GRK 2430:  Interactive Fiber Rubber Composites

• Subject Area: Mechanics and Constructive Mechanical Engineering ; Materials Engineering
• Term: since 2018
• Website: Homepage
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 380321452

The goal of Research Training Group (RTG) 2430 is the creation of novel, innovative interactive fiber-rubber composites (I-FEV), their systematic description, comprehensive characterization and cross-scale modeling, and their optimal operation. For this purpose, fibrous actuators are extended by sensor functions, integrated into textile-based reinforcement structures and embedded in polymer structures with locally controllable functional elastomer domains. The development of novel functional materials with higher dielectric constants required for this purpose is intended to achieve a significantly improved actuator effect and provides significantly greater deformations and forces than before. In this way, the robustness of the systems can be increased and complex preforming patterns can be tailor-made at the desired locations. In addition, the understanding-based simulation-supported development of application-optimized material combinations for the I-FEV is a key objective of RTG 2430. Accordingly, the unique profile consists in the combination of competences in textile and elastomer engineering with various simulative and analytical-physical as well as experimental competences, the connection to structural-kinematic processes, the coupling of mechanical and electrical effects, for example in the integration of sensory and actuator components into mechanical components, and their control. The study program of the structured three-year doctoral program in RTG 2430 includes specially developed courses as well as in-depth courses and supplementary events for competence building from the existing offerings of the Graduate Academy of the TU Dresden, the institutions of the DRESDEN-concept and is rounded off by annual workshops and one international workshop per cohort as well as an international research stay (supervised by international mentor:s). The interdisciplinary topic of the RTG 2430 is highly suitable for the promotion of young scientists. The doctoral students work very closely together across the boundaries of the different disciplines, which leads to synergetic, highly challenging research. Within the framework of the study program, the doctoral students acquire both technical and social-communicative competencies and are thus enabled to write outstanding dissertations as well as to subsequently assume leadership roles in science and industry - for example in the future fields: Product development, robotics, digitalization and Industry 4.0.

• DFG Programme: Research Training Groups
• Applicant Institution: Technische Universität Dresden
• Spokesperson: Professor Dr.-Ing. Chokri Cherif
• Participating Researchers: Professorin Dr. Cornelia Breitkopf; Professor Dr.-Ing. Gerald Gerlach; Privatdozentin Dr. Marina Grenzer; Professor Dr.-Ing. Michael Kaliske; Professor Dr.-Ing. Niels Modler; Professor Dr.-Ing. Klaus Röbenack; Professor Dr.-Ing. Sven Wießner; Professorin Dr.-Ing. Martina Zimmermann