Lightweight Technology Center

The Lightweight Technology Center LTC at Fachhochschule Dortmund uses the finite element method (FEM) to analyse and optimize the strength, vibration, crash and flow behaviour of automotive engineering, mechanical engineering and civil engineering components. The focus of these activities is the lightweight development of vehicles and their components. Parameter, shape, topology and topography optimization are used here. In addition to commercial CAD and FEM software (CATIA, Creo, SOLIDWORKS, HyperWorks, NASTRAN, PERMAS), the in-house developed FEM system OPIUM and a rapid prototyping machine are also used. The research focus is on the development of the lightweight vehicle eLTeC from the idea to the ready-to-run prototype. Recumbent tricycles, e-bikes, e-trikes, a class L2e electric city vehicle and a type B e-kart made of steel, aluminum, GFRP and CFRP are available for testing purposes.

PCs, 3D printers, fuel cells, vehicle technology exhibits, lightweight vehicles, FEM systems, CAD systems

Development of lightweight construction concepts

• Advice and support for lightweight construction projects
• Structural optimization (parameter, shape, topology and topography optimization)
• Optimization of fibre composite structures made of GRP and CFRP
• Carrying out all types of FEM calculations
• FEM training (HyperWorks, Femap)
• Advice on the specific selection of FEM systems
• Prototype production using the rapid prototyping process
• Development of lightweight vehicles
• Advice on the use of electric vehicles
• Use of fuel cells as range extenders for electric vehicles
• Answering questions on statics, strength calculations and dynamics

Advice and assistance in the implementation of these services is offered for all of the above points.