Successful PhD Defense: Dr.-Ing. Andreas Baumann!

Congratulations to Dr.-Ing. Andreas Baumann!

We are delighted to announce the successful PhD defense of Dr.-Ing. Andreas Baumann at the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering of Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität (RPTU). Under the supervision of Prof. Dr.-Ing. Joachim Hausmann from the Leibniz-Institut für Verbundwerkstoffe (IVW), his dissertation focused on an innovative and forward-looking topic:

“Factors controlling damage initiation in fatigue loaded unidirectional composites under the influence of different matrix properties.”

In his research, Dr.-Ing. Baumann investigated the initiation of damage in continuous fiber-reinforced plastics under fatigue loading, with a particular focus on the influence of matrix polymers. By utilizing high-energy radiation, the properties of the studied polymers were specifically modified to evaluate damage at the fiber-matrix interface during fatigue tests. These innovative studies provide new insights into damage mechanisms and contribute significantly to the development of durable and reliable composite materials for key sectors such as aviation, renewable energy, and sustainable mobility.

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Joachim Hausmann commented:
“Andreas Baumann has impressively demonstrated in his dissertation what he also shows in his daily work: he has an exceptionally versatile talent that he applies to experiments, simulations, analyses, and digital techniques.”

Next Steps: Research Focus on 3D Printing and Hybrid Materials

We are proud that Dr.-Ing. Baumann will remain with us as a postdoc following his PhD. In his new role, he will focus on:

• Fatigue of 3D-printed materials
• Hybrid materials
• Multiaxial loading
• Comprehensive data collection and analysis

His work will continue to push the boundaries of materials research.

We wish Andreas continued success in his research and look forward to working on future projects together!