The institute is dedicated to the intensive research of microstructure developments in various materials. A central focus is the application of multiscale approaches in order to be able to predict and investigate the interactions between different mechanisms. The aim is to develop efficient methods that enable the resource-saving use of novel materials in industrial and medical applications. In this context, we are involved, among other things, in the investigation of phase transformations in polycrystalline materials, such as those that occur in shape memory alloys. The interaction between thermal and mechanical effects on the transformations between austenite and martensite is analyzed using variational methods. In addition, we are dedicated to high-resolution two-scale simulation with FE² and FE-FFT-based methods in order to depict the material behavior of bones and polycrystalline metals.

Another focus is the development of methods for multiphysical problems. Central topics are electrochemical and thermomechanical process modeling. The transfer of classical continuum mechanical approaches to anodic dissolution opens up innovative research fields with promising expansion possibilities. In collaboration with various institutes and chairs, we are therefore dedicated to modeling electrochemical metal processing (ECM). But the high-resolution thermo-mechanically coupled simulation of classical metal processing processes for the detailed investigation of the influence of the polycrystalline microstructure is also the subject of our research.

Finally, increasing the efficiency of numerical simulations is also one of our research priorities. In this context, we are developing various techniques for model reduction, such as FFT-based simulation using reduced sets of Fourier modes. But the further development of novel methods, such as model-free data-driven methods and the application of neural networks, are also very promising in this context.

Our research is characterized by openness and interdisciplinarity. We are convinced that solutions to many problems exist in other disciplines and therefore strive to continuously expand our competencies and exchange ideas with other disciplines. This is also reflected, for example, in our work in the field of electrochemistry, which is carried out by a classical civil engineer.

The institute is involved in teaching a large number of bachelor's and master's degree programs.

In civil engineering, mechanical engineering and environmental engineering, the chair alternates semester by semester with the chair of continuum mechanics (Prof. Dr.-Ing. Daniel Balzani) to teach the basic subjects of mechanics A (statics), mechanics B (strength of materials) and mechanics C (dynamics). In mechanical engineering, the mechanics chairs offer their own specialization in modeling and simulation of mechanical systems (MSmS) for both bachelor's and master's degrees. The chair of mechanics - material theory offers, for example, the courses advanced strength of materials, computer methods in mechanics, finite element technology, finite deformations and nonlinear FEM as well as laboratory internships and supervision of project, bachelor's and master's theses.

The English-language Master's program in Computational Engineering includes the courses Variational Calculus and Tensor Analysis and Continuum Mechanics as well as the supervision of case studies and Master's theses.