Mechanics
Announcements from 2026
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September 2026: 3rd German-Brazilian Workshop Presentations at the 3rd German-Brazillian Workshop on Computational MechanicsProf. Dr. Jörg Schröder Speaks at International Symposium at the University of São Paulo From September 24 to 25, 2026, the “3rd German-Brazilian Workshop on Computational Mechanics” took place at the Innovation Center (INOVA USP) of the University of São Paulo (USP) in Brazil. The event brought together internationally renowned scientists from the fields of numerical mechanics and scientific computing. Prof. Dr. Jörg Schröder represented the department as a speaker at this symposium. As an invited speaker, Prof. Schröder delivered a presentation on Friday, September 25, 2026, on the topic:
The presentation focused on the viscoelastic modeling of Antarctic ice shelves, taking finite deformations into account. The discussion centered on fundamental mechanical questions in polar research: The modeling approaches and numerical methods presented contribute to improved predictions of the long-term behavior of polar ice masses and, thereby, to a deeper understanding of the processes associated with climate change. The symposium’s scientific program also included technical presentations on current developments in computational mechanics, including phase-field and peridynamic methods, topology optimization, fluid-structure interaction, and data-driven methods in simulation.
The invitation to São Paulo demonstrates the international visibility of the research conducted at the chair in the field of continuum mechanics and numerical methods and underscores the existing collaborations between Brazilian and European research institutions.
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September 2026: Chinese research institutions Presentations & Research Focus AreasAs part of an international lecture series, Prof. Schröder visited leading Chinese research institutions in August and September 2026 to present his latest research findings on cross-scale simulation methods and multiphysical systems. The lectures and professional exchanges underscored the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration as well as the relevance of innovative algorithmic approaches for addressing complex engineering problems.
At the IUATM Symposium on Computational Mechanics and Intelligent Engineering 2026 at Peking University, Prof. Schröder gave a presentation titled “Micromagnetic Simulations for the Design of Hard Magnets.” The conference provided an international platform for the exchange of ideas on innovative approaches in theoretical and applied mechanics, particularly regarding the optimization of magnetic materials. Further details can be found at iutam2026.pku.edu.cn.
In his presentation titled “Magnetic-Electrical-Mechanical Coupled Problems: Algorithmic Scale-Bridging with the FE² Method,” Prof. Schröder presented innovative algorithmic approaches that enable the transition between different length scales. The FE² method was discussed as a promising approach for the numerical modeling of coupled multiphysical systems. The intensive exchange with scientists from XJTU provided valuable insights for the further development of cross-scale simulation methods.
In a presentation titled “Computational Mechanics – Insights into Small and Large Scales,” Prof. Schröder highlighted current challenges and solution strategies in computational mechanics. The focus was on multiscale analyses, which range from the micro- to the macro-level and are indispensable for modeling complex materials and structures.
In conclusion, Prof. Schröder presented his research on “Product properties of magnetic-electrical composites: an FE² algorithmic scale-bridging scheme.” He presented algorithm-based scale-bridging methods for the analysis and optimization of the properties of magnetic-electrical composites—a key topic for the development of smart materials and technological innovations.
Prof. Schröder’s research visit to China highlighted the great importance of international collaboration for advancing “computational mechanics” and multiphysics in order to address challenging societal issues, such as the implementation of the energy transition. Collaboration with leading Chinese research institutions, such as Peking University, Xi’an Jiaotong University, and Tongji University in Shanghai, lays an important foundation for future joint projects and the sustainable transfer of scientific knowledge. We thank our hosts for the stimulating discussions, the valuable professional insights, and the warm hospitality that made this exchange possible. |
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July 2026: 16th International HPC Summer School International HPC Summer SchoolThe 16th International HPC Summer School (IHPCSS), which took place in July 2026 at the Pawsey Supercomputing Research Center in Perth, Australia, is one of the leading international events in the field of high-performance computing (HPC). At this prestigious event, which is jointly organized annually by HPC infrastructure facilities from Australia, Canada, Europe, Japan, South Africa, and the United States, Dominik-Oliver Cloidt deepened his expertise in research methodology. Funding & ObjectivesThe participation of young European researchers was made possible by the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking, an initiative aimed at expanding and strengthening Europe’s HPC infrastructure. The Summer School provided an excellent opportunity for interdisciplinary exchange between young researchers and established experts from the global HPC community. Scientific ProgramThe IHPCSS 2026 program was characterized by its diverse and challenging focus. The program centered on:
In addition, specialized presentations, panel discussions, and a poster session were offered, providing participants with the opportunity to present and discuss current research findings. Interdisciplinary Dialogue & NetworkingA particular benefit of the event was the interdisciplinary dialogue among participants from a wide variety of academic disciplines. This exchange not only promoted the transfer of knowledge and methods but also led to the initiation of new, international research collaborations. The diversity of the disciplines represented contributed significantly to enriching the discussions and generating innovative approaches. |
July 2026: WCCM ECCOMAS 2026 WCCM ECCOMAS17th World Congress on Computational Mechanics & 10th European Congress on Computational Methods in Applied Sciences and Engineering The 17th World Congress on Computational Mechanics, held in conjunction with the 10th European Congress on Computational Methods in Applied Sciences and Engineering, took place at the ICM International Congress Center at Messe München from July 19 to 24, 2026. The Institute of Mechanics presented the latest results of its scientific research in nine presentations. Prof. Schröder, together with Prof. Balzani (University of Bochum, Germany), Prof. Kouznetsova (Eindhoven University of Technology, Netherlands), and Prof. Terada (Tohoku University, Japan), coordinated the mini-symposium titled “Computational Scale Bridging in Materials and Structures.” |
Announcements from 2025
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January 2025: Prof. Huiling Duan, Ph.D. Research Award WinnerIn January 2025, Prof Huiling Duan, Ph.D. will visit the Institute of Mechanics. Initiated by the presentation of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Research Award in November 2023, the joint research projects are now being driven forward and expanded. Prof. Huiling Duan is a Boya Chair Professor and the Dean of the College of Engineering at Peking University, a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, a fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). Her main research interests lie in interface mechanics and fluid-structure interaction mechanics. She published more than 240 peer-reviewed papers in Nature Commun., Science Advances, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., Phys. Rev. Lett., etc. Beside the Humboldt Research Award of Germany she has received prestigious awards including the second prize of the State Natural Science Award, National Innovation Award of China, National Outstanding Young Scholar of China National Outstanding Young Female Scientist of China, etc. Currently, she serves as Member of the International Union of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (IUTAM) Symposia Panel for Solid Mechanics, Executive Member of Global Engineering Deans Council. |
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Announcements from 2024
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December 2024: Jörg Schröder in a WDR Interview Supercomputer coming to DuisburgThe WDR Lokalzeit Duisburg program reported on the inauguration of the new high-performance computer, amplitUDE, on December 2, 2024. In the data center, Dr. Dominik Brands demonstrated some of the new system’s technical features. Afterward, Prof. Dr. Jörg Schröder appeared as a studio guest to answer questions. He vividly illustrated the system’s capabilities and explained the importance of amplitUDE for researchers at the UDE. |
December 2024: Inauguration of the amplitUDE Supercomputer New High-Performance Computer for the UDEOn December 2, 2024, the Center for Computational Sciences and Simulation (CCSS) and the Center for Information and Media Services (ZIM), together with Ina Brandes, Minister of Culture and Science for the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, and UDE Rector Prof. Dr. Barbara Albert, inaugurated the new high-performance computer amplitUDE. Following welcoming remarks by the minister, the rector, and the manufacturer MEGWARE, Prof. Dr. Jörg Schröder, together with Prof. Dr. Pedro José Marrón, Vice Rector for Transfer, Innovation, and Digitalization, welcomed the participants to a series of exciting scientific presentations on high-performance computing. The system was secured through a major equipment grant application for more than 7 million euros submitted to the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) in collaboration between CCSS and ZIM, coordinated by the principal applicant, Prof. Dr. Jörg Schröder. This success was made possible above all by the close cooperation of several UDE researchers from the STEM faculties under the umbrella of the CCSS. |
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October 2024: Dies Academicus 2024 Honoring Sonja HellebrandAs part of the University of Duisburg-Essen’s Dies Academicus 2024, the outstanding achievements of graduates from all faculties were honored on October 29, 2024. On behalf of the Faculty of Engineering, Dr. Sonja Hellebrand’s dissertation, titled “Numerical Simulation of Microstructural Residual Stresses in Hot Bulk-Formed Parts with Targeted Cooling,” was recognized. |
October 2024: Doctoral Dissertation by Mr. Mohammad Sarhil Congratulations, Mahammad SarhilOn October 14, 2024, Mr. Mohammad Sarhil defended his dissertation titled “On the Finite Element Realization, Boundary Conditions, and Parameter Identification of the Relaxed Micromorphic Model.” He successfully earned his doctorate under the chairmanship of Prof. Dr.-Ing. Renatus Widmann, together with the reviewers Prof. Dr. Jörg Schröder, Prof. Dr. Patrizio Neff, Jun.-Prof. Dr. Lisa Scheunemann, and Prof. Dr. Matti Schneider, and the examiners Prof. Dr. Carolin Birk and Prof. Dr. André Niemann. We wish Dr. Mohammad Sarhil all the best for the future. |
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October 2024: Doctoral Dissertation by Ms. Julia Nicolina Sunten Congratulations, Julia SuntenOn October 7, 2024, Ms. Julia Nicolina Sunten defended her dissertation, “Dynamic TPM Models for Mass Transport in Elastoplastic Soil.” She successfully defended her dissertation under the chairmanship of Adjunct Professor Dr. Vladimir V. Shvartsman, together with the reviewers Prof. Dr. Jörg Schröder and Prof. Dr. Tim Ricken, and the examiners Prof. Dr. Doru Lupascu and Prof. Dr. Eugen Perau. We wish Dr. Julia Nicolina Sunten all the best for the future. |
July 2024: 16th WCCM and 4th PANACM WCCM - PANACM 2024The 16th World Congress on Computational Mechanics and 4th Pan American Congress on Computational Mechanics took place in Vancouver (Canada) from 21 to 26 July 2024 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. The Institute of Mechanics was able to present its current research results to a broad specialist audience with four lectures. In addition, Prof. Dr Jörg Schröder organised the mini-symposium Advanced materials and smart structures: Modelling, simulation and testing together with Prof. Dr Michael Kaliske (TU Dresden, Germany). |
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June 2024: 27th CISM-IUTAM 27th CISM-IUTAM International Summer SchoolMulti-Field Problems Across Diffrent Scales- Materials for the Development of Green Technologies he 27th CISM-IUTAM International Summer School on ‘Multi-Field Problems Across Different Scales - Materials for the Development of Green Technologies’ was held at the International Centre for Mechanical Sciences (CISM) in Udine, Italy, from 24-28 June 2024 under the direction of Prof. Dr Michele Marino and Prof. Dr Jörg Schröder. In addition to the lectures by the course leaders, participants were able to attend lectures by Prof Dr Vikram Deshpande, Prof Dr Laurent Stainier, Prof Dr Heiko Wende and Prof Dr Hongbin Zhang. Institute members Dr Maximilian Reichel and Usama Ashfaq were also among the participants. |
June 2024: Doctoral Dissertation by Mr. Serdar Serdas Congratulations, Serdar SerdasOn 12 June 2024, the defence of the dissertation "Modeling of the actuation and sensing behavior of an ionic polymer-metal composite within the framework of the Theory of Porous Media" by Mr Serdar Serdas took place. He was successfully awarded his doctorate under the chairmanship of Prof Dr Jörg Schröder together with the reviewers Prof Dr Joachim Bluhm and Prof Dr Bernd Markert and the examiners Prof Dr Doru Lupascu and Prof Dr Eugen Perau. We wish Dr Serdas Serdas all the best for the future.
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June 2024: 9th ECCOMAS 2024 ECCOMAS 2024
9th European Congress on Computational Methods in Applied Sciences and Engineering The 9th European Congress on Computational Methods in Applied Sciences and Engineering took place in Lisbon (Portugal) from 3 to 7 June 2024 at the Lisbon Congress Centre. The Institute of Mechanics presented the latest results from ongoing research activities to an international audience of experts in five presentations. |
June 2024: 94th Annual Conference GAMM 2024The annual conference of the 94th Annual Meeting of the International Association of Applied Mathematics and Mechanics (GAMM 2024), which took place at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg from 18 to 22 March 2024, came to a successful conclusion. The Institute of Mechanics presented a whole range of current research work. A total of 6 lectures were held: Experienced scientists as well as young PhD students presented new scientific developments of the institute. See you next year at the GAMM annual conference in Poznan in neighbouring Poland! |
Announcements from 2022
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September 2022: 9. GACM Colloquium on Computational Mechanics 2022 GACM ColloquiumColloquium Chairpersons The 9th GACM Colloquium on Computational Mechanics for Young Scientists from Academia and Industry will take place from 21st to 23rd September 2022 in Essen, Germany. The colloquium is jointly hosted by the Institute of Structural Analysis of Plates and Shells and the Institute of Mechanics at the University of Duisburg-Essen. The GACM Colloquium is a biennial conference that brings together young researchers in the field of computational mechanics. This event provides excellent opportunities for students and postdocs to present their work, acquire new knowledge in the field of numerical modeling in engineering and science, and to establish a network of colleagues and peers. The colloquium consists of mini-symposia — organized by selected young scientists — as well as a poster session and several plenary lectures. We are pleased to announce the plenary lectures given by Prof. Swantje Bargmann (BU Wuppertal), Prof. Laura De Lorenzis (TU Braunschweig), Prof. Marc-André Keip (U Stuttgart) and Prof. Otto von Estorff (TU Hamburg). We would like to invite you to attend the 9th GACM Colloquium. Detailed information will be announced here soon. |
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Announcements from 2020
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February 2020 : Kevelaer Rectory Work Group Seminar KevelaerFrom 3rd to 6th February 2020 our annual work group seminar took place in the Priest House Kevelaer. Together with colleagues from mathematics at the University of Cologne, mathematics at the Freiberg University of Mining and Technology and mechanics at the Ruhr-University Bochum we met to give lectures and present posters. The seventh working group seminar was a great success with many fruitful discussions and an intensive exchange between the groups.
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January 2020: Summer School in Kapstadt Summer School in KapstadtWhat effects does climate change have on the ice masses in the marginal ice zone of the Antarctic and on which topics are currently being researched in the Antarctic? In order to answer these and other questions about the Antarctic and to give students from different countries the opportunity to better study the conditions in the Antarctic, an international Summer School was held at the UCT Cape Town from 22-28 January. Students and lecturers from the University of Duisburg-Essen were among the participants. The event was organized in cooperation between the University of Uppsala and the University of Cape Town. The progress of climate change in the Arctic is widely reported in the media. Everybody knows the pictures of ice masses breaking and falling into the water at the North Pole, but what is the situation in the southern hemisphere? The Summer School in Cape Town gave 22 participants the opportunity to get to the bottom of these and other questions. The students had the opportunity to compare the differences in conditions between the Arctic and Antarctic. Over five days, insights were provided into important topics that are necessary to understand the marginal ice zone of the Antarctic. The Marginal Ice Zone is the transition between the open ocean and a closed ice cover. Topics included climate models, the interaction of ocean, ice, and atmosphere, large and small scale simulations of sea ice dynamics, sea ice growth, predictions of iron development and algae growth. The different thematic blocks made it clear that these cannot be considered in isolation from each other, as each thematic area has complex interactions with the others. After the theories of the different areas were presented in the morning, in the afternoon there was the opportunity to do research on small projects. A highlight was the hands-on in the polar laboratory of the University of Cape Town. The students measured temperature profiles and the elasticity modulus of the ice samples. The determined modulus of elasticity, which indicates the stiffness of a material, is necessary, among other things, to assess and simulate large ice fields in Antarctica. The Summer School builds on the existing cooperation between the participating universities, in the context of which researchers from the University of Duisburg-Essen have already participated twice in expeditions to the marginal ice zone of Antarctica. "We are pleased about the good cooperation with the University of Cape Town", said Professor of the Institute of Mechanics, Jörg Schröder. His colleague and head of the Institute of Materials Science Doru C. Lupascu added: "The Summer School offered students and lecturers the opportunity to intensively exchange views on Antarctic research across the continents". |
Announcements from 2019
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August 2019 AGYA Summer School in Hebron and BethlehemFrom 17 to 22 August 2019 Dr.-Ing. Lisa Scheunemann and Dr.-Ing. Alexander Schwarz were invited as lecturers at the AGYA Summer School in "Numerical Simulations" at the Palestine Polytechnic University in Hebron in the West Bank. The twelve courses consisting of lectures and programming exercises covered the basics of the Finite Element Method. The Summer School equips students from different disciplines such as Math, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental, Health and Aerospace Engineering with know-how on the topics of continuum mechanics, numerical methods for solids and fluids, iterative solvers and error estimates. The event is organized by the Arab-German Young Academy of Sciences and Humanities (AGYA) in cooperation with Palestine Polytechnic University (PPU), Bethlehem University (BU), and Palestine Academy for Science and Technology (PALAST). |
July through August 2019 Scientists on their way to the Antarctic ice
SCALE Winter Cruise 2019: A Journey into the Antarctic Sea Ice The scientists Dr.-Ing. Tommy Mielke, Felix Paul, B.Sc. from the Institute of Material Sciences, as well as Prof. Jörg Schröder and Dr.-Ing. Carina Nisters from the Institute of Mechanics were part of an interdisciplinary project funded by the SA National Antarctic Project (Southern Ocean Seasonal Experiment – SCALE) to investigate the conditions in the Antarctic region in particular during the winter months. The Earth's polar regions are covered by sea ice, which is driven by atmospheric movements, wave movements and ocean currents and is subject to constant dynamics. Sea ice plays an important role in determining the polar climate and is believed to have a significant impact on the global climate. The forces within the agglomerate of the ice lead to the formation of pancake ice. The exploration of this region is an important task for many scientific and engineering disciplines. The multidisciplinary research project of the Cruise was led by Professor Marcello Vichi, the director of the Department of Oceanography at University of Cape Town (UCT), and included 17 different research groups with different research interests in biology, chemistry and engineering. The Sea-Ice team led by Professor Sebastian Skatulla (UCT) was one of the research teams. The Sea-Ice group successfully took cores from both consolidated and pancake ice. These cores are used to determine the physical and mechanical properties of the ice. Strength tests, tests of thermal conductivity and salt content as well as hardness tests were carried out. In addition, samples of the so-called frazil ice were taken using equipment specially designed for this expedition. Frazil ice is a mixture of ocean salt water and the first crystalline structures of ice between the ice floes. In addition to salt content and temperature, viscosity was measured for this mixture. Electro engineers were also part of the Sea Ice team, who measured the movements of the ice floes using buoys. Another project was the observation of sea ice movements to define the limits of the MIZ. |
Announcements from 2015
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January 2015 Leading Brazilian Researcher VisitsTwo women researchers and six male colleagues will receive this year’s Georg Forster Research Awards, granted by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. The award targets research personalities from transition and developing countries whose research to date has earned them international visibility whilst seeking to help solve development-related issues. The award winners are invited to spend time in Germany establishing and building collaborations with colleagues here. Valued at 60,000 EUR each, the research awards are financed by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development One of the award winners, Paulo De Mattos Pimenta (60), will be a frequently scientific visitor at the Institute of Mechanics in the coming years. His first stay at the institute will be in March/April 2015. The Brazilian, who is actually a professor at the Universidade de São Paulo, is considered a pioneer of computational mechanics, working in strongly practice-related fields. He has developed methods of numerical analysis for numerous engineering projects in Brazil, including the construction of the Brasilia National Stadium for the 2014 World Cup. De Mattos Pimenta, who holds a professorship at the University of São Paulo, aims to strengthen long-term cooperation with the Institute of Mechanics at the University of Duisburg-Essen. (Source: http://www.humboldt-foundation.de/web/Pressemitteilung-2014-36.html) Press release of the UDE in the WAZ (6.1.2015) |
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