The Graz Center of Computational Engineering (GCCE) unites the expertise of 10 different institutes from 5 faculties of Graz University of Technology. By clicking on the symbols above, you can find out more about the corresponding GCCE members.

Institute of Applied Mathematics

Faculty: Mathematics, Physics and Geodesy
Head: Univ.-Prof. Dipl.-Math. Dr.rer.nat. Olaf Steinbach
Address: Steyrergasse 30/III, 8010 Graz
Phone: +43 316 873 8121
E-mail: barbara.poeltlnoSpam@tugraz.at

The Institute of Applied Mathematics offers a variety of courses on analysis and numerics of partial differential equations. These courses are targeted at students from Mathematics as well as Physics, Biomedical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, and Mechanical Engineering.  Subjects covered by the institute are optimization, calculus of variations, analysis, numerical mathematics, and numerical physics. Research topics include

• Finite element methods and boundary element methods, parallel solution methods
• Optimization with partial differential equations
• Analysis and numerics of eigenvalue problems
• Spectral theory of partial differential equations
• Applications in natural and engineering sciences as well as in industry

Further information: Homepage, Courses, Research

Institute of Applied Mechanics

Faculty: Civil Engineering
Head: Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Martin Schanz
Address: Technikerstraße 4/II, 8010 Graz
Phone:+ 43 316 873 7640
E-mail: iamnoSpam@tugraz.at

The Institute of Applied Mechanics is responsible for the basic mechanics education for Civil Engineering Sciences, Electrical Engineering, Chemical and Process Engineering and Technomathematics. Additionally, advanced lectures on continuum mechanics, theory of materials, multibody dynamics, systems of nonlinear equations, and boundary element methods are offered. The research topics addressed at the institute are:

• Numerical simulation of wave propagation phenomena (poroelastic boundary element methods (BEM), iterative/Mortar coupling FEM/BEM, infinite poroelastic FEM)
• Material modeling (granular materials, geo-synthetics, auxetic material behavior, homogenization)
• Dynamics and optimization (minimization of friction losses (ViF), multibody dynamics)

From a computational point of view, the research focus is on the finite element method and the boundary element method. In particular, the numerics of time-dependent boundary element methods (Galerkin-method, effective coupling, etc.) are studied and improved for the process of wave propagation. The corresponding algorithms are implemented in the software library of the institute called HyENA (Hyperbolic and Elliptic Numerical Analysis).

Further information: Homepage, Courses, Research, Software

Institute of Structural Analysis

Faculty: Civil Engineering
Head: Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Thomas-Peter Fries
Address:Lessingstraße 25/II, 8010 Graz
Phone: +43 316 873 6181
E-mail: ifbnoSpam@tugraz.at

The Institute of Structural Analysis plays a central role in the education of civil engineers; almost all structural disciplines such as timber engineering, steel structures, and concrete construction rely on concepts from structural analysis. The courses offered by the institute cover the whole span from conventional calculations to computer-based simulation methods such as the finite element method. Research at the institute has its focus on simulations in fluid and structure mechanics. The fields of application can be summarized as follows:

• Solid mechanics: fracture mechanics, bio mechanics, general structure mechanics
• Fluid mechanics: two-phase flows, free-surface flows, fluid-structure interaction
• Geosciences: tunneling, hydraulic fracturing

In most applications, interfaces play a central role. They occur in the context of crack simulations, multi-field problems (e.g., two-phase flows), and multi-physics problems (e.g., fluid-structure-interaction) just to name a few. Dealing with interfaces poses various challenges to simulation schemes and requires innovative and advanced approaches. The institute works on various different numerical methods (FEM, XFEM, isogeometric analysis, fictitious domain methods, meshfree methods, BEM) and the developed software libraries are used for research as well as teaching purposes.

Further information: Homepage, Courses, Research, Software

Institute of Biomechanics

Faculty: Computer Science and Biomedical Engineering
Head: Univ.-Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr.techn. Gerhard A. Holzapfel
Address: Stremayrgasse 16/II, 8010 Graz
Phone: +43 316 873 35501
E-mail: bettina.strametznoSpam@tugraz.at

The courses offered by the Institute of Biomechanics provide a wide range of biomechanical subjects for Biomechanical Engineering, Mathematics, and Advanced Materials Science students. The topics cover fundamental theories of constitutive modeling, biomechanics, and mechanobiology as well as simulations by means of numerical methods. For instance, courses address the mechanics of biological tissues, the experimental investigation of the related properties, and the implementation of the corresponding mathematical models in simulation packages. These topics play also a central role in the research activities of the institute which include

• computational modeling of vesicle-mediated cell transport,
• multiscale biomechanical investigation of human aortas, and
• mathematical modeling and computer simulation of aortic dissection.

In order to address these issues, biomedical investigations and mechano-mathematical models are combined with highly efficient numerical methods, novel multiscale constitutive models that incorporate nanoscale, microscale and macroscale mechanisms are derived, and predictive models for patient-specific simulations are developed. On the computational side, the institute applies and develops numerical methods for solid mechanics, fluid-structure interaction, nonlinear finite element analysis, and multiscale modeling. The developed constitutive models are implemented in well-established software packages such as FEAP and Abaqus in order to ensure an effective treatment of the problems.

Further information: Homepage, Courses, Research

Electric Drives and Power Electronic Systems

Faculty: Electrical and Information Engineering
Head: Univ.-Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr. sc. ETH Michael Hartmann
Address: Inffeldgasse 18/I, 8010 Graz
Phone: + 43 316 873 7241
E-Mail: liane.hochgatterernoSpam@tugraz.at

The Electric Drives and Power Electronic Systems Institue provides basic and advanced courses in electric machines, e.g. a direct current (dc) machines, synchronous machines, asynchronous machines and rotating field machines, and electric drives. After absolving the courses, the students are able to explain the construction, the classification and the characteristics of the electric drives and machines and operate them.

The institute researches the analysis, dimensioning and optimization and investigation of different topologies in the following fields:

• Electric and Electromechanical Energy Converts
• Power electronics
• Integration of the above components into systems

This is applied in low cost electric dirves for consumer applications, magnetic material degradation due to different cutting techniques, thermal aspects of electric machine integration, large converter-fed generators and efficiency optimized control of electric drives to name a few examples.

Further information: Homepage, Courses, Research

Institute of Strength of Material

Faculty: Mechanical Engineering and Economic Sciences  
Head: Univ.-Prof. Dipl.-Math.techn. Dr.-Ing. Thomas Hochrainer
Address: Kopernikusgasse 24/I, 8010 Graz
Phone: +43 316 873 7166
E-mail: johanna.javurek-aberernoSpam@tugraz.at

The courses of the institute are targeted at students from Mechanical Engineering as well as Civil Engineering. Strength of materials is in the focus of the basic education. Advanced lectures address plasticity theory, elasticity theory, analytic solutions of 2d-structures (plates and shells), and operator calculus for engineers. Further topics provide insights into the finite element method and symbolic manipulations. Research activities at the institute investigate the enhancement of numerical methods in solid modeling and the development of multiscale constitutive models. The focus lies on

• theory of material (including thermodynamics) on a micro-, meso- and macro-level,
• numerical methods using classical finite element functions or wavelets, and
• symbolic computations for thermodynamic problems.

Applications include the simulation of damage and fracture related phenomena, and the investigation of anisotropic and rate-development (viscous) behavior of materials - in the elastic as well as in the inelastic state. Another topic is the realistic simulation of technological forming processes (e.g., rolling, forging, drawing, extruding).

Further information:  Homepage, Courses, Research, Facebook

Institute of Fundamentals and Theory in Electrical Engineering

Faculty: Electrical and Information Engineering
Head: Univ.-Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr.techn. Oszkár Bíró 
         Univ.-Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr.techn. Manfred Kaltenbacher 
Address: Inffeldgasse 18/I, 8010 Graz
Phone: +43 316 873 7251
E-mail: manuela.woecklnoSpam@tugraz.at

The Institute of Fundamentals and Theory in Electrical Engineering provides fundamental courses for Electrical Engineering, Audio Engineering, Space Sciences and Earth from Space, Biomedical Engineering, and Information and Computer Engineering. The theory and application of electric circuits and the treatment of electromagnetic fields are presented and parts of the lectures are currently implemented as multi-media courses, which will be disseminated via the World-Wide-Web.

The research activities at the institute include problems concerning the theory of electrical circuits and electromagnetic fields with a particular focus on:

• Numerical treatment of electromagnetic fields using the finite element methods (FEM) in order to
  • analyze radio interference radiation,
  • calculate nonlinear periodic field problems, and
  • simulate the motion induction.
• Optimization and inverse problemes
• Aero- and vibroacoustic

Examples of application of the approaches developed are the optimization of current sharing in high current transformers, the investigation of the behavior of cable shields, the localisation or sound sources or the sound propagation of a fan.

Further information: Homepage, Courses, Research

Institute of Theoretical and Computational Physics

Faculty: Mathematics, Physics and Geodesy
Head: Univ.-Prof. Dipl.-Phys. Dr.rer.nat. Wolfgang von der Linden 
Address: Petersgasse 16/II, 8010 Graz
Phone: +43 316 873 8171
E-mail: sekretariatnoSpam@itp.tugraz.at

Traditional topics of theoretical physics are in the focus of the courses offered by the institute. New initiatives are made to foster computer-based teaching tools. Students shall learn how to apply software packages and shall grasp the related numerical methods and computational simulations. Furthermore, it is envisaged to illustrate complex mathematical correlations and dynamic physical processes with the help of simulation-based visualizations. In addition, students can interactively perform virtual experiments to gain deeper insight into the courses' material. The Institute of Theoretical and Computational Physics is doing research in a variety of fields, and hosts working groups focusing on

• quantum many-body theory,
• computational material science, and
• theoretical plasma physics.

One key topic is condensed matter theory which addresses the study of novel materials used in modern structural components such as cuprates, manganates, and low-dimensional/nano-structured materials. Regarding plasma physics, attention is drawn to the simulation of the complex processes of high-dimensional systems. This includes problems of kinetic plasma theory as well as magnetohydrodynamics. From a methodological point of view, the institute focuses on computational physics. The numerical methods, which are intensively used and continuously enhanced, are: Monte-Carlo- and Quantum-Monte-Carlo-methods, exact diagonalization, Boltzmann-transport, and ab initio calculations.

Further information: Homepage, Courses, Research

Institute of Mechanics

Faculty: Mechanical Engineering and Economic Sciences
Head: Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Katrin Ellermann
Address: Kopernikusgasse 24/IV, 8010 Graz
Phone: +43 316 873 7141
E-mail: ifmnoSpam@tugraz.at

The Institute of Mechanics provides the basic education in mechanics, mechatronical systems, and multibody dynamics for students from Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics, and Biomedical Engineering. Advanced courses address nonlinear vibrations and topics on flight simulation. Experiments are used among other things to illustrate the content of the lectures in a compelling manner. Research activities at the institute are manifold and include the following fields:

• Multibody dynamics
• Nonlinear vibrations
• Dynamics of machinery
• Dynamics of vehicle systems
• Contact mechanics
• Mechatronics of vehicles
• Flight mechanics
• Flight simulation and robotics

The main objective is the development of fast algorithms to simulate large mechanical or mechatronical systems. Hence, the models employed should be as simple as possible and as accurate as necessary. To achieve an optimal balance, experimental investigations have to be carried out to examine special physical effects and to study the behavior of the real system. The laboratory of the institute  provides the facilities necessary for such experiments. Altogether, this allows the institute to connect theory, numerics, and physical testing.

Further information: Homepage, Courses, Research

Institute of Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer

Faculty: Mechanical Engineering and Economic Sciences
Head: Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Günter Brenn
Address: Inffeldgasse 25/F, 8010 Graz
Phone: +43 316 873 7341
E-mail: sekrnoSpam@fluidmech.tu-graz.ac.at

The institute is active in teaching and research in the fields of fluid mechanics and heat transfer. Teaching covers both theoretical methods and technical applications. Advanced courses are given on numerical and analytical methods in fluid mechanics and heat transfer and gas dynamics, as well as flow measuring techniques. For research, the institute is structured in four working groups:

• Transport processes and rheology
• Aerodynamics
• Modeling and numerical simulation
• Interfaces and milli-/micro-fluid mechanics

Research includes the formation and dynamics of multi-phase flows from complex liquids, the elongational rheometry of viscoelastic fluids, aerodynamics of vehicles and ski jumping, computation of turbulent flows with chemical reactions, heat transfer with phase change, particles at interfaces and the collision of liquid drops and jets. Direct collaboration with industrial partners is strongly emphasized. Among others, the institute has the following experimental facilities: two wind-tunnels, (optical and thermal) flow measuring devices, a parallel computer, and various laboratory equipment. Numerical simulations address problems from the formation of thin liquid films on rotating plates and flows with heat transfer at high Prandtl numbers, to incompressible external and internal flows, such as turbulent channel flows. Another emphasis lies on the modeling of heat transfer with flow boiling. The simulations are performed using in-house software tools as well as commercial packages. The results are validated by experimental data.

Further information: Homepage, Courses, Research