Machine Components and Drive Technology

This division focuses on fundamental tribological research and the development of machine components, all the way up to
complete systems.

Drive technology has long been a central pillar of the institute. An understanding of tribological processes in drive systems is essential for ensuring efficiency and durability. Friction and wear processes are highly complex and remain an interesting area of research.

The institute has a test facility of approximately 750 m² designed to integrate simulation and experimentation. The test facility includes the institute’s own specialized test benches and test bench technology from AVL List GmbH, which enable the institute to undertake challenging research projects while also providing students with a state-of-the-art environment for conducting scientific research.

Our research focuses on:

• the investigation of components and subsystems in application-specific scenarios,
• the systematic variation of lubrication parameters, as well as
• increasing efficiency under dynamic load and temperature cycles.

With modular custom test benches, we bridge the gap between standardized test benches and full-system test benches. We combine realistic coupling effects with precise condition monitoring, high reproducibility, and rapid iteration—for reliable field correlations and maximum insights per test day.