Simulation Technology - Bachelor's study program

What I particularly appreciated about the SimTech program was the camaraderie within the small, closely connected department. Whether it was lectures, exams, or just everyday university life – I could always rely on my fellow students.

Research or industry? Both sectors were always open to me, and I could explore many different subject areas. Instead of continuing to research innovative mathematical solvers at the university, I now experience how simulations are applied in industry.

At ZF LIFETEC, I now use simulations to ensure the best possible protection for vehicle occupants. Specifically, I use FEM simulation software to digitally recreate typical accident scenarios in a cost-effective and injury-free way. In the process, I quickly realized how carefully thought-out and detailed safety systems need to be. Not all seatbelts are the same, and not all airbags are the same –everything must be perfectly tailored to each vehicle to save lives in an emergency.

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I work in a fully digital department in powertrain development. With our simulations, we support engine development from the concept phase to series production readiness. I myself am part of a mechanics team that is responsible for validating dynamics through simulations.

I have fond memories of my time studying SimTech. You learn the tools to quickly get up to speed on technically challenging topics. The program also has other great aspects: For example, my mentor supported me in studying abroad for two semesters. The small number of students fosters a strong sense of community, allowing for collaborative learning and project work.

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In my research project at the Institute for Structural Mechanics, I am working on enabling more precise and at the same time efficient simulations of sheet metal forming processes. Among other things, this is relevant for the production of automotive components. In this process, questions from engineering, mathematics, and computer science play a role. The project participants come from different fields, such as engineers and software developers. The interdisciplinary focus of the SimTech program helps me understand the different technical languages, communicate with experts from various fields, and find cross-disciplinary solutions.

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My role as a development engineer is to improve products and processes through the application of machine learning methods. For example, I work on the early detection of mechanical wear in our products: Faults should be identified early and components maintained efficiently.

Through studying Simulation Technology, I have acquired a solid foundation in mathematics. I need this to abstract the technical relationships and find appropriate solutions. The broad foundational knowledge from lectures in engineering and natural sciences helps me quickly understand new applications of machine learning. I also appreciate the large elective component of this program, which allows all students to deepen their knowledge according to their personal interests.

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During my studies, I learned to describe and simulate various physical phenomena using mathematical models. Currently, I am researching how uncertainties or missing measurement data can be represented in these models. The interdisciplinary focus of the SimTech program is particularly helpful to me in this regard. Because each simulation application places different demands on such models. To use these models in simulations, new methods for efficient computation must then be developed.