Chair for Materials Science and Engineering
Institute for Materials • Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
Materials for Energy Systems
(Dr. rer. nat. Christoph Somsen)
This lecture deals with materials used in systems that ensure our energy supply. The lecture covers high-temperature materials for gas turbines in power plants, which in the future are needed as backup systems in an environment where renewable energy sources dominate. Selected material problems from renewable energy systems relying on wind energy and solar energy are discussed. The important materials properties governing the service life of high-temperature components are creep, high-temperature corrosion and high-temperature fatigue. Concerning wind energy, the processing and manufacturing of large wings and gear boxes are discussed, together with the elementary damage mechanisms governing the exploitable service life of these key components.
Solar energy material issues, starting from availability of strategic elements and manufacturing challenges. Factors that limit their service life are discussed. One objective of the lecture is to show that no matter which type of energy generation we consider, materials mechanics issues are of utmost importance.
The class takes place in the winter semester on Thursdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Lecture Announcement WS 2023/24:
Aushang_WDE_WS23_24.pdf
