Institute of Materials Research - Organisational Units

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Organizational Units

Mechanics of materials and joining technology

Investigations regarding the structural safety of aircraft and spacecraft, the correlations between the performance characteristics of materials and their microstructure, and friction stir welding are the main topics of activity of the section.

Structural and functional ceramics

Research and development in the field of ceramic materials is performed by the institutes’ department „structural and functional ceramics“. Two workgroups focus on the topics “high-temperature ceramic matrix composites” and “thermoelectric materials”.

High Temperature and Functional Coatings

In the department “High Temperature and Functional Coatings” layers are developed 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.

Microstructure Analysis and Metallography

The group Microstructure Analysis and Metallography is a central facility at the Institute of Materials Research. Characterisation of materials with respect to microstructure, chemical and phase composition is carried out as a scientific and technical service.

Experimental and numerical Methods

The department ‘experimental and numerical methods’ develops methods for close-to-reality testing and numerical simulation of the behavior of new materials, joints between different classes of materials including coatings and generic components. 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.

Thermoelectric Functional Materials

The "Thermoelectric functional materials" group develops materials, contact techniques and system layouts for thermoelectric sensors and high-temperature energy converters (300 - 1000 °C) for aeronautics, automotive and laboratory applications as well as prototype fabrication for industrial customers.