One application is a joint project with the Institut für Kunststofftechnik (IKT, in English: Plastics Technology) at the University of Stuttgart to develop a prototype for joining components using an additive friction stir welding process (“Prototype development of a convertible additive solid state joining technology for sustainable production in the future (InnoAdd)”). The aim is to improve the mechanical and optical properties of welds. In addition to aluminum alloys, fiber-reinforced plastics, which have high lightweight construction potential, can also be welded with significantly better properties.
Within the further approved application, a high-pressure hydrogen-capable measuring system for materials testing under static and dynamic stress is to be developed (“High-pressure hydrogen-capable measuring system for materials testing under static and dynamic stress (HoMeWeB)”). The end result will be a prototype that can greatly reduce measurement uncertainties and contribute to the sustainable and safe design of components, particularly in fuel cells, hydrogen storage systems and natural gas pipelines.
“Of course we are very proud to receive such a significant grant from the state, as this shows the innovation potential behind MPA's intensive research and development work,” said Prof. Stefan Weihe, MPA's Managing Director.
In a first funding round of the new format “Prototype Funding for Innovative Technologies”, conceived and implemented by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Science and Economics, 18 prototypes were selected and 6.3 million euros were made available from state and EU funds. A total of 77 projects competed for funding.
The new program is intended to bring research results and the resulting innovations into practice by demonstrating their commercialization potential with the prototypes to be developed.
There are open doctoral positions at the MPA in the subject area of the two approved projects as well as in other highly relevant technological and social topics such as e-mobility, safe energy generation and resource-efficient lightweight construction.
