Computational Mechanics of Materials Group

The Computational Mechanics of Materials Group, led by Univ.-Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr.techn. Matthias Neuner, is part of the Institute of Structural Engineering.

We focus on the development of advanced material models for the numerical simulation of complex engineering structures, systems and components. In particular, we investigate classical and generalized continuum models, which are able to describe the behavior of materials with complex microstructure, such as concrete, rock, or composite materials and polymers. We aim to provide a solid basis for the numerical simulation of the behavior of such materials in engineering applications, for example for the analysis of fastening technology, for geotechnical applications, or to support the development of new, advanced materials. The focus is on the question of a better understanding of complex material phenomena, and their impact on the behavior of structures, such as nonlinear elasticity and viscoelasticity, plasticity and viscoplasticity, material failure and damage, and creep and shrinkage, as well as the effects of extreme deformations.

To this end, we develop and implement numerical algorithms for solving the corresponding boundary value problems, and validate the models and methods by comparison with experimental data. In addition, we develop new experimental methods for determining material properties.