Structural Analysis and Integrity
Together with his co-workers and master students, Prof. Dr. K. Rother conducts research in the fields of structural integrity and computer-aided product development.
One research field is parametric modeling and efficient numerical analysis for the conceptual phase of product development. One focus here are frames and shell-type structures, such as car bodies or frame-type steel structures like towers or cranes. Transformation of polygon descriptions into skeletons and parameterized geometry, applied e.g. to results of topology optimization or point clouds of scanned hardware and fast analysis based on analytical models and application of artificial intelligence enable holistic optimization for the early phase.
Another research focus is the development and improvement of computational methods for the verification of integrity, reliability and durability of mechanical components and structures. A significant focus is on welded metal structures for improvement of service life predictions, and efficient and fast simulation methods as required for optimization as well.
A third research area is the computational design, optimization and design of fiber composite structures and hybrid structures. In a collaboration led by Stanford University, new design principles, design, optimization and manufacturing methods for composite panel type structures are being developed.
