Lightweight Construction

In lightweight construction, high-strength and highly rigid fiber composites offer the possibility of saving further weight or subsequent energy-intensive processing steps by integrating additional functions. These include structurally integrated textile-elastic hinges or the incorporation of sensors for structural health monitoring (SHM). New robot-assisted production technologies enable further weight savings by incorporating fibers into load paths.

Fiber composite technology uses the technically and economically best possible combination of fibers or tailored textiles and matrix systems for each application. In addition to carbon and glass fibers, basalt fibers, natural fibers and bio-based fibers are increasingly used, combined with thermoset and thermoplastic (bio)polymers, metals and ceramics. New low-cost carbon fibers made from renewable raw materials such as lignin, cellulose and chitin are also developed at the DITF.

In the development of new composites, the DITF also take nature as a role model: biological structures are important sources of inspiration, for example for novel three-dimensional, topology-optimized lightweight structures or optimized fiber-matrix interfaces.

State-of-the-art -and continuously enhanced - testing and simulation techniques are available at the DITF to predict the manufacturing behavior and strength/stiffness of fiber composite components.

 

Topics:

• Tailor-made textile fiber composites: braids, woven fabrics, nonwovens
• Multifunctional thermoset and thermoplastic matrix systems
• Nonwovens for thermoplastic composite
• (Continuous) fiber reinforced 3D printing, (braid) pultrusion, tape laying,
• 3D textiles for near-net-shape, adaptive and functionally integrated structures
• Fiber-based prestressed concrete
• Urban Textiles
• Component monitoring with integrated sensor technology