Characterization

Correlation of manufacturing process and the properties of the microstructure

The objective of this aspect of characterization is to achieve consistent correlations between the surface topography and surface layer microstructure resulting from manufacturing and the local mechanical, especially cyclical material properties with spatial resolutions at the limit of what is technically feasible. Based on this, a physically based understanding of the process-property relationships is developed and the relationship between the local properties and the behavior of components under technically relevant loads is established, e. g. in terms of fatigue strength.

Model-based development and production of geometry standards for calibration and traceability of optical and tactile precision measuring devices

The focus of this research area is to research and manufacture geometry standards for optical and tactile measuring devices. Two approaches are pursued: the calibration of the metrological properties and the verification of the capabilities of the measuring devices used. The generation of geometry standards for the calibration of various metrological properties is performed with the help of a mathematical transformation of measurement data of real component surfaces. After calculating a control data set for the production of a standard, a surface can be produced that has defined metrological properties and still allows a close-to-practice calibration of the measuring devices used. The second methodological approach is the geometry-dependent and material-dependent correction of measurement data. For this purpose, geometry standards are generated which cause defined measurement artifacts.

Characterization of tribological processes of highly loaded contact points of machine elements

Dynamic contact processes of machine elements are multi-physically characterized and modeled within the scope of this research focus by taking a close look at the functional partners involved in the contact in order to reduce the friction and wear of machine elements. To specifically influence friction and wear, precise knowledge of the tribological processes in contact and the properties of the functional partners is crucial. In the case of a gear, for example, the material and structure of the surfaces of the gears and the composition of the lubricant.