Research Training Group 2430: Interactive Fiber Rubber Composites

Dresden researchers want to generate an innovative class of materials within the Research Training Group 2430 "Interactive Fiber Rubber Composites" (I-FRC), i.e. fiber-reinforced composite materials including structurally integrated actuator and sensor networks. It is aimed at the simulation-based development of smart material combinations to create so-called self-sufficient fibre rubber composites. For this purpose, actuators and sensors are directly integrated into these structures instead of adding them subsequently. Hence, systems become more robust and complex deformation patterns can be specifically adjusted, whereas these change are produced in a reversible and contactless manner.

Fiber-reinforced composites are increasingly used for moving components due to their high specific stiffness and potential in terms of the customized modification of properties. As adaptive functionalities are directily integrated into these innovative materials, the need for subsequent actuator placement is eliminated, and the system robustness is significantly enhanced. Textile-based actuators and sensors represent a particularly promising approach because they can be intregrated into fiber-reinforced composites during the manufacturing process.

The innovative feature of this project lies in the generation and scientific permeation of Interactive Fiber Rubber Composites (I-FRC), a materials class that is not yet available and characterized by structure-integrated actuator and sensor networks. Their development will, for example, allow for the reversible and contactless adjustment of geometric degrees of deformation for mechanical components; thus, various environmental requirements can be met in a quick and precise manner.

Due to their innovative properties, Interactive Fiber Rubber Composites are suitable for numerous fields of application, such as mechanical engineering, vehicle construction, robotics, architecture, orthotics, and prosthetics. Potential applications include their use in systems for precise gripping and transportation processes (e.g. hand prostheses, automated lids, shapeable membranes) and structural components (e.g. trim tabs for ground- and watercraft).

This RTG has an interdisciplinary focus and four main cross-scale research topics, ranging from molecular to system level:

• Material development (textile/rubber),
• modeling and simulation,
• control theory and
• system development and characterization.

Within the upcoming 4.5 years,  equipment and material in addition to PhD students will be funded, who will participate in 11 interdisciplinary subprojects.