Projects

Within the MultiCycCon project, Fraunhofer LBF and the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) investigate how repeated recycling affects the environmental stress cracking resistance (ESCR) of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The project generates the scientific basis required for the reliable use of recycled HDPE in transport and hazardous goods containers.

As part of the “InnFla” joint research project, we developed together with our project partners, innovative, formaldehyde-free flame-retardant coatings. These coatings are available in both transparent and colored versions and are based on renewable raw materials. This approach expands design possibilities for wood-based interior construction while meeting the highest standards for health protection, environmental sustainability, and fire safety. These requirements are particularly important in applications such as schools, theaters, airports, and exhibition facilities, where compliance with these regulations is essential.

A newly developed simulation tool helps shipyards comply with legal limits and evaluate potential noise-reduction measures as early as the development phase.

Active Noise Control and Noise Protection in Logistics: Noise Emissions Limit Handling Performance of Ports Close to Cities - Active Noise Control System Implemented on Gantry Crane

Method synthesis of radar and reference sensor technology for damage detection.

Bross – Determining the Influence of Corrosive Loads and Local Defects on the Load-Bearing Capacity of Bronze Casting Materials: How can these various influences be taken into account in component design? The goal is to ensure reliable and failure-free operation of marine components - even when individual influencing factors vary.

The increasing automation of maritime systems is raising the bar for securing the AI components used in these systems. In the BMWE-funded “SIMAS” project, we are collaborating with TKMS and its TKMS ATLAS ELEKTRONIK segment, DNV, and FEV Etamax to develop a new methodology based on a risk-based approach. By integrating AI performance data into Bayesian networks, we are enabling a transparent safety assessment of autonomous maritime vessels.

In the “FOLAMI” research project, Fraunhofer LBF focused on evaluating mixed steel and aluminum joints produced by form-fitting laser beam welding for durable semi-finished products in shipbuilding. Accompanying the welding process development, numerical and experimental investigations were carried out to verify the structural durabiity, initially at the sample level and then for specifically optimized adapters as connecting elements between steel and aluminum structural elements.

Offshore wind energy is one of the most important renewable energy sources in Germany. The offshore support structures of wind turbines are subjected to complex environmental stresses, the effects of which on fatigue life can only be assessed with limited reliability using current state-of-the-art methods. Against this backdrop, we have developed a practical yet precise method for predicting the service life of failure-critical welded joints. This opens up significant potential for cost savings in the manufacturing process.

Noise is considered a form of environmental pollution and poses significant health risks. Industrial noise in inland ports, in particular, leads to conflicts between industry and local residents over land use. Growing cargo handling volumes make effective noise reduction measures increasingly important. In the “Noise-Optimized Logistics in the LOLA Inland Port” project, we worked with our project partners to develop and implement solutions for noise reduction in the inland port. This resulted in concepts for active, semi-active, passive, and process-based measures, ranging from innovative vibroacoustic metamaterials (VAMM) to Active Noise Control (ANC).