One-Stop Lightweight Solutions: At the Institute of Lightweight Structures and Polymer Technology (ILK) of the Technical University Dresden comprehensive research is performed in the field of load-adapted lightweight structures. For this, a comprehensive approach is pursued with respect to both materials and products throughout the total engineering chain: material - design - simulation - manufacturing - component - quality assurance - costs.

At present, the Institute of Lightweight Structures and Polymer Technology
comprises 160 employees, mainly engineers with a specialization in engineering,
material science, electrical engineering, civil engineering, engineering mathematicians, physicists as well as technical staff and student and scientific assistants from the unique course of studies “Lightweight Engineering”.

Key aspects of research: R&D in the field of innovative lightweight structures made of high-performance materials:

  • Mechanical characterization of reinforced and non-reinforced materials
  • Design, structural analysis, simulation and optimization of lightweight structures made of isotropic and anisotropic materials
  • Development of comprehensive fabrication technologies and process analysis of fibre and textile reinforced composites
  • Experimental verification and test of prototypes and single components
In DREAM ILK will develop an integrated damping system (IDS) for composite propeller blades
 
The task work plan is organised as follows:
  • Define and characterise the composite system
  • Define a design concept for an open rotor with IDS
  • Design open rotor blades with IDS
  • Built the demonstrator rotor blades with IDS
  • Test specimen in stationary vibration test stand
  • Design guidelines for damped rotor
We will also develop a first approach to an integrated diagnostic system using sensors of IDS concept

We offer:

  • Simulation tools for design of composite components
  • Integrated vibration measuring and damping systems