Fluids & Mechanics

Gas engines are a reliable means of producing electricity and heat from combustible gases. Large-scale gas engines have now become leaner (λ> 1), especially as they enable low-emission operation with regard to both nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide emissions. To increase the thermal efficiency of a fast combustion and high compression ratios are sought. The former can be increased for example by a targeted charge movement, i.e. the movement of the fuel-air mixture in the cylinder. This increase in turbulence and the increased pressures associated with the lean mixture, however, require increased ignition voltage and extended spark duration of the spark plug in these engines. In addition, a distraction of the spark is observed. The cause of this spark deflection is currently not completely clear, but could be due for example to external flow or electrochemical effects. Shortened life of these ignition devices is evident from the above-mentioned points of view, and thus research and ultimately adaptation or optimization are urgently needed.

During the production of motorcycle engines, these are filled after completion with engine oil, which is discharged after a subsequent test run again. The reason for this procedure lies in the fact that at first start a considerable amount of metal abrasion and foreign matter from the production of engine oil are flushed out of the engine and this is therefore no longer suitable for further use. For economic as well as ecological aspects, the drained engine oil is collected and regenerated for reuse. In addition to the entry of solids, which can be separated by mechanical separation (filtration) efficiently, the production-related entry of water-containing coolant is another source that can lead to an impairment of the lubricant quality. As part of the research activities, a process engineering optimization of this oil treatment is carried out.

The layer structure of a modern alpine ski is made up of a wide variety of materials with very different deformation behavior. The flexural and torsional stiffness of the ski are particularly important for the handling characteristics. As part of this project, the mechanical properties of all materials are determined experimentally and then appropriate mechanical models for predicting the bending and torsional stiffness are developed. In the medium term, optimizations should be carried out with the help of these models in order to meet customer requirements. This project is carried out in cooperation with HEAD Sport GmbH in Kennelbach.

Development of a demonstration plant for the treatment of low-caloric waste as substrate for use in the fermentation process of wastewater treatment plants for Abfallwirtschaft Tirol Mitte GmbH.

Empirical investigation to develop and optimize the prefiltration system of an existing LIEBHERR bulldozer PR736. Field test to determine an optimized prefiltration system to increase the filter life and readiness of the bulldozer.

Scientific monitoring of the development of a test system for reproducible measurement of the granular moisture of grinding wheel mixtures for Tyrolit - Schleifmittelwerke Swarovski K.G.

The aim of the planned research activities is the development of a new semi-ceramic material for an electrically heated catalyst support. Unlike heaters already on the market, the direct introduction of heat into the catalyst offers an advantage in response. The second advantage is the high heat capacity of the ceramic base material, which, as soon as the catalyst is at operating temperature, prevents too rapid cooling.

Evaluation and optimisation of the pre-filtration process to increase the service life of a downstream filter element, by developing/testing an alternative separation concept for PRINOTH AG

Construction of a research laboratory for the development of feasibility studies and prototype implementation of innovative product concepts and process technologies for applications in the production, operation and maintenance of road marking and boundary elements for SWARCO GmbH.

When a machine is built, a large number of load cases and scenarios need to be examined through numerical analysis beforehand. However, these simulations are usually limited to individual components and are not able to portray their complex interactions. Consequently, unexpected and unwanted phenomena occur, especially if multiple physical domains are involved. A "digital twin", however, serves as a virtual counterpart of the entire machine. It allows a complete depiction of the machine and its simulation with different levels of detail, depending on its resources. In particular, the "digital twin" should be able to display multiphysical interactions, which appear in recent developments, such as multivariable control, autonomous driving and predictive maintenance. This project is supported by the Tyrolean Government.

In the field of special machines, which operate in the field of agriculture with very high dust concentrations in the ambient air, two-stage filters are used. To increase the service life similar to the industrial application, re-purifying filter systems are expedient. The objective of this project is to investigate the mechanisms for re-purification in a mobile application with the aim of the best possible service life and clean air quality.