Controlling vibrations and acoustic behaviour of complex systems
develops innovative solutions to improve comfort, precision, and safety of technical structures and systems, as well as to enable novel functions. For this, we combine model-based design methods, experimental analyses, data-based algorithms, and numerical simulations. Our focus is on mechanical vibrations that need to be analyzed, monitored, suppressed, or intentionally generated. Innovative approaches such as metamaterials, programmable materials, interpretable artificial intelligence, and novel actuator materials are used for this purpose. In addition to classic approaches, we create smart system solutions using integrated sensor and actuator systems and AI-supported control approaches that enable automatic adaptation of system dynamics to changing conditions. The solutions we develop thus ensure precise and trouble-free operation of machines and systems with increased efficiency.
Our key competencies
- Active and passive noise and vibration reduction through material and structural measures as well as active control
- Influence of wave fields through (programmable) metamaterials & phononic crystals, impedance, and boundary control, as well as active wave control
- Experimental and numerical analysis and evaluation of dynamic systems, taking uncertainties into account, and development of suitable novel methods
- Development of smart structures with integrated sensors, actuators, and real-time control, system integration, and embedded implementation
- Data-based algorithms and analyses with supervised, unsupervised, Bayesian, or sparse models, as well as explainable AI, hybrid models, and edge analytics
- Monitoring based on dynamic characteristics (e.g., modal parameters, FRF drifts, ODS) with integrated anomaly and trend detection.
- Predictive, physics- and data-driven digital twins for the design and operational phases
- Implementation of new functional concepts in a verifiable prototype to evaluate feasibility, utility, and risks prior to productive implementation
- Consulting, troubleshooting, and specialized training
Value for industry and partners
With our competencies the Fraunhofer LBF acts as a strategic innovation partner for the development of novel technologies for complex structural dynamic and mechatronic systems. We identify novel technological solutions for our customers and drive them forward holistically: from a single source, we accompany projects from problem identification through conception and numerical design to a functional prototype and its experimental validation. We solve noise and vibration problems, monitor systems with artificial intelligence, and generate targeted vibrations to map technical functions. By combining experimental and model-based analysis, we are able to quickly identify cause-and-effect chains, thereby increasing decision-making confidence in critical design and approval processes and significantly reducing time-to-market for our customers.
Integration into our R&D services and Research topics
The department System Dynamics develops innovative solutions for vibration and noise reduction through the synergistic use of experimental and numerical methods to sustainably increase the comfort, precision, and reliability of technical systems. Through the holistic evaluation of vibration behavior under realistic operating conditions, we also ensure the early validation of required specifications and the final validation of complex systems.
By developing digital twins and establishing integrated process chains, we enable the virtual mapping and analysis of complex structural dynamic and mechatronic systems throughout the entire development cycle. The systematic coupling of numerical simulation and experimental data allows for a reliable evaluation of design variants.
The department System Dynamics builds functional prototypes to enable innovative mechatronic concepts and autonomous functions to be experienced and tested under real-world conditions. In combination with hybrid testing methods and hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) environments, this enables early, efficient validation under realistic dynamic loads.
Based on model-based design methods and detailed experimental analyses, we specifically evaluate and optimize the dynamic behavior of complex components and entire systems. Through the targeted integration of powerful sensor and actuator systems, we expand these systems to include condition monitoring functions and enable automated, adaptive adjustment to varying operating conditions.