THE Research group AT A GLANCE
Welcome to the webpage of the research group for Mechanical Process Engineering.
Mechanical Process Engineering is a highly interdisciplinary field, which combines science and engineering for finding solutions in particle technology. We focus on the structure-property relationships for particle-based materials and products as well as the characterisation of particle systems for defined purposes, such as quality control, product design, process control, health and safety issues or regulatory requests. We develop sensors for inline and online characterisation, find optimum procedures and techniques for specific analytical tasks and are involved in international standardisatin activities.
Who we are
The research group Mechanical Process Engineering at TU Dresden, which is run by Prof. Dr. Ing. habil. Michael Stintz, comprises three engineers with a doctoral degree, doctoral students and DAAD scholars (spring 2016: 7) as well as two scientific-technical staff members. We are supported by our student assistants, by students writing assignments and students preparing their diploma theses.
Our scientific and academic activities aim at the characterisation, modification and handling of disperse sets of compounds. In particular, we deal with dispersed colloidal suspension and emulsions as well as with aerosols. We examine questions regarding the connection between the geometric shape of fine particles and their physical properties (e.g. sink speed), their influence on the macroscopic behaviour (e.g. flow behaviour and stability), the modifications of these properties as well as their optimal metrological registration. For dispersed colloidal particle systems this also includes the analysis of interaction between particles.
Our expertise in the field of particle characterisation, which we have acquired and constantly extended over many years, is unique throughout Europe. This refers, on the one hand, to the natural handling of particle size distribution and the comprehensive knowledge of available measurement technology, and on the other hand to the development of online-capable particle sensors and methodological procedures for specific, i.e. product and technology relevant questions. The Centre for Particle Technology / Granulometry, which was established in 1979 (formerly: Methodical Diagnostic Centre “Granulometry”), is affiliated to our workgroup. As a scientific laboratory, it provides assistance to our doctoral students, students, project partners and guests with the production, handling and characterisation of disperse systems.