Modernengineering structures increasingly rely on hybrid material systems in whichdifferent materials are combined according to their specific properties. Theresulting increase in material diversity places high demands on adaptable andresource-efficient joining technologies. Pin joining offers a novel approachfor creating robust joints between dissimilar materials without the need foradditional auxiliary joining elements.
In pinjoining, metallic pins are locally formed directly from the base material byforward extrusion. These integral structural elements are subsequently used tojoin a counterpart material – within the scope of this project, eitheraluminium or fibre-reinforced polymers (FRP). Different joining strategies canbe applied: the formed pins may be pressed directly into the joining partner orinserted through pre-drilled holes and subsequently caulked. In both cases, acombined force- and form-fit joint is created, whose mechanical properties arestrongly influenced by the pin geometry, local material hardening, and theinteraction between pin and joining partner.
The firstphase of the project focused on the fundamental investigation of single-pinjoints. The objective was to systematically analyse the underlying mechanismsand develop a comprehensive understanding of the relevant process–structurerelationships. To this end, manufacturing processes, achievable pin geometries,local material modifications, and load-bearing capacities as well as failuremechanisms were investigated experimentally. In addition, different processstrategies were evaluated with regard to their influence on joint quality andmechanical and geometrical properties.
Thecurrently ongoing second phase transfers these findings to more complexmulti-pin joints. Particular emphasis is placed on the interactions betweenneighbouring pins and their influence on load transfer, stress distribution,and the overall load-bearing capacity of the joint. The aim is to establish aprofound understanding of pin interaction effects in order to enable the load-and material-specific design of multi-pin joints and to predict and tailortheir mechanical behaviour.
Pin joiningtherefore offers considerable potential as a resource-efficient, adaptable, andauxiliary-element-free alternative to conventional joining technologies. Inparticular, the process opens up new opportunities for the realisation ofhigh-performance and sustainable hybrid lightweight structures.
Research in material development, design, and innovative processing of polymer materials. The research focus is Lightweight structures, Additive Manufacturing, Polymers in electric/electronic and medical applications, and machine elements.
Research projects
Verbesserte Simulationsansätze und Entwicklung neuartiger Feedstockmaterialien für den metallischen Pulverspritzguss
(Third Party Funds Single)
Term: 1. September 2024 - 31. August 2026
Acronym: SIMFeed
Funding source: Bayerische Forschungsstiftung
Lumped-Parameter Models for and Optimization of SPION Steering in Highly Branched Vascular and Tissue Structures
(Third Party Funds Group – Sub project)
Project leader: Jens Kirchner
Term: 1. June 2024 - 31. May 2029
Acronym: GRK 2950 P5
Funding source: DFG / Graduiertenkolleg (GRK)
URL: https://www.symocads.research.fau.eu/
The goal of this project is to establish MC-based models and algorithms for optimization of SPION steering systems in highly branched vascular and tissue structures. To this end, a comprehensive numerical model for the MC channel relevant for SPION steering will be derived. Furthermore, in order to enable efficient optimization of the SPION steering system at affordable computational cost, a lumped-parameter approach will be used to develop approximate models. Based on these approximate models, given a certain vessel topology and tissue structure, algorithms for maximization of the number of particles delivered to a target area (representing the MC receiver) will be investigated, where both static and dynamic (time-varying) steering systems will be considered. The findings of P4 regarding the forces relevant for SPION steering will be integrated for development of the proposed comprehensive and approximate MC channel models as they become available. Furthermore, besides conventional electromagnets, the linear array structures investigated in P4 will be considered for steering algorithm design. Moreover, the developed MC channel models and steering algorithms will be experimentally validated and refined exploiting the physical tumor models provided by P6.
Forces, Limitations, and Concepts for SPION Steering
(Third Party Funds Group – Sub project)
Project leader: Georg Fischer
Term: 1. June 2024 - 31. May 2029
Acronym: GRK 2950 P4
Funding source: DFG / Graduiertenkolleg (GRK)
In our suproject we are studying new techniques for steering SPIONs (Super Paramagnetic Ion Oxides Nanoparticles) towards a target region by using specially shaped magnetic gradient fields.
Synthetic Molecular Communications Across Different Scales: From Theory to Experiments
(Third Party Funds Group – Overall project)
Term: 1. June 2024 - 31. May 2029
Acronym: SyMoCADS
Funding source: DFG / Graduiertenkolleg (GRK)
URL: https://www.symocads.research.fau.eu/
https://www.idc.tf.fau.de/neues-graduiertenkolleg-symocads/
Development of Tumor Models for MC based on Additive Manufacturing Approaches
(Third Party Funds Group – Sub project)
Project leader: Dietmar Drummer
Term: 1. June 2024 - 31. May 2029
Acronym: GRK 2950 P6
Funding source: DFG / Graduiertenkolleg (GRK)
Mechanical joining without auxiliary elements
(Third Party Funds Group – Sub project)
Project leader: Dietmar Drummer, Marion Merklein
Term: 1. July 2019 - 30. June 2027
Acronym: TRR 285 C01
Funding source: DFG / Sonderforschungsbereich / Transregio (SFB / TRR)
URL: https://trr285.uni-paderborn.de/
Modernengineering structures increasingly rely on hybrid material systems in whichdifferent materials are combined according to their specific properties. Theresulting increase in material diversity places high demands on adaptable andresource-efficient joining technologies. Pin joining offers a novel approachfor creating robust joints between dissimilar materials without the need foradditional auxiliary joining elements.
In pinjoining, metallic pins are locally formed directly from the base material byforward extrusion. These integral structural elements are subsequently used tojoin a counterpart material – within the scope of this project, eitheraluminium or fibre-reinforced polymers (FRP). Different joining strategies canbe applied: the formed pins may be pressed directly into the joining partner orinserted through pre-drilled holes and subsequently caulked. In both cases, acombined force- and form-fit joint is created, whose mechanical properties arestrongly influenced by the pin geometry, local material hardening, and theinteraction between pin and joining partner.
The firstphase of the project focused on the fundamental investigation of single-pinjoints. The objective was to systematically analyse the underlying mechanismsand develop a comprehensive understanding of the relevant process–structurerelationships. To this end, manufacturing processes, achievable pin geometries,local material modifications, and load-bearing capacities as well as failuremechanisms were investigated experimentally. In addition, different processstrategies were evaluated with regard to their influence on joint quality andmechanical and geometrical properties.
Thecurrently ongoing second phase transfers these findings to more complexmulti-pin joints. Particular emphasis is placed on the interactions betweenneighbouring pins and their influence on load transfer, stress distribution,and the overall load-bearing capacity of the joint. The aim is to establish aprofound understanding of pin interaction effects in order to enable the load-and material-specific design of multi-pin joints and to predict and tailortheir mechanical behaviour.
Pin joiningtherefore offers considerable potential as a resource-efficient, adaptable, andauxiliary-element-free alternative to conventional joining technologies. Inparticular, the process opens up new opportunities for the realisation ofhigh-performance and sustainable hybrid lightweight structures.
2026
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
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