Institute of Materials Research

Research fields of the institut

High-temperature ceramic matrix composites for propulsion and thermal protection systems

From both economic and ecological viewpoints efficient and environment-friendly propulsion systems are extremely important for future civil and military aviation. An outstanding goal of research and development of DLR…

High Temperature and Functional Coatings

Coatings are used to protect materials and components against harmful attack of the environment. In the Institute of Materials Research both metallic and ceramic coatings are developed that protect metallic, ceramic, and composite materials…

Friction Stir Welding

Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a simple, clean and innovative joining technology for light metals invented by TWI, England. Due to the high strength of FSW joints, it allows considerable weight savings in lightweight construction compared to conventional joining technologies.

Thermoelectric high temperature sensors

The target of the development of thermoelectric sensor materials and systems at DLR is the production of thermal sensors for measuring heat flow and heat transfer coefficients on the surface of structural components especially in thermal flow machinery

Mechanics of Materials and Microstructures

In aircraft and spacecraft structures and their engines a multiplicity of different material are used to meet requirements for optimal technical safety and economic efficiency ...

Experimental and numerical Methods

The demand for shorter development times for new components and technical units requires accelerated and accurate determination of material properties. By combining experimental and numerical methods it is possible to reduce the number of time consuming experiments without loss of accuracy and reliability of the obtained data.

Hybrid Material Systems

Any material is marked by its specific properties and advantages. Due to the increasing complexity und manifold requirements for components the choice of a material is often related to penalties under certain conditions. To avoid this drawback an intelligent combination of different materials to a hybrid material system can be preferred.

Intermetallics

Titanium aluminides are intermetallic alloys with titanium and aluminium as mean alloying elements. Titanium aluminides are promising materials for high temperature and structural applications of the future. Due to their low density along with an excellent high temperature strength these materials are predestine for usage in stationary and aeronautic gas turbines as well as for valves and turbo chargers in cars.

Mechanical Testing of Materials

Mechanical Testing of Materials offers mechanical material characterization as scientific-technical service for all departments of the institute as well as for external customers. Mechanical material tests are performed under various loads, which can be uniaxial but also biaxial. Measurements are possible in air, vacuum, and corrosive environments at varying temperature ranges (-196° up to +1,400°C).

Microstructure Analysis and Metallography

Characterisation of materials with respect to microstructure, chemical and phase composition is carried out as a scientific and technical service. These works deliver an essential contribution to the understanding of the interrelationship between materials synthesis and properties. The interpretation of the microstructure and analytic data is carried out in close collaboration whit the other departments and work groups of our institute.