Customer Magazine
Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF
LBF and more 9.13
HighLight
Fraunhofer LBF celebrates its 75th anniversary
PAGE 4
EditorialLBF
2 LBF and more 9.13
Dear friends of Fraunhofer LBF, The current issue of “LBF and more” is special to me for two reasons: Firstly, because Fraunhofer LBF is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, and secondly, because this issue also marks the end of my term at LBF: With effect from 01 October 2013, I will be leaving Fraunhofer to take up the position of President of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). I am looking forward to the new challenges which this appointment entails. At the same time, feelings of anticipation mingle with some degree of regret. Over the past 12 years, we have jointly added an eventful and highly successful chapter to the history of the renowned LBF Institute. During this time, the Institute has consistently moved forward. With its four divisions Structural Durability, Smart Structures, System Reliability and Plastics, it now offers a combination of services unrivalled throughout Europe, addressing central requirements, for example in the area of light-weight construction for new mobility technologies, and has become increasingly successful in the market with system-oriented research services. Personally I do not find it easy to leave all this behind. I hope that you will retain the same positive memories of the past 12 years as I do, and that you will continue to place your trust in the team at Fraunhofer LBF.
Yours sincerely,
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Holger Hanselka
3 LBF and more 9.13
Content
PAGE HighLight Fraunhofer LBF celebrates its 75th anniversary – Reviewing the past and looking ahead into the future
4
ResearchDevelopment Non-destructive testing of cast aluminum components Research project “ZIL – Condition Monitoring on Intralogistics Equipment” Fibre analysis in the plastics division
8 9 10
SpotLights Young scientists reaching high Hannover Messe 2013: A brief review International Noise Awareness Day: Noise measurement walk Strategic partnership with China
12 13 14 15
HumanRelations „Hessen schafft Wissen“: Christian Fischer appointed scientific ambassador for Fraunhofer LBF Successful completion of strategy audit Fraunhofer LBF presents Ernst Gassner Award to Chitoshi Miki Parent-and-child-office opened
17 18 19 19
UpDates Upcoming events
20
EDITORIAL INFORMATION: Published by: Fraunhofer-Institut für Betriebsfestigkeit und Systemzuverlässigkeit LBF, Bartningstraße 47, 64289 Darmstadt, Telephone +49 6151 705-0, Fax +49 6151 705-214, info@lbf.fraunhofer.de, www.lbf.fraunhofer.de Institute Director: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Holger Hanselka · Strategic Management: Dr. Ursula Eul, Katja Schroll © Fraunhofer-Institut für Betriebsfestigkeit und Systemzuverlässigkeit LBF, Darmstadt, September 2013 Overall production: G+R Agentur für Kommunikation GmbH, 64319 Pfungstadt, www.gr-kommunikation.com All rights reserved, including, but not limited to the right of reproduction, circulation and translation.
HighLight
4  LBF and more 9.13
75 years LBF
Fraunhofer LBF celebrates its 75 th anniversary
5 LBF and more 9.13
Fraunhofer LBF celebrates its 75th anniversary – Reviewing the past and looking ahead into the future For 75 years, the Fraunhofer
Special mention was given to
Institute for Structural Durability
the integration of the former
and System Reliability has been
Deutsches Kunststoff-Institut
working consistently to design
(German Plastics Institute, DKI)
and develop design methods for structures, which are both
and the establishment of the
light-weight and at the same
with Focus on Electromobility
time safe and reliable.
ZSZ-e”; both steps also being of particular strategic importance
At the beginning of June,
“Center for System Reliability
the Institute celebrated its
for the location Darmstadt.
long-standing, successful track
Guests and employees then
record with a big anniversary
joined in a summer fête to
event under the motto “Lightweight and electrically powered
commemorate the event.
– mobility concepts for the fu-
back to the time before the
ture”. Around 100 guests from
Second World War. It started in
politics, industry and science at-
the 1930s, with Ernst Gaßner
tended the event, amongst them
and a group of Darmstadt fellow
the Minister for Science of the
students developing new test
State of Hessen, Eva Kühne-Hör-
and calculation methods for
mann, and Professor Wolf-Dieter Lukas of the German Federal
measuring the service loads acting on structures, thus introduc-
Ministry of Education and Re-
ing the concept of “Durability”.
rising demand of the automotive,
ment of Gaßner‘s former fellow
search (BMBF). In various presen-
With their research, they gath-
mechanical engineering and
students Svenson and Bautz. To-
tations, the guests reviewed the
ered valuable insights into light-
aeronautical industries for more
gether, they founded the “Labo-
Institute’s history from its begin-
weight construction. At the
robust and lighter components
ratorium für Betriebsfestigkeit”
nings in 1938 to the present.
same time, the scientists met the
and structures.
(Durability Laboratory, LBF).
The Institute’s history dates
Anniversary event on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of Fraunhofer LBF in Darmstadt: Dr. Alexander Kurz, Member of the Board of Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Dr. Wolf-Dieter Lukas, Federal Ministry of Education and Research, Prof. Dr. Hans Jürgen Prömel, President of Technische Universität Darmstadt, Eva Kühne-Hörmann, Minister of Science and Arts of the Federal State of Hessen and Prof. Dr. Holger Hanselka, Institute Director, Fraunhofer LBF (left to right) with Fraunhofer LBF’s new electric vehicles. The new building housing the Center for system reliability with focus on electromobility can be seen in the background
In 1950, Ernst Gaßner’s
Under the leadership of its
Physical and Technical Laboratory merged with the Bautz-Berg-
three managers Bautz, Gaßner
mann Werkstoff- und Konstruk-
prospered and established its
tionsberatungsgesellschaft mbH
reputation as a competent and
(Material and Design Consulting
reliable partner for the growing
Corporation), which had been
automotive industry. Both industry and research became aware
established under the manage-
and Svenson the new Laboratory
HighLight
6 LBF and more 9.13
of the work performed by the
was finally rounded off with the
the LBF team combines strong
scientists, and in 1962, LBF
integration of the former
expertise in the area of measure-
Holger Hanselka will be leaving
became the tenth out of now
Deutsches Kunststoff-Institut
ment and testing technology
Fraunhofer LBF, having lead the
more than 60 institutes to be
(DKI) into Fraunhofer LBF as its
with competencies in the nu-
Institute for 12 very successful
integrated into the Fraunhofer-
new Plastics Division.
merical field. LBF customers can
years, to take up the position of
thus benefit from competitive
Gesellschaft.
On 1 October 2013 Prof.
been characterized by a continuous, positive and dynamic devel-
advantages and innovative tech-
President of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). The In-
nologies, specifically in the area
stitute will be headed by Prof.
Change in Institute Management
opment at Fraunhofer LBF. Since
of system-oriented lightweight
Tobias Melz as Acting Director,
then, both the number of em-
construction, with R&E offerings
together with the Division Man-
On taking over the office of
ployees and the financial budget
addressing the entire product
agers Prof. Matthias Rehahn and
Fraunhofer LBF Institute Director
have increased by a factor of
development process.
Rüdiger Heim.
in 2001, Prof. Hanselka identi-
five, from around 100 in 2001
fied Smart Structures (Adaptron-
to around 500, and from € 6
Identifying new areas of synergy through partnership and
ics) as a new and future-oriented
million to around € 30 million,
cooperation, a customer-focused
strategic research focus for the
respectively. Today, the scientific
understanding of quality and a
Institute. Responsibility for build-
and technical staff at Fraunhofer
systems-oriented approach,
ing up the necessary expertise in
LBF cover the four research areas
cross-industry know-how and
the area of Smart Structures was
of Structural Durability, Smart
given to Prof. Melz, who joined
Structures, System Reliability,
the search for attractive, marketable R&D solutions characterize
Fraunhofer LBF at the same time
and Plastics, in close cooperation
the scientific, application-fo-
as Prof. Hanselka. An essential
with Technische Universität
cused approach and innovative
strategic focus during this period
Darmstadt and the Darmstadt
activities of the LBF team. This
consisted in systematically extending the existing LBF exper-
University of Applied Sciences.
holds true both for partnerships
tise in the area of assessment
spectrum of research services to
and education, and for R&E and
into the area of development ex-
technology transfer projects with
pertise. This clear focus on de-
a variety of markets and customers, ranging from problem analy-
velopment, and the systematic
sis through design rating, imple-
way, cross-networking of the LBF
advancement of the Institute’s
mentation and development, up
team ensures that its partners
core competencies have become
to the assessment of materials,
a recurring theme throughout
components and systems, and
and customers can gain a competitive edge by safeguarding
Prof. Hanselka’s Directorship at
encompassing, in the context of
the current technological state
Fraunhofer LBF. In summer
polymer technology, the entire
and pushing the boundaries of
2012, this strategic alignment
value chain. To achieve this,
technology.
The period from 2001 has
Fraunhofer LBF offers a wide
in the area of research, teaching
industrial corporations. In this
Contact Dr.-Ing. Thorsten Hering Research assistant to the director +49 6151 705-8513 thorsten.hering@lbf.fraunhofer.de
7 LBF and more 9.13
so that I can take up my new
and personal development of
position at KIT without any
the LBF team both within our
qualms. After 25 years of work-
Institute and beyond it, in other
ing life, this change in career
areas of science and industry.
presents me with totally new
Innovative strength and eager-
challenges, and I am convinced
ness to cooperate with a variety
that the change in Institute
of partners, the advancement of
Management at this point in
our range of competencies, the
time will also contribute significantly towards maintaining a
continuous application of new
high degree of flexibility in the
technologies resulting from current research, and a strong focus
LBF system, and enable the Insti-
on system-oriented service offer-
tute to pro-actively contribute
ings will determine Fraunhofer
towards technological change.
LBF’s future course. Technology
I know that the Institute will be
and knowledge management
process (so far), we can be proud
in the best of hands under the
Hanselka: When I took over the
of what we have achieved. Busi-
leadership of Prof. Melz, and I
will be intensified, future research topics will be identified
management of LBF in 2001,
ness figures, and in particular
wish him and all members of our
specifically in areas where our
the Institute was facing an uncertain future. Over the years,
feedback from our customers,
key competencies overlap, and
shows that the LBF is on the
staff, and, not least, our customers, success with their upcoming
the Institute’s innovative power
right track. Along the way, I
projects.
had started to falter. Together,
have placed high demands on
we initiated a strategic process
many of the parties involved,
aimed at developing a concept
particularly as far as their adaptability is concerned. Looking at
“We invent the future“ – this
ular significance of partnership,
Fraunhofer motto will continue
the willingness to cooperate and
the increasing market dynamics
to characterize the LBF corporate
the strong conviction that – in
ful right from the outset. This
and the many technical chal-
culture and system of values, as
terms of creative problem solu-
process of continuous advance-
lenges of the future, this adaptability will be a determining fac-
will the concepts of achievement, dedication and progress.
tion processes – “1 + 1” may
ment is continuing to the present day and has had a lasting in-
tor for the Institute’s success.
Our acknowledged principles
be cornerstones for building
make us stand out as an interna-
the future of Fraunhofer LBF.
New ways: After having lead the Fraunhofer LBF for 12 years Prof. Dr.-Ing. Holger Hanselka will take up the position of President of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) on 1st October 2013
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Holger
for the Institute’s future development, which was highly success-
fluence on the LBF’s identity and
interdisciplinary cooperation and networking both inside and outside LBF will be promoted.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Tobias Melz:
on how it is perceived both in-
Today Fraunhofer LBF is in an ex-
tionally renowned, reliable part-
ternally and externally.
cellent position and can confi-
ner for industry and research.
Looking at the results of this
dently look ahead to the future,
They emphasize the technical
An understanding of the partic-
well make “more than 2” will
ResearchDevelopment
8  LBF and more 9.13
Non-destructive testing of cast aluminum components Computer tomograph (CT)
production of aluminum cast-
reveals shrinkage pores in
ings. To maintain a lasting com-
aluminum alloys.
petitive edge, a high degree of confidence in the mechanical
Research scientists at Fraun-
properties of aluminum castings
hofer LBF are using a CT scanner
is essential. This can be
for non-destructive testing of fa-
achieved, if component strength
tigue specimens made from alu-
can be traced all the way from
minum alloys. With the help of
product development to series
this system, scientists are able to
production. Porosity occurring
graphically visualize shrinkage
during production is one of the
pores in aluminum alloys, and
most common faults in castings
track faults in aluminum castings. This method enables the
made from aluminum alloys. To
development of optimized, reli-
defective components, the
able aluminum components, for
shape, size, position and disÂ
the first time allowing non-de-
tribution of these pores and inclusions have to be taken into
structive testing of these parts. The method is particularly
analyze the fatigue life of such
account. In the case of compo-
suitable for use in foundries and
nents subject to cyclic loads,
in the production of chassis
these factors have a critical
components, engine components and machine components
influence on the component’s
in the automotive sector and in
Shrinkage pores from non-destructive tests with correlation between calculated notch stress concentration factors and results of FEM calculations
fatigue life.
The fatigue life model developed enables three-dimensional
nation of the fatigue strength of cast aluminum components on
boundary sample components to
the basis of non-destructive test
general mechanical engineering.
the geometric parameters of the
be derived, representing the per-
procedures, without experiments
Quality criteria for castings can
defect, scientists at Fraunhofer
missible porosity. Essentially, this
or FEM calculations.
thus be tailored more accurately
LBF have developed a parameter
allows the quantitative determi-
to their respective properties, and the variation of properties
model for fatigue life calculation. This model enables a quan-
between production batches can
titative analysis of the fatigue
be better assessed with the help
strength of aluminum castings
of CT images.
on the basis of non-destructive
Efficient use of materials and low cost of production are important considerations in the
With due consideration to
testing methods. The model can be applied to any aluminum casting.
Contact Dr.-Ing. Yakub Tijani +49 6151 705-668 yakub.tijani@lbf.fraunhofer.de
9 LBF and more 9.13
Research project “ZIL – Condition Monitoring on Intralogistics Equipment” A system for the autonomous
Users of the new systems will
strategically important concern
detection of abnormal heat
benefit from higher availability
for companies operating on in-
development in rolling-element
and cost advantages. According
tralogistics systems, i.e. cranes,
or sleeve bearings during system
to industry estimates, the use of
forklift trucks etc. Companies
operation in order to detect
require continuously increasing
bearing damage or misalignment,
condition monitoring in intralogistics equipment enables the re-
availability with a simultaneous reduction of the total system
A system for the continuous
duction of unplanned downtime by around 20 percent, the exten-
lifecycle costs. However, monitoring systems allowing the
acquisition and documentation
sion of maintenance intervals
of strain on components ex-
by around 20 percent and the
comprehensive monitoring of
posed to high loads (Load Moni-
reduction of troubleshooting time
the condition of intralogistics
toring) in order to improve de-
by around 15 percent. The IGF
equipment and hence an optimized maintenance are not
sign rating of future equipment
project 489 ZN / 2 of the Research
generations, and to serve as a
yet available.
basis for a condition based
Association for Intralogistics/ Materials Handling and Logistics
maintenance strategy.
Systems (Forschungsgemeinschaft
A cooperation between the Institute of Mechanical Handling
In order to demonstrate the
and Logistics (Institut für Fördertechnik und Logistik) and Fraun-
applicability, practical tests with
Logistiksysteme e.V., IFL), Lyoner
functional models will be conducted on equipment manufac-
Straße 18, 60528 Frankfurt am
hofer LBF takes up this challenge. The overriding target of
tured by Dambach Lagersysteme
Main was subsidized by the German Federation of Industrial
their joint project is the develop-
GmbH & Co. KG, Kuli Hebe
Research Associations (AiF) within
ment of novel sensor networks
zeuge Helmut Kempkes GmbH
the framework of the Project for
and algorithms for monitoring
and FAB GmbH Fördertechnik
the Joint Industrial Research (IGF)
the condition of intralogistics
und Anlagenbau.The results will
equipment. Planning is in place
provide manufacturers of intralogistics equipment and their
of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology on the
for the following: A system for the autonomous
contractors supplying measur-
detection of a loss in stiffness of
ing, electrical, control, informa-
supporting structures during sys-
tion and data communication
tem operation (Structural Health
systems with the information
Monitoring) in order to detect
they need to upgrade their prod-
cracks in the structure or in
uct range with condition moni-
welding seams, or loose screwed
toring systems conceived specifi-
joints;
cally for intralogistics equipment.
Intralogistics: ASRS – automated storage and retrieval system
Intralogistik/ Fördertechnik und
Foto: © Oxam Hartog
Availability of equipment is a
Intralogistics: overhead travelling crane
basis of a decision by the German Bundestag.
Contact Dipl.-Ing. Andreas Friedmann +49 6151 705-493 andreas.friedmann@lbf.fraunhofer.de
ResearchDevelopment
10 LBF and more 9.13
Fibre analysis in the plastics division
Main components of a second order orientation tensor
The trend towards light-weight
in applications involving high
structures is still ongoing. Glass
mechanical loads, accurately
and carbon fibre reinforced plas-
characterising these properties
tic components are used to sub-
is crucial to predict mechanical
stitute metal components, as –
limits. Injection molding simula-
apart from the mere weight
tion is capable of calculating
savings – continuous low cost
local fibre orientation in many
production by injection molding
cases, yet for complex geome-
offers significant benefits re-
tries, the quality of simulation
garding efficiency and design
results is not sufficient in
flexibility.
throughout the whole part.
In contrast to common homogeneous materials, ther-
Therefore, efficient and reliable
Fiber length distribution along the sample thickness
Result of a fiber analysis, CAD data set
mo-mechanical properties of
methods to validate and optimize those information are
images to detect fibres in regions
tortion within the volume image
short fibre reinforced polymers
needed.
of interest (position, length and
data, a model driven probability algorithm was developed. The
are determined by local fibre
In order to achieve this, an
content, local fibre length dis
automatic analysis software was
orientation). Main implementation goals were robustness of
tribution and local fibre orien
developed at Fraunhofer LBF.
the algorithm and minimal user
graphical user interface was designed for clarity and simplicity,
tation distribution. In order to
The application analyses x-ray
interaction requirements. To gain
but can be adapted to special
use these composite materials
computer tomography volume
tolerance against noise and dis-
user needs as well. Typical user
11 LBF and more 9.13
interaction is reduced to the manual input of composite spe-
composites with fibre contents
sities and fibre/matrix fractions.
up to 50 percent weight can be
an automatically generated report including graphs, tables
computer tomography systems), provide resolution limits about
mechanical characterisation:
3 µm yielding to a maximum
local fibre amount, local fibre
fibre content of 30 percent
aspect-ratio distribution and
weight.
local fibre orientation distribution (second and fourth order
Fraunhofer LBF in the social media
www.xing.com/companies/fraunhoferlbf
www.youtube.com/user/fraunhoferLBF
by typical table-top units (micro-
all information necessary for
complete detection data is
www.facebook.com/fraunhoferLBF
analysed. Medium resolution tomography images, as recorded
and importable files containing
orientation tensor). Additionally,
Further news and current information can be found online:
Depending on image quality,
cific information: material den As a result, the user receives
Overall fibre length distribution of a sample, weighted by number (blue) and by volume (red)
available as CAD-file (STL).
Contact Dipl.-Phys. Robert Glöckner +49 6151 705-8757 robert.gloeckner@lbf.fraunhofer.de
SpotLights
12 LBF and more 9.13
Young scientists reaching high
Regional winners of the „Jugend forscht“ science competition on the way up: Together with scientists from Fraunhofer LBF, awardwinning participants climbed the „Lange Anna“ wind generator operated by FM Energie GmbH & Co. KG. The wind power plant is situated on Neutscher Höhe in the Odenwald region in Germany.
13 LBF and more 9.13
Fraunhofer Adaptronics Alliance at the Hannover Messe 2013: A brief review The 2013 Hannover Messe (HMI),
and effective presence at the
with Russia as featured partner
fair.
country, attracted 225,000 visi-
Highlights at the Smart
tors – the highest attendance in
Structures Technology booth
ten years – and was generally
were, next to other exhibits, a
rated a success. Like other exhibitors, the Fraunhofer Adap-
newly developed thin-film sensor system (IST), which can be
tronics Alliance (FAA) is able to
used for optimizing and moni-
look back at this year‘s event
toring of production processes,
with satisfaction. At its booth
and a new piezo pump of the
D 15 in Hall 2 at the Research &
project Hiper-Act for reduction
Technology trade fair, FAA and its partners from industry and
of NOx emissions of Diesel vehicles (LBF). The exhibits were
research showcased innovative
well received by the public and
solutions in the area of smart
attracted renowned visitors such
structures. Following up an
as Professor Johanna Wanka,
established track record of six highly successful appearances
German Federal Minister for Education and Research, or Profes-
at the Hannover Messe, FAA,
sor Reimund Neugebauer, Presi-
as in previous years, took part
dent of Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft.
in a joint Smart Structures
Prof. Reimund Neugebauer (President of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft) and Prof. Johanna Wanka (German Federal Minister of Education and Research) visiting the Smart Structures joint booth
The high standard of the
Technology booth. Together
FAA joint booth is witnessed not
with the Fraunhofer institutes
least by the steadily rising number of professional visitors. In
projects gives testimony to the lasting success of the technology
following up this success, and
partners such as Cedrat, Adaptamat, Integrated Dynamics
addition to representatives from
booth. As in previous years, FAA
the political field, associations,
was able to highlight its position
will again attend HMI from 07 to 11 April 2014 with a joint
Engineering IDE, FGL-Network,
and the press, a large number of young professionals interested in
as a reliable and innovative partner in the area of smart struc-
Smart Structures Technology
Ingpuls, the Institute for Mechatronic Systems in Mechanical
in-depth technical discussions,
tures.
and development results in the
Engineering IMS, the LOEWE
and numerous representatives of
Center AdRIA, Rhein-Main Adap tronik e.V. and WaveScape,
businesses with interesting projects came to the stand. The fact
FAA was able to present an im-
that members of the FAA and its
pressive lineup and to establish
co-exhibitors have already initiat-
an exciting, highly informative
ed work on a number of new
IST, ISC, IFAM, IOSB, LBF and
FAA has every intention of
booth, presenting new research area of smart structures. Contact Anika Seifert +49 6151 705-8526 anika.seifert@lbf.fraunhofer.de www.adaptronik.fraunhofer.de
SpotLights
14 LBF and more 9.13
International Noise Awareness Day: Noise measurement walk Since 2009, the research group
measuring instrument, compar-
System Reliability and Machine
ing these objective measurement
Acoustics SzM at Technische
results with their subjective per-
Universität Darmstadt under the
ception of the respective noise
leadership of Prof. Dr. Holger
events, ranging from the mur-
Hanselka has provided exhibits
muring and hubbub of voices in
and information in support of
the library, the echoing in the
the “International Noise Awareness Day”, held annually on the
high passageways of the old building, to the chirping of birds
last Wednesday in April, i.e., on 24 April this year – the 16th Noise Awareness day so far. A
and the steps of passers-by on Dr. Joachim Bös, Birgitt Kretzschmar, and Harry Korn (left to right) discussing noise measurements during the walk
variety of events organized in
the pathways in the Herrngarten park, against the backdrop of
Germany and throughout the
ods using dummy head record-
Science, reported on the cre-
muted city noises. The tour finished in Frankfurter Strasse, a
world on this “International
ings. In addition, participants
ation and significance of noise
busy city road with starting and
Noise Awareness Day” aims to
were given an opportunity to
maps, and Birgitt Kretzschmar,
stopping traffic and passing
bring the subject of noise, the
get first-hand experience of the
head of the Environmental Au-
tramcars. Sound pressure levels
associated problems, and potential solutions, to the attention of
difference between the noise
thority of the City of Darmstadt,
up to 90 dB(A) were measured
emission of a compact car with
presented current noise abate-
the general public. Staff of the
ment campaigns in Darmstadt.
here – without doubt a significant noise level and a high bur-
SzM research group provided in-
conventional internal-combustion engine and that of a low-
Together with the presenters,
den on local residents.
formation, not only for students,
noise electrical car in a short test
the participants then started out
but also for interested members
drive.
on their noise measurement
of the general public, and show-
A first in this year’s events
walk. Equipped with a portable
cased the variety of methods for
noise measurement and analysis
noise analysis as well as solu-
was the so-called noise measurement walk. The walk started
tions for technical noise reduc-
with three brief introductory lec-
the entrance hall of the new
tion with a number of exhibits
tures. The deputy head of the
University and State Library and
and demonstrations.
instrument, they passed through
SzM research group, Dr. Joachim
the former main building of the
Exhibits included an acoustic
Bös, presented information re-
camera, a test setup demonstrating the so-called keyhole ef-
garding the nature and conse-
Technische Universität Darmstadt, finally reaching the Herrn-
quences of noise; Harry Korn,
garten, Darmstadt’s large central
fect, an active mount system for
head of the cartography section
municipal park. At various points
structure-borne sound isolation,
in the land surveyor’s office in
during the walk, the participants
and various noise analysis meth-
Darmstadt, City of Research and
consulted the display of their
Contact Dr. Joachim Bös Technische Universität Darmstadt research group System Reliability and Machine Acoustics SzM +49 6151 16-2903 boes@szm.tu-darmstadt.de
15 LBF and more 9.13
Strategic partnership with China
Shaking hands on the forthcoming cooperation: R. Heim (Fraunhofer LBF) and Mr. Wu Zhiheng, Head of IMEE. To be seen in the background are Mr. Zhenglu, official in charge of scientific cooperation at the provincial government, and Mr. Yan Guorong, Vice President of GRIIT (2nd from the right)
Discussion between experts: R. Heim (Fraunhofer LBF) and Mr. Wu Zhiheng (2nd from the left) with other delegates
A framework agreement gov-
dong General Research Institute
reliability of complex compo-
of Industrial Technology” (GRIIT),
nents and systems.
the area of international R&D
of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering“ (IMEE) and Fraun-
activities has been in place since
hofer LBF signed a Memoran-
November 2011 between Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and the pro-
dum of Understanding (MoU)
of machinery and plant construction and the development
on cooperation in the area of
of marine engines.
vincial government of Guang-
applied research in the provincial
dong.
capital of Guangzhou, a city
Fraunhofer LBF is extending its
with more than 8 million inhabitants.
activities in the Asia-Pacific region with a strategic partner-
the economically strongest prov-
With a staff of more than
ship, in keeping with the overall
ince of China besides Hongkong
100 engineers and scientists,
strategy of Fraunhofer-Gesell
and Macau, and home to more
IMEE is one of top-ranking research units within the “Guang-
schaft, and with a clear empha-
erning strategic partnerships in
Guangdong, with a population of more than 100 million, is
than 30,000 companies.
In July 2013, the “Institute
with a special focus in the areas
With this cooperation,
sis on structural durability and
Contact Dipl.-Ing. Rüdiger Heim +49 6151 705-283 ruediger.heim@lbf.fraunhofer.de
HumanRelations
16  LBF and more 9.13
17 LBF and more 9.13
“Hessen schafft Wissen”: Christian Fischer appointed scientific ambassador for Fraunhofer LBF Christian Fischer, member of the
profile of the State of Hessen as
interviews, or even a gala event
scientific staff at Fraunhofer LBF
with the participation of the
and Ph.D. student, was recently
a location for science and research and strengthen it in the
Prime Minister of Hessen.
Fraunhofer LBF is the investiga-
appointed scientific ambassador
face of strong national and in-
tion of the material behavior in
by the “Hessen schafft Wissen”
ternational competition. Apart
The “Hessen schafft Wissen” initiative enables Fraun-
initiative. In this new capacity, he
from the universities in the State
hofer LBF to introduce a broader
a high number of loading cycles,
will contribute towards giving a
of Hessen, participation in the
public to its scientific achieve-
face to Hessen as a location for
initiative is open to all research
ments, obtained through close
with the aim of enabling the design of lighter, more reliable
science and research, under the
institutes and establishments. To
cooperation between its divi-
components. This research is
motto “Hessen schafft Wissen –
communicate scientific achievements, the initiative relies on the
sions Structural Durability, Sys-
concentrated on an in-house de-
tem Reliability, Smart Structures,
veloped piezo-based testing sys-
active cooperation of scientific
and Plastics. In addition, the
tem to receive laboratory results more quickly.
to ensure safe and reliable mobility into the future”.
ambassadors, who are asked to
initiative helps to raise the visi
“Hessen schafft Wissen”, which
lend their support in specific
bility of innovations resulting
means Hessen creates know
subject areas or for specific
from close partnership between
ledge, was established by the
events. These may range from
Fraunhofer LBF and the research
government of the Federal State
events in schools or kindergartens, to panel discussions, press
group System Reliability and Machine Acoustics SzM at Tech-
The communication initiative
of Hessen in order to raise the
Christian Fischer, first scientific ambassador at Fraunhofer LBF, is researching new methods for structural durability testing
nische Universität Darmstadt. Fischer’s research focus at
the presence of small loads and
Contact Dipl.-Ing. Christian Fischer +49 6151 705-8294 christian.fischer@lbf.fraunhofer.de www.hessen-schafft-wissen.de
HumanRelations
18 LBF and more 9.13
Successful completion of strategy audit
In an increasingly international
It is the declared objective of
market, industrial corporations
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and
and research institutes alike are
Fraunhofer LBF to further
challenged by the ever-increasing pace of technological
strengthen Darmstadt as a center for research. This is the fun-
change, changing markets and
damental premise underlying the
competitive scenarios. They have
Institute’s strategy as defined by
to constantly renew their efforts
the Third Strategic Plan, which in
to maintain their competitive
turn is epitomized in the ‘Vision
edge, and have to be prepared at any moment, to make use of
2018’. Key elements of this vision are the further expansion of
new opportunities and control
the key competencies of Struc-
unexpected risks. A well-designed strategy and a continu-
tural Durability, Smart Structures, System Reliability and Plastics
mon framework. On the market
ment services ranging from the
ous strategic process are import-
under the consolidated roof of a
side, the market development
molecule to the complete, com-
ant contributions towards safe-
anticipated for Fraunhofer LBF’s
plex mechatronic system. Strate-
guarding the future and are vital
strong Fraunhofer LBF, enhancing public perception of the In-
gy and strategic process were
for success.
stitute as an attractive employer
various business fields constitutes the basis of the strategy.
When Prof. Dr.-Ing. Holger
and capable partner for research
Vision BUSINESS AREAS
Strategic Focal Points
Automotive
Operational Fields R&D
Sales
DIVISION STRUCTURAL DURABILITY
Marketing
DIVISION
Controlling
DIVISION
Te T chnical and Technical Human Ressources
Mechanical and Plant Engineering
Energy, Environment and Health
Market
DIVISION
SYSTEM RELIABILITY
SMART STRUCTURES
Transportation
PLASTICS
BUSINESS AREAS
Market
The auditing panel assessed
Business areas constitute the market oriented basis of the strategy
praised as exemplary by the auditors, who recommended that
Hanselka took up the position of
and development operating
Fraunhofer LBF’s strategy both
the Institute should continue on
Institute Director in 2001, Fraunhofer LBF successfully introduced
from and for the State of Hessen, and strengthening the Insti-
on the basis of the strategic plan
the chosen path.
a strategic audit process, and
tute’s competitive position, par-
was in 2003 one of the first In-
ticularly in the international
site at LBF. As the auditing experts concluded in their report,
stitutes within Fraunhofer-Ge-
sphere.
they found the Institute to be
sellschaft to present a detailed strategic plan. The Institute has
In its strategic process, LBF
and during a two-day audit on
well-positioned in the market
maintained this leadership posi-
mapped out in detail all objectives and steps required on each
place, with a sound financial position and excellent development
tion to the present date. In April
level of the Institute’s organiza-
prospects. They confirmed LBF’s
2013, the Institute published its
tional chart in order to imple-
long-term competitiveness and
Third Strategic Plan for the peri-
ment the Vision 2018 and docu
od from 2013 until 2018 and
mented these in a strategic
as yet undiscovered market opportunities, not least due to a re-
had this plan audited by a
planning, with the overall strate-
markable continuity of the value
high-caliber panel of experts
gy defined by the Institute Man-
chain, enabling the Institute to
from industry and science.
agement and providing a com-
offer a full range of develop-
Contact Dr. Ursula Eul Head of Strategic Management Tel.: +49 6151 705-262 ursula.eul@lbf.fraunhofer.de
19 LBF and more 9.13
Fraunhofer LBF presents Ernst Gassner Award to Chitoshi Miki This year, Fraunhofer presented
According to the international
its Ernst Gassner Award for out-
jury, Professor Miki’s work com-
standing achievements in the
bines in a most exceptional
area of structural durability to
manner scientific excellence and
Chitoshi Miki, Professor at the
international activity in the area
Tokyo Institute of Technology.
of structural durability and its
The award was officially presented on September 9, 2013 in
practical application, in the spirit
Aachen/Germany, at the open-
of Ernst Gassner. Professor Miki has an out-
ing of the 7th Conference on
standing reputation as the lead-
Low Cycle Fatigue held by the
ing expert in Japan in the area of
German Association for Materi-
the design, production and re-
als Research and Testing (DVM).
pair of steel structures. His re-
Parent-and-child-office opened
search comprises also the establishment of Japanese regulations regarding durability analysis and maintenance of steel bridges. He has contributed essentially towards advances in Japanese
In June, Prof. Holger Hanselka,
enabling them to resume or con-
bridge design and hence to-
Institute Director, and Dr. Alex-
tinue with their normal work
wards public safety.
ander Kurz, Fraunhofer Senior
duties at the Institute in such an
Vice President Personnel and
emergency situation. With finan-
with an endowment of 5,000
Legal Affairs opened LBF‘s new
cial support from a Fraunhofer-
Euro, has been presented by
parent-and-child office. The
wide initiative aimed at improv-
Fraunhofer LBF biannually since
office provides two workplaces,
ing the compatibility of family
2002 to international prize-winners in honor of its co-founder
plus play area and resting area
and career, a further milestone
for children of LBF employees.
has been reached in terms of
Ernst Gassner.
The purpose of the office is to
the improvement of child-care
support staff members when
services at the Institute.
The award, which comes
Professor Cetin Morris Sonsino (left) of Fraunhofer LBF presenting the Institute’s Ernst Gassner Award to Professor Chitoshi Miki of the Tokyo Institute of Technology
From left to right: Peter Sälzer with his sons Paul and Maximilian (at the center), Julia Decker, Dr. Alexander Kurz, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Holger Hanselka, Susanne Wilker, Sven Dostal and his son Niklas
their regular child-care arrangements have failed, for example Contact Anke Zeidler-Finsel Press and Public Relations +49 6151 705-268 anke.zeidler-finsel@lbf.fraunhofer.de
in the event of a strike, during closure of child-care facilities or when re-starting employment after a period of parental leave,
Contact Susanne Wilker and Julia Decker Equal rights officers +49 6151 705-90 bfc@lbf.fraunhofer.de
UpDates
20 LBF and more 9.13
Upcoming events We would be pleased to welcome you at one of the following events:
K-2013
October 16 – 23, 2013
UC 11 - Users conference on biaxial fatigue testing Numerical simulation in structural durability DVM workshop (German Association for Materials Research and Testing)
Düsseldorf/Germany, Fraunhofer Joint Booth 70 / B05 Hall 7 0-2
November 6, 2013
Darmstadt/Germany
February 5 – 6, 2014
Mannheim/Germany
3rd Conference on light weight design: Current trends – Multi Material Design
February 11 – 12, 2014
Bremen/Germany
Reliability of mechatronic systems and smart structures, DVM workshop
February 18 – 19, 2014
Freiburg/Germany
SoSDiD, 4th Symposium on Structural Durability
For further information please visit: www.lbf.fraunhofer.de/veranstaltungen
May 14 – 15, 2014
Darmstadt/Germany