Mechanics
Welcome to the Institute of Mechanics
WINTER TERM 2026/27
The overview of the modules in Winter Term 2026/27 including the moodle courses can be found in the teaching section.
The field of activity of the Institute of Mechanics is the theoretical and computer-based mechanics. Thereby, aspects of material modeling and the further development of the Finite Element Method are the main focus. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jörg Schröder and his employees offer teaching of engineering mechanics 1-3, continuum mechanics, theory of materials as well as the linear and non-linear finite element method. teaching
Several projects founded by the DFG enable a wide networking regarding the research: The project "Parallel simulations of arterial walls: continuum mechanical modelling and numerical solution using FETI domain decomposition" is elaborated in cooperation with the faculty of medicine and the chair of numerical mathematics. The project "Statistically similar representative microstructures in elasto-plasticity" is realized within the DFG research group "Analysis and computation of microstructure in finite plasticity" (FG797). Further projects are "Construction and analysis of anisotropic polyconvex energy functions" and "Freezing and thawing of saturated porus media". The institute has successfully applied phenomenological material models for the macroscopic description of dual-phase steels to different sheet metal forming problems. Beyond that the research in the field of functional materials like piezoelectrica and ferroelectrica (FG 1509) are current topics as well as the development of new mixed finite elements or improved least-squares finite element. Research
Announcements
September 2026: Xi'an Jiaotong University
At the invitation of the State Key Laboratory for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, Prof. Schröder visited the renowned Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU) in Shaanxi for a research stay. The focus of this interinstitutional exchange was the scientific examination of current challenges in coupled magneto-electro-mechanical systems. In this context, he presented key research findings and discussed forward-looking methodological approaches with local experts.
Academic Exchange in China 2026
His technical presentation focused on the research topic: “Magnetic-electrical-mechanical coupled problems: Algorithmic scale-bridging with the FE² method”
The presentation specifically highlighted innovative approaches to the algorithmic bridging of different length scales based on the FE² method. In addition, current scientific challenges in the modeling and numerical treatment of multiphysical coupled systems were discussed. This academic exchange provided valuable insights for the further development of cross-scale simulation methods and their application to complex multiphysical problems.
The scientific exchange with Xi’an Jiaotong University underscores the high relevance of international research collaborations and interdisciplinary dialogue. At the same time, close networking with international scientists opens up important perspectives for further collaboration and the sustainable transfer of scientific knowledge.
We would like to extend our special thanks to the State Key Laboratory for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures at Xi’an Jiaotong University for the invitation, the stimulating professional dialogue, and the valuable scientific exchange.
July 2026: 16th International HPC Summer School
International HPC Summer School 2026
The 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 & Objectives
The 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 Program
The IHPCSS 2026 program was characterized by its diverse and challenging focus. The program centered on:
- Parallel Programming: In-depth training on modern methods of parallel data processing, with a particular emphasis on current architectures and algorithms.
- GPU Programming: Practical and theoretical insights into the optimization of applications for graphics processing units (GPUs), which play a central role in accelerating scientific computations.
- Scientific Visualization: Teaching advanced techniques for visualizing complex datasets and simulations to improve the interpretation and analysis of scientific results.
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 & Networking
A 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 ECCOMAS 2026
17th 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 Centre, Messe München, from 19 to 24 July 2026. The Institute of Mechanics presented the latest results of its scientific research in nine talks. 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 entitled “Computational Scale Bridging in Materials and Structures”.
January 2025: Prof. Huiling Duan, Ph.D.
Visit by the AvH Research Prize Winner
In 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.
Related Links to our Research Activities
- DFG-Forschergruppe 1509 "Ferroische Funktionsmaterialien - Mehrskalige Modellierung und experimentelle Charakterisierung"
- DFG Schwerpunktprogramm (SPP) 1568 "Design and Generic Principles of Self-healing Materials"
- DFG Schwerpunktprogramm (SPP) 1648 "Software for Exascale Computing" (SPPEXA)
- DFG Schwerpunktprogramm (SPP) 1748 "Reliable Simulation Techniques in Solid Mechanics. Development of Non-standard Discretization Methods, Mechanical and Mathematical Analysis "
- DFG Schwerpunktprogramm (SPP) 2013 "Gezielte Nutzung umformtechnisch induzierter Eigenspannungen in metallischen Bauteilen"
- DFG Schwerpunktprogramm (SPP) 2020 "Zyklische Schädigungsprozesse in Hochleistungsbetonen im Experimental-Virtual-Lab"
- Förderung des individuellen Lernerfolgs mittels digitaler Medien im Bauingenieurstudium – FUNDAMENT
Contact
Address
Institut für Mechanik
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jörg Schröder
Universitätsstraße 2
45141 Essen
Visiting Address
Institut für Mechanik
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jörg Schröder
Raum V15 S06 D12
Universitätsstraße 15
45141 Essen