Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWMKlaus Dreßler has been the head the division »Mathematics for Vehicle Engineering« (previously department »Mathematical Methods in Dynamics and Durability«) since 2003.
What Does Your Area Deal With and What Constitutes Its Research Work?
The division is divided into two departments as well as the project group Tire Simulation and the cross-sectional unit MF Technical Center, which takes care of test and measurement technology. In the department Dynamics, Loads and Environmental Data , we develop methods and tools for system simulation, incorporating environmental data and usage variability. In this way, we address the aspects in vehicle development: operational stability, reliability, energy efficiency and ADAS/AD. The department Mathematics for the Digital Factory bundles the activities for the design of software tools for the virtual development of products; this includes, for example, IPS Cable Simulation: With this software family, the assembly of cables, cable harnesses and hoses can be designed virtually and secured in operation.
What Potential Does Your Unit’s Research Have for a Better Future?
Vehicle development is currently confronted with a number of challenges. In addition to the need to make product development and production more efficient, there is the trend toward ever more advanced assistance (ADAS) through to autonomous driving, as well as the development and qualification of alternative drive systems that are as emission-free as possible. The content orientation of the area is based on these three challenges.
Where Do You See Your Division in Five Years?
Although the vehicle industry as a whole is going through a crisis, we see ourselves well positioned with the orientation described above. We expect the area to be in a good position both scientifically and economically in five years' time with three departments and the technical center.
Which Three Keywords Describe Your Division Best?
- innovative
- interdisciplinary
- professional