Expert Group: Neutral Lightweight Engineering

In Neutral Lightweight Engineering, we conduct interdisciplinary research on sustainability-oriented topics in the context of lightweight engineering. To this end, we investigate product systems holistically and develop sustainable, application-oriented solutions at the interface of engineering, economics, environmental science and society. The following topics are addressed together with the other ILK research groups:

Sustainability-oriented development processes for lightweight systems
Circulation of lightweight materials
Resource-saving production technologies
Lightweight design with materials from renewable resources
Life cycle analyses of lightweight products and technologies

Our research group is guided by the ILK concept of Neutral Lightweight Engineering. Alongside the Economy, Efficiency and Functional lightweight classes, it aspires the holistic minimisation of the environmental footprint of a product system (see Figure 1). In addition to technical and economic criteria, Neutral Lightweight Engineering explicitly includes environmental requirements as development goals in the Engineering Design Process. Although practically not achievable, the positive vision of Neutral Lightweight Engineering is a resource-neutral circular economy.

Neutral Lightweight Engineering (green) as the fourth lightweight class.

These objectives result in four priority research and development tasks for us: First, a product development process must be designed and implemented that anticipates the entire life cycle of a lightweight product and considers environmental impacts during the development phase. This process must systematically lead to a product design that enables a long service life and subsequent recovery of the product-bound resources, while at the same time meeting the economic constraints in all life cycle phases. Secondly, technical materials must be developed and used that base on recycled materials and renewable bio-based materials. This is directly related to the third field of action for Neutral Lightweight Engineering: manufacturing technologies, which allow high-tech products made of sustainable materials with low resource consumption and minimal environmental impact. Finally and most important in Neutral Lightweight Engineering, the methodological expertise must be built up to forecast the effects of design, materials, technology and their interaction on the entire life cycle of the product, e.g. by means of life cycle analyses. To meet these four challenges, we also support the standardization of methods, technologies, materials and data.

In line with the UN's definition of sustainability, social aspects are also taken into account in Neutral Lightweight Engineering. In particular, the anticipation of possible rebound effects and the analysis of process networks and supply chains with regard to societal criteria and environmental standards play a role here.

With our research and development expertise, we aims to contribute to the following Sustainable Development Goals: