At the Funken Academy, relevant topics are regularly explored from two perspectives. On the one hand, the scientific side is explained; on the other hand, the topic is artistically interpreted. On July 1st, the 6th Funken Night will take place, focusing on the sustainability of plastics. Ms. Nettlenbusch, a member of the „Sustainable Products“ department,…
Fretting fatigue is a frequent cause of damage in bearing seats of large shafts. The phenomenon has its origin in tribological damage, which is characterised by reversing slip movements in the micrometre range. This tribological damage has a strength-reducing effect, whereby the strength reduction is significantly influenced by the parameters slip amplitude and contact pressure.…
Even smooth surfaces are full of microscopic imperfections. These play a crucial role in engineering because they affect the functionality of components. The so-called roughness power spectrum is often used to analyse technical surfaces and optimise their properties. It is based on the superposition of wave functions and allows the determination of important roughness parameters…
Chemnitz University of Technology’s IKAT will be represented at this year’s Makers United in Chemnitz „Stadthalle“ next weekend (21-22 June) with its interactive 3-D Puzzle. Visitors can put their spatial imagination to the test with a computer-controlled three-panel projection. Makers United also offers a diverse experience of creative technology, art and hands-on activities for young…
The complete measurement of hydrodynamic lubrication film pressure in both axial and circumferential directions is a key element in validating hydrodynamic journal bearing models. For this purpose, we employ an innovative measurement system that integrates piezoelectric pressure sensors directly into the shaft. During operation, the bearing is loaded and moved over the sensor, allowing for…
A small number of IKAT representatives were invited to the Institute for Machine Elements and Machine Design as part of the Project Committee Shaft-Hub-Connections of the Research Association for Drive Technology (FVA) in Dresden. In addition to the final reports, proposed topics and research proposal ideas, the status of ongoing research projects was also successfully…
On 10 May 2025, the Institute of Construction and Drive Technology (IKAT) presented itself as part of the Open Day at Chemnitz University of Technology with two interactive formats: the shadow building game and the MUT Lounge.The shadow building game offered visitors the opportunity to playfully test their spatial imagination. The starting point was a…
On 10 May from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., IKAT will be represented with the MUT stand and an activity area at Chemnitz University of Technology’s Open Day. The focus will be on the presentation of the new degree programme in Human-Environment-Technology – MUT, which will start in the coming winter semester from October 2025.…
In mechanical engineering, bearing creep refers to the relative movement between a bearing’s outer or inner ring and its seating surface. In order to prevent the phenomenon of bearing creep, the relevant countermeasures can be categorized into two primary groups: those which pertain to the bearing itself, and those which pertain to the housing/shaft. From…
In the summer semester of 2025, product development professors in German-speaking countries will pool their expertise (Wissenschaftliche Gesellschaft für Produktentwicklung WiGeP). The result will be a series of lectures on all aspects of sustainable technical products. The different competences and fields of activity promise a wide range of perspectives and exciting insights into the current…
Dear students, The doors of the lecture halls are opening again. We would like to invite you to our courses. In addition to the basic modules Konstruktionslehre/Maschinenelemente II and IV, this semester you can attend the advanced modules Grundlagen der Tribologie, Kosten- und Ressourcenorientierte Produktentwicklung, Konstruktionsseminar (or Technische Produktentwicklung) and Maschinelles Lernen und Optimierung. Of…
In the research project FVA 956I ‘Design Method for Internal Knurled Interference Fits’, detailed investigations were undertaken into the static and cyclical transmission behaviour of internal knurling press fits. This shaft-hub connection is characterized by pressing a hardened hub with internal knurling onto an oversized, softer shaft, creating a form-fit and friction-fit contact zone. The…
The 14th Saxon Simulation User Meeting (SAXSIM) took place at Chemnitz University of Technology on 25 March 2025. The event once again provided a valuable platform for dialogue between science and industry with a clear focus on application-oriented research in the field of simulation. Our colleague Mr Stahr from the ‘Sustainable Products’ specialist group presented…
Research for the future: business trip with a clear focus The opportunity awaits at Chemnitz University of Technology for those wishing to drive science forward and develop real solutions for the future. Our research teams are working on ground-breaking innovations in the fields of tribology and sustainability, among others, as was highlighted at the last…
On 11 and 12 March 2025, two IKAT employees took part in the renowned CWD conference in Aachen – an important specialist event for application-related research in the field of wind power. The conference provided a platform for the exchange of information on highly topical issues in bearing and drive technology, tribology and sustainability. …
Our colleague Marko Ebermann from our research specialist group „Journal Bearings“ analyzes permissible form and position deviations of plain bearings. The change in the minimum lubrication gap height with respect to the nominal geometric bearing is determined by specifying the shape deviation (gap height field) with the use of an FE Reynolds solver. In the…
On 5 February 2025, IKAT’s Plain Bearings specialist group had a great time presenting new research topics and reporting on ongoing projects to the Project Support Committee (PA) for Plain Bearings of the FVA and FVV research associations. Mr. Friedrich spoke about the project status of the joint project with Clausthal University of Technology ‚Combined…
Diamond and ceramic particles are widely regarded as the gold standard for high coefficients of friction, yet frequently necessitate the implementation of additional coatings or inserts. However, specific laser structures that do not require supplementary components offer a novel alternative. The pivotal consideration is the selection of the most appropriate structure to achieve the desired…
On Tuesday, 4 February 2025, the IKAT Strength Division undertook an educational tour of the facilities at Härtetechnik & Metallbearbeitungs GmbH. The objective of the tour was to gain in-depth insight into the intricacies of surface layer hardening and to acquire process-specific knowledge for the future implementation of these processes in research projects.The tour commenced…
Feather key connections represent a prevalent type of shaft-hub connection. The primary advantages of this connection are its ease of manufacture and assembly, as well as its disassembly. The transmittable torque can be calculated using the German national standard DIN 6892, which is based on a critical pressure on the keyway of the shaft and…
We would like to thank the 5411 spectaros who took part in our Christmas tree experiment. During about 100,000 clicks, the axe was able to deliver about 50,000 hits of varying amplitude. The Christmas tree can be used for low cycle fatigue applications. The wood was more resistant than the welded specimen holder. We thank…
IKAT wishes a Merry a Christmas and a Happy New Year! We are pleased to welcome you again on 2nd January 2025.
On the occasion of the start of the priority project SPP2443 “Hybrid Decision Support”, the project participants met in Paderborn to get to know each other and exchange ideas with other research centres. Our colleague Leon J. Stahr from the “Sustainable Products” group represented IKAT and presented the “HYDRA” project together with colleagues from the…
We were thrilled to welcome Prof. Stephen Matope from Stellenbosch University to the Institute for Design and Drive Technology (IKAT). His visit provided an excellent opportunity for a deep scientific exchange on cutting-edge topics in our field. Thank you, Prof. Matope, for your inspiring insights and engaging discussions! Looking forward to future collaborations and continued…
On the 10th and 11th of December our Shaft-Hub-Connections/Fatigue Strength group attended the FVA conference in Würzburg. At the conference, the final results of our institute’s research projects are presented to an audience of academics and engineers from industry. IKAT presented projects in the field of inner-knurled press-fit connections and press-fit connections with hollow shafts,…
Sustainable materials are the focus of current research in mechanical engineering. To test the fatigue strength of wood, IKAT installed a new test bench during the Christmas period. The test bench consists of an axe and the specimen is a Christmas tree. We invite you to participate in our experiment to test the stability of…
IKAT presented the latest research results at the shaft-hub-connections working group, consisting of research centres and industry representatives, in Frankfurt am Main. Topics of various positive and frictional shaft-hub connections were presented in the context of their application. The results triggered lively discussions and form the basis for future applications. We would like to thank…
On 6 and 7 November, the VDI Symposium on Shafts and Shaft-Hub Connections took place in Garching near Munich, where IKAT was able to make a significant contribution to the conference with several presentations and posters. The IKAT presentations covered topics such as friction coefficient determination, fretting fatigue, knurled press-fit joints and sensor-integrated machine elements.…
The Sustainable Products group welcomes Mr. Stahr as a new member of staff. His subject area is the application of artificial intelligence, in particular deep learning, in the optimisation and design process. The artificial intelligence is intended to perform supporting tasks as well as generate geometries independently. Mr. Stahr studied Mechanical Engineering at Chemnitz University…
We congratulate Ms. Seltmann on her successful doctoral thesis on the topic: „Topologieoptimierung von pfadgenerierenden nachgiebigen Mechanismen mit selektiver Nachgiebigkeit und mehrfachem Pseudolaufgrad.“ In an engaging presentation, a new optimization approach for compliant mechanisms was introduced. Ms. Seltmann’s research provides important insights for the development of innovative solutions in engineering design. The results of her…
Discover the field of design engineering at Chemnitz University of Technology! Our Institute of Design Engineering and Drive Technology (IKAT) has an informative video aimed specifically at people who are interested in studying mechanical engineering. With a practical teaching concept and a wide range of courses, we offer students the opportunity to acquire comprehensive knowledge…
IKAT welcomes Mr Vivek Niel Jason Kanaparthy as a new member of staff. Mr Kanaparthy studied for a Master’s degree in Advanced Manufacturing at Chemnitz University of Technology, specialising in hybrid technologies. He completed his studies at Chemnitz University of Technology with his master’s thesis on „Numerical investigations into wear behaviour under fretting conditions“ and…
At this year’s SiME Congress, the IKAT presented an innovative machine element: the sensor-integrated key. This novel key is capable of directly measuring the torques acting on it and wirelessly transmitting the data to computers or smartphones. It offers great potential for future applications, particularly as an early warning system for detecting overloads. This development…
On 4 September 2024, IKAT took part in the Chemnitz company run with 12 employees. In addition to sporting ambition, the focus was on having fun. Mr. Zylla achieved the institute’s internal best time of 19:46 (233rd place overall for men). Team IKAT achieved a respectable 84th place in the overall rankings. The company run…
Mr Stahr was able to defend his Master’s thesis on „AI-assisted Topology Optimisation of Selective Compliant Mechanisms with Predictor-Evaluator Networks“ on 4 September. He introduced the topology optimisation of compliant mechanisms and tested a novel machine learning approach. We congratulate Mr Stahr on his Master’s degree!
Testing of material and components is one of the key competences at the IKAT at TU Chemnitz. Having the possibilities to test basic fatigue-related material characteristics up to complex assemblies on a variety of test benches enables us not only to achieve desired and interesting research results but also to support external customers facing challenges…
On Wednesday, August 28th, IKAT embarked on an impressive hiking and paddling tour around the city of Rochlitz and along the Zwickauer Mulde river. The tour took us up Rochlitzer Berg, where we caught sight of the famous “Lulatsch” from the observation tower. This shared activity provided a welcome break from our daily research routines…
The SHC/Strength research group welcomes Mr Marius Müller as a new member of staff. Mr Müller began his academic career with a bachelor’s and subsequent master’s degree in mechanical engineering at Chemnitz University of Technology. He specialised in design engineering. He focused on the calculation of components and then wrote his master’s thesis at IKAT…
The professorship says goodbye to its member of staff Silvano Giuseppe Oehme. Mr. Oehme was part of the tribology group and supervised projects on friction coefficient development and wear, among other things. Mr. Oehme was also responsible for cooperation with various partners in these areas. Mr. Oehme distinguished himself through his structured work and imaginative…
Excellent research is rewarded – Mr. Jonathan Schanner has achieved an outstanding result in this year’s competition for the Peter Watson Prize. After intense debate, the judges introduced a second prize for outstanding research, which was awarded to the IKAT scientist. The Peter Watson Prize was awarded by the EIS last month at the Fatigue…
Thin film polymers are increasingly being used in plain bearing systems due to their excellent sliding and emergency running properties. Due to the relatively low modulus of elasticity, these systems are designed with very thin layers. Otherwise, the negative properties of compliance, creep and poor heat transfer would predominate. However, the low layer thicknesses make…
Roller bearings are an essential component in machine systems. Point or line loads act in the bearing rings, which are superimposed with a rotation. The resulting elastic deformations of the bearing rings lead to a relative movement between the outer bearing ring and housing or inner bearing ring and shaft. This relative movement accumulates over…
Ms. Nettlenbusch attends the Design Society’s Summer School in Malta, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The school teaches methods for writing a dissertation. The focus is on the development of research questions and the extraction of research hypotheses. At the same time, methods for self-organisation and structuring the dissertation were taught. An interdisciplinary exchange…
The research issues associated with the fatigue strength of multi-axially loaded shaft-hub-connections (WNV) combine two important core topics that are continuously addressed at IKAT. On the one hand, complicated stress states, so-called non-proportional stresses, occur at the point of failure, which can only be evaluated using special strength hypotheses. In addition, tribological influencing variables, such…
From May 16-17, the WNV/strength section presented its research results at the PA AK WNV at TU Clausthal. In the domed building of the Aula Academica, topics of frictional and positive shaft-hub connections in particular were discussed and debated. The transfer of research into practice is an important function of the PA AK WNV, which…
The Dresdener Maschinenlemente Kolloquium took place from 14-15 May. IKAT – represented by Mr Muhammedi – presented the current status of the project „Sensor-integrated feather key„. We would like to thank you for the discussions and the exciting input during the conference. We look forward to the DMK 2026.
As part of a collaboration between IKAT and the Institute for Life and Earth Sciences at Heriot Watt University, Mrs. Nettlenbusch of the Product Development Department is conducting a research visit on Transition Engineering. The aim of the trip to Scotland is to gain a better understanding of Susan Krumdieck’s approach to Transition Engineering as…
Up to now, technical products have often been assessed for their full sustainability spectrum only after they have been developed. In the case of revolutionary products and disruptive developments, there is no generational development, so there is no information on the sustainability of previous generations. In the absence of information on previous generations, the assessment…
IKAT welcomes Dipl.-Ing. Maik Zylla as a new member of staff. Following his apprenticeship as an industrial mechanic and further education as a state-certified technician for mechatronics, he completed his degree in mechanical engineering at our university at the beginning of this year. During his studies, Mr Zylla specialised in design engineering and product development,…
The Institute of Design Engineering and Drive Technology (IKAT) is pleased to congratulate Mr. F. Kresinsky on his successful completion of his doctoral thesis on the topic of „Übertragunsverhalten torsionsbeanspruchter Passfederverbindungen.“ In his dissertation, Mr. Kresinsky describes various failure modes and causes of keyed connections under torsion, with a focus on failure due to shaft…