We develop resource-saving technical systems and transport carriers of every type for land, water and air. Our research focuses on the key topics of the future: mobility, energy, resources as well as product development and production. Our work in the area of applications has a solid basis in basic research in areas such as acoustics, fluid dynamics and mechanics. We pay particular attention to the interface of human-machine systems. Here, we conduct basic research on human-technology interaction such as perception, attention and memory.
As an engineering faculty we develop methods, procedures, processes and products for implementing the research focuses of TU Berlin. Our research and development work extends from the nano and micrometer scale for applications such as for metrology and production engineering through to technical large-scale systems such as gas turbines or modern commercial aircraft.
Below you can find a summary of our main research areas. More detailed information is available on the individual websites of our professors and academic chairs.
Further Information
Mobility
We conduct research on the design and sustainable optimization of both means of transport (e.g. cars, trains, ships, aircraft) and modes of transport (road, rail, water, air), including transport planning. Examples of the topics we address include autonomous driving, electric drives, resource-saving manufacturing and driving methods, increasing efficiency and solutions for safety-critical systems. We work together with partners to develop future forms of mobility for regional and long-distance transport, such as the development of an e-bus fleet in Berlin, electrically powered rail passenger transport, and emission-free flying. In the faculty initiative PureMobility we want to develop solutions for future forms of mobility in cities.
Selected projects:
Resources and Energy
We conduct research on sustainable and efficient procedures, processes and systems in mobility and production. Examples include new processes for combustion in gas turbines and optimized plant technology for the faster production of battery cells. Other topics include alternative forms of energy conversion, starting with technology for the generation of renewable energies from wind or water power, for example, and the utilization of hydrogen. Currently, efficient and networked systems for the climate-neutral city are being developed in close cooperation with the EUREF Research Campus Mobility2Grid.
Selected projects:
- Research Campus Mobility2Grid
- Optimal flow control in Francis water turbines
- HYPOTHESis – Hydrogen combustion: Pressure effects on combustion and Thermoacoustics
- SFB 1029: TurbIn - Substantial Efficiency Increase in Gas Turbines through Direct Use of Coupled Unsteady Combustion and Flow Dynamics (completed)
Product Development and Production
Our focus here is on digital and sustainable process and production methods and digitally integrated production as well as design fundamentals and their application for the development of products and systems. Methods of additive manufacturing (3D printing), machine learning, cyber-physical systems and "digital twins" are used. Our long-standing close cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Systems and Design Technology and our involvement in the Werner-von-Siemens Center for Industry and Science enable a fruitful exchange of university research and industrial application.
Selected projects:
High-temperature applications 2.0
Standardized integral instrumentation of gas foil bearings for condition and operation monitoring
Biofusion 4.0
KIKA-IPK: AI cognitive assistance system for in-process control in manufacturing: self-learning image feature correlation with process features for resource-efficient process and material configuration
Basic Research
Basic research and its application is essential for the development of technical systems. We conduct research in the fields of acoustics, automation technology, human-machine systems and quality science, among others. The methods we use include numerical and experimental methods for modeling, calculation, design and simulation.
Further examples of our basic research include physical mechanisms of the development of instabilities and sound in flows, the interaction with structures up to the effect on humans as well as psychological basics in connection with the interaction between humans and machines.
Selected projects:
