On October 2, the IKAT set out on an exciting treasure hunt through the Rabenstein Forest. The goal was to uncover a treasure left behind by former colleagues—now known mostly from stories passed down. The route led from the Rabenstein Viaduct past the castle and onward to the reservoir. There, among the trees with a…
From 24 to 26 September 2025, the WiGeP (Wissenschaftliche Gesellschaft für Produktentwicklung) held its annual meeting in Chemnitz, hosted by the Institut für Konstruktions- und Antriebstechnik (IKAT). The first two days took place at the Altes Heizhaus in the city center, featuring engaging discussions, the admission of new WiGeP members, and the presentation of awards…
This study [1] introduces the sensor-integrating feather key (SiFK), a smart machine element that enables direct, calibration-free measurement of transmitted circumferential forces and torque in feather key connections. Through topology optimization and targeted stiffness design, the geometry is adapted so that only a minimal number of strain gauges are required to capture the complete deformation…
On September 3, 2025, it was that time again: IKAT joined the Chemnitz Company Run. With a total of 12 runners, we took on the sporting challenge – and had a lot of fun along the way. Two of our colleagues drew special attention in the field: one braved the course in a T-Rex costume,…
Keyed connections are among the most proven and widely used solutions for shaft–hub connections. They combine high functional reliability with exceptional ease of assembly and disassembly—qualities that have made them a standard in drive technology for decades. The design of torque transmission is based on the permissible surface pressure according to DIN 6892 [1], while…
From 28 to 30 July 2025, ECOTRIB brought together leading scientists, engineers, and industry experts at ETH Zurich to exchange the latest research findings and explore forward-looking approaches in the field of tribology. We were delighted to present two of our current research projects during the poster session: The conference offered an exceptional breadth of…
The term „bearing creep“ refers to irreversible relative movements in bearing seats. In general, two types of creep mechanisms can be distinguished: one rolling element-induced bearing creep and the other structure-induced bearing creep. Rolling element-induced creep results from deformations of the bearing ring, where the outer bearing ring moves in the rotational direction of the…
As part of the KL/ME II lecture, students acquire in-depth knowledge of the fundamentals of strength assessment for machine elements. This knowledge is applied in a semester-long design challenge, in which students develop a bridge structure that maximizes load-bearing capacity while minimizing self-weight. The bridge structures are made of wood and manufactured using laser cutting…
In the early phases of the product life cycle, developers are increasingly turning to topology optimization methods to achieve an ideal material distribution. This approach, whose enormous potential has so far been only partially exploited, is associated with high computational effort. At IKAT, a novel AI-based computational approach has therefore been developed to specifically address…
On July 10th, the student assistants and staff of IKAT came together for a fantastic barbecue evening. In a relaxed atmosphere, there was plenty of lively conversation, delicious grilled food, and the occasional cold drink. The undisputed highlight of the evening was the eagerly anticipated boßel challenge! The goal: to maneuver a machine element through…
From 30th June-2nd July the IKAT hosted the PA AK Gleitlager in the european capital of culture Chemnitz. The intensive technical exchange of ideas was enhanced by a varied cultural program. You can see some cultural and technical insights in the short: We would like to thank the Plain Bearings Section for the excellent organization…
Despite the summer heat, Makers United once again attracted numerous visitors to the Chemnitz Stadthalle this year. Our stand with the interactive shadow play was well attended throughout. With a lot of curiosity and imagination, the guests developed their own creative solutions and even came up with new puzzles for the game. In addition to…
The failure of components as a result of crack initiation and growth is no coincidence, but follows physical laws. Understanding these laws – especially under multiaxial, non-proportional loading and the complex phenomenon of fretting fatigue – is the subject of current research. The International Conference on Multiaxial Fatigue and Fracture (ICMFF14), which took place from…
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…