Modeling and Simulation in Mechanics

The focus of Modeling and Simulation in Mechanics is on the development of new physical-mathematical models that accurately and adequately represent real materials, structures and technological processes. Numerical simulations based on such adequate models provide realistic predictions of the actual behavior of technical systems and the materials used. Based on this, it is possible, for example, to replace numerous crash tests in automotive engineering with appropriate computer simulations. Another typical application example, for which both structural-mechanical properties of the product itself and the specific material properties are of central importance, is the simulation of manufacturing processes in forming technology. Here, existing simulation methods sometimes prove to be inefficient or unsuitable with respect to newly developed models. This motivates the need for improvements of existing simulation methods as well as the development of new ones.

The profile thus contributes decisively to predicting the behavior of structures and materials, but also the properties of products to be manufactured, to optimizing them prior to their realization, and thus to reducing the share of the usually cost-intensive "trial and error" approach in the development of new products and processes. The basic challenge is therefore to develop an appropriate physical model (modeling), to convert this into a mathematical model and finally to solve the latter by means of a suitable numerical method (simulation). The simulation result should then be compared with a real experiment, component or process (verification of the model) and it should also be investigated whether the model can also be applied to other experiments and components (validation). In addition, structures and materials that have not yet been manufactured in this form can also be investigated on the basis of modeling and simulation. This is an essential building block for developing new innovative functional materials.

The profile consists of a compulsory as well as an elective part. For more detailed descriptions of the selectable modules, please refer to the Module Handbook Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering.

The typical field of activity of engineers with sound basic knowledge in modeling and simulation are:

• Research and development as well as the area of calculation
• design and optimization
• Consulting - interdisciplinary areas that go beyond mechanical engineering and classical engineering sciences