Werkstoffferien

The Werkstoffferien 2024 at IVW proved to be an unforgettable experience for our student interns Anton Rudzevich and Maria Butkovic! Funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and organized by the VDI Technologiezentrum, this week-long program offered the two students an immersive look into the exciting world of materials science.

The adventure began with a safety briefing led by Heidi Plocharzik and a tour of the institute with Jannis Hüppauff, Anke Kunze, and Dr. Peter Arrabiyeh, where Anton and Maria got their first glimpses into our research areas and equipment. Then it was time to get hands-on, and both students eagerly jumped into each activity:

• Experiencing Fiber-Reinforced Composites up close: Dr. Peter Arrabiyeh introduced the basics of fiber-reinforced composites, and under the guidance of Alexander Faas and Fabian Röder, Anton and Maria started with initial simulations of laminate theory. These virtual tests allowed them to understand and adjust the properties of composite materials, paving the way for their next task: hand lay-up. Here, they created a unique keepsake – a ruler made from several layers of glass fiber, crafted entirely by hand! But the fun didn’t stop there. Together with Dr. Florian Gortner and Erhard Natter, they made their own frisbee discs, working through each step of the production process. From cutting materials to pressing them into the final product, every step required focus and precision – and they couldn’t wait to take their creations home!
• Testing Materials and Learning about Sustainable Solutions: Christian Becker, Alexander Kosmas, and Ralph Schneider showed Anton and Maria how scientists test materials for strength and durability. During the crash tests with aluminum and carbon-fiber samples, they learned how to evaluate the stability and energy absorption of different materials – real, hands-on science! Then, Dr. Barbara Güttler and Hendrik Hahlbom introduced them to biopolymers and sustainability, a topic that sparked many curious questions from both students.
• Exploring Microscopy and Sample Preparation: Under the expert guidance of Dr. Marc Hein and Claudius Pirro, Anton and Maria learned how to prepare materials for microscopic analysis. Grinding and polishing techniques revealed the intricate structures of fibers and matrix within their samples, creating a “wow” moment as they saw these hidden details up close.

After a week full of new discoveries, Anton and Maria left with tons of new ideas and motivation. Maria, who as a high school student is already part of a chemistry program at TU Darmstadt, went straight to her first university lecture on Friday (18.10.). Anton, a dedicated rower who trains seven times a week, returned enthusiastically to his professional training regimen. Werkstoffferien 2024 proved that research isn’t just fascinating – it’s an adventure for curious minds and might just be the first step toward a thrilling future in science!