Projects of Mechanical Engineering and Material Sciences

Managing resources as considerately as possible is a decisive factor not only regarding ecological issues but also economic ones. Looking at the energy transition and the rising cost of mineral resources, our standard of living can only be maintained if both materials and energy are deployed most efficiently. This is why we at THGA research the development of materials and their efficient use in production as well as recycling processes. In addition, we investigate upcycling and the conversation of objects; optimising production methods and processes, and introducing substantial improvements in automation. All of these topics are explored by our students of Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor and Master), Applied Material Sciences and Material Engineering and Industrial Heritage Conservation.

Conserving industrial culture and heritage Heritage Conservation Centre Ruhr

The hcc.ruhr is a project run by the German Mining Museum in Bochum and the Leibniz Research Museum for Geo-resources. THGA supports this project as a strong partner - in collaboration with a cross-disciplinary team of scientists, our experts work on providing the material sciences that helps conserving objects of industrial culture.

Recognising faults automatically Car Workshop 4.0

Our Car Workshop 4.0 is an EU-funded project; here, scientists of the THGA PROLAB Product + Production are developing a new diagnosing method to facilitate car workshops in their search of what causes complex faults. Partners in this project are the car dealership Mercedes LUEG in Bochum, the Auto-Intern GmbH and the Bochum Institute for Technology.

Assessing and optimising movement processes Ergonomics in the workplace

THGA's PROLAB Product + Production explores how movement processes can be measured aumoatically, how ther quality can be assessed and optmised where possible. A system is being developed to improve individual work situations and protect the health of employees.

Pioneer spirit before graduation Developing a seamless adjusting and arresting system

Our two students of Mechanical Engineering, AAdrian Seuthe and Hendrik Rottländer, have designed a seamless adjusting and arresting system that can be used e.g. at car doors: when opening or closing these doors, they will arrest exactly at that spot where the movement stops, so inadvertently touching other cars will become a thing of the past.

Additive manufacturing Artificial knees from the 3D-printer

Lars Thalmann is developing the issue how to print artifical knees using a 3-D printer for the benefit of children in Colombia. To achieve this, he has to study this artificial joint very carefully: what are the loads on the joint, which forces do apply? Using several pressure and tensile strength tests he is able to design the artificial knee in such a way that children up to the age of ten can use them effortlessly.