Engineering Design and Fluid Machinery

The Construction and Fluid Power Engineering track covers both the general methodological development of technical systems and products in general mechanical engineering and the specific design of modern drive systems, fluid flow machinery, and energy-related machinery. Students acquire fundamental knowledge in product development, design, and fluid power engineering, as well as in drive technology, and learn to apply modern engineering methods for the analysis, design, and optimization of technical systems. By combining design, fluid mechanics, and numerical analysis, this specialization offers a broad yet application-oriented focus in mechanical engineering. In doing so, it integrates various disciplines of mechanical engineering and fosters a holistic understanding of the development, design, and optimization of technical systems. The skills acquired qualify students for careers in design, digital product development, simulation, and the calculation of technical systems and plants, with a focus on positive-displacement and fluid-flow machines as well as general drive technology.

This specialization is intended for students interested in the following areas:

• General methodological design based on applied simulation (CAx systems)
• Design, analysis, and evaluation of energy and drive systems as well as fluid-energy components
• Fundamental knowledge of general mechanical engineering through to in-depth content in drive technology and fluid-energy machines (flow machines and positive-displacement machines)
• Analysis of technical systems with regard to materials, tribology, and surface engineering
• Development of sustainable systems through lightweight construction, recycling, and efficiency improvements
• Computer-aided analysis of complex technical problems using numerical and simulation-based methods

A central component of the program is the systematic and methodical approach to product development tasks. Students learn to develop complex technical systems in a structured manner while applying modern, simulation-based design methods. This includes, in particular, the “Design for X” guidelines. CAD and CAE systems enable students to model, analyze, and optimize designs, as well as to streamline development processes. Through project-based group work, students apply these methods in practice and deepen their knowledge by tackling realistic design challenges. The course content is integrated through the “Design Project.” Here, students work in small groups to go through the entire product development process, from the initial idea to the physical product. The assignments vary within the fields of drive and fluid energy engineering. At the end of the project, a lighthearted competition takes place between the various student teams, during which the physical models are tested in practical experiments according to their specifications.

In the field of fluid energy engineering, students focus on the design, analysis, and operation of flow and positive-displacement machines. Building on the fundamentals of fluid mechanics, the course covers the physical principles underlying pumps, turbines, and compressors. The focus is on fluid mechanics-based design, operational behavior, and the functioning and efficiency of the machines in conjunction with the systems. In addition, thermodynamic and mechanical aspects of positive-displacement machines are covered and analyzed using modeling and simulation approaches. Students thus gain a thorough understanding of the development and application of fluid-energy systems, which are essential for a sustainable energy supply.

This specialization can be supplemented by a wide range of courses in numerical and simulation-based methods. Students gain insights into modern methods of simulation, optimization, and numerical fluid dynamics and solid mechanics. These include, in particular, methods of computational fluid dynamics and finite element analysis. In addition, selected modules offer the opportunity to explore current approaches to data-driven modeling, control engineering, and scientific machine learning. This enables students to analyze complex technical problems using computational methods and to develop innovative solutions.

The program consists of Profile Catalog A and Profile Catalog B. For more detailed descriptions of the available modules, please refer to the Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering Module Handbook.

Graduates of the Construction and Fluid Energy Engineering track possess knowledge in the development, design, and optimization of technical systems. 

Potential employers can be found particularly in the following fields:

• Mechanical and Plant Engineering
• Pump and compressor engineering 
• Drive and Fluid Technology  
• Automotive engineering 
• Energy and process engineering 

Typical career fields include:

• Design and Product Development 
• Research and Development 
• Calculation and Simulation 
• Project Planning and Design 
• Technical Consulting and Engineering