Overview

Reliability is the probability that a product, under given functional and environmental conditions, will not fail over the course of a defined period of time. With corresponding methods of analysis, the reliability can be predicted and existing weaknesses can be recognized. For the quantitative recording of reliability, methods of probability and statistics, such as lifetime distribution, failure models, lifetime testing and failure data, can be used.

Reliability in Mechanical Engineering

“Reliability engineering” encompasses the systematic application of methods of reliability analysis and evaluation over the entire product lifecycle in order to ensure system reliability. It describes the reliability, functional reliability, availability and serviceability of an interrelated set of technical elements. Ever more complex technical products (modern motor vehicles, airplanes, many medical devices and also smart systems) are expected to increase reliability as well as increased performance. The methods of “Reliability Engineering” serve to identify and eliminate weaknesses (qualitative) and to predict the expected reliability (quantitative).

Introduction to the Methods of Reliability Engineering

The goal of this lecture is to introduce graduate students of mechanical engineering to the behaviour of components, which can be dependent upon design, manufacture, operational stress (with constant or varying amplitudes), and material.

Operational Stability

The lecture “Machine Acoustics – Fundamentals” spans two semesters.

For the B.Sc. degree, only the first semester is required. This first semester is part of Elective Area A (application oriented subjects) with 4 CP. The second semester is part of Elective Area C with 4 CP. Future lecture and recitation times will be decided in the first lecture.

Machine Acoustics – Fundamentals

This course introduces the fundamental rules of acoustical design. The theoretical basics of acoustics are briefly introduced and illustrated by means of illustrative examples. Based on this, the methodology of design for acoustics in product development is explained. Finally, primary and secondary measures for noise reduction are presented and illustrated by means of examples and case studies.

Design for Acoustics

This course is concerned with different methods for modeling techniques in machine acoustics. First, a fundamental model concept is developed. Then, different models for the modeling of machine acoustic problems are discussed, whereby the fundamental equation of machine acoustics serves as a guide. Special topics of modeling are to be linked to current research topics of the SAM department.

Modeling Techniques in Machine Acoustics

Adaptronics describes the technological field for the creation of a class of intelligent structures and is one of the most promising technological fields worldwide. Like mechatronics, adaptronics forms a connection between electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and information technology. Controllers, sensors, and power electronics, in addition to the structure and actuator technology, make up the essential components of an adaptive system. In this lecture, the fundamentals as well as the outlook and application possibilities for adaptronics are discussed.

Fundamentals of Adaptronics

Content:

• definitions
• multipurpose materials
• piezoceramics
• shape-memory alloys
• polymer-based transducer materials
• additional transducer materials
• actuator principles
• sensors
• applications

Actuator Materials and Principles