The Research Training Group (RTG) 2868 "D³ - Data-driven Design of Resilient Metamaterials" at TU Dresden has been approved by the German Research Foundation (DFG). Starting in October 2023, more than 20 junior researchers will develop digital methods for the exploration of new materials within the framework of the GRK.
An interdisciplinary team of experts from the fields of mechanics, materials science, mathematics, physics and computer science who conduct research at TU Dresden, TU Bergakademie Freiberg and TU Chemnitz will guide them. Markus Kästner, Professor of Numerical and Experimental Solid Mechanics at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at TU Dresden, is the spokesperson for the Research Training Group. The DFG is funding D³ with approximately 6.5 million euros for an initial five years.
"The digital transformation of engineering and materials science offers huge potential for innovation. In D³, we are qualifying the 'digital natives' needed to realize the transformation, who combine excellent expertise in classical disciplines with skills from the fields of machine learning and data analysis. To this end, we are creating an international, innovative and collaborative research environment," explains spokesperson Prof. Markus Kästner (TU Dresden).
Research on metamaterials
Research is being conducted on metamaterials, i.e. delicate structures produced by 3D printing that are perceived as a material in a component. The design of the inner structure enables tailored, sometimes extraordinary properties for applications in the mobility, medical and energy sectors. In this context, the investigations planned in D³ are aimed at both the mechanical performance and the sustainability of the new materials.
"The vision of D³ is to develop and apply a fully digital, data-driven approach to metamaterial design that is transferable to other material systems," Kästner added.
D³ establishes a new internationally oriented, structured program for the qualification of young scientists at TU Dresden, which, in addition to the research profile line Materials and Material Sciences, is also closely related to the focus areas Information Technology and Microelectronics as well as Energy, Mobility and Environment. D³ also intensifies the cooperation between different areas of the TU Dresden, within the DRESDEN-concept as well as between the three Saxon research locations Dresden-Chemnitz-Freiberg.
