will be further exploited by the affiliated institute that emerged from the chair, the Center for Fuel Cell Technology (ZBT), and the young spin-off Lagom.Energy GmbH.
Q&A
What is your favorite experiment/part of your daily work?
Discussing the energy of the future is a constant reminder of how little we really know - so there is always a lot to learn! And sometimes I completely lose time while programming, which can be very nice when you find your error...
What do you enjoy most about your research in general at the faculty of engineering/or the UDE?
I have the pleasure of getting to know many different people and at the same time developing my research questions in a collegial and interesting working group.
Is there something you are looking for? Like an expert for a specific method, critical feedback or a collaboration partner?
If you have already dealt with multi-criteria optimization in Python/Gurobi, I am very interested, as I would like to apply this to our energy system simulations. Otherwise, I am also happy about other kind exchange.
Contact
Maschinenbau und Verfahrenstechnik
