Dr. Roger A. Sauer leads a DFG-funded Emmy-Noether Group within the AICES Graduate School. The group develops mechanical models and computational algorithms for adhesive contact problems based on the framework of nonlinear continuum mechanics, homogenization, i.e. coarse-graining, and finite element modeling. The challenges in this research area lie in the formulation of constitutive interface laws, complex surface microstructures, multiscale and multi-field aspects, and numerical issues like efficiency, accuracy and stability. The initial research of Dr. Sauer considered adhesive contact between nanoscale solids; new considerations include contact algorithms, adhesion at liquid interfaces, contact optimization and scale-bridging techniques for contact.

The research interests of the group are: Adhesion at different length scales Biomechanical contact and adhesion Cohesive zone modeling Contact mechanics Constitutive interface laws Debonding and delamination Finite element methods for contact Friction and wear Multi-field modeling of contact Multiscale methods for contact Optimization of contact mechanisms Self-cleaning surfaces Surface characterization and tailoring Surface energy driven systems Surface wetting Time-integration schemes for adhesion

Current group members are: Dipl.-Ing. Callum Corbett Thang Xuan Duong, M.Sc. Dr. Sachin S. Gautam Dipl.-Ing. Janine C. Mergel Muhammad Osman, M.Sc. Raheel Rasool, M.Sc. Farshad Roohbakhshan, M.Sc. Dipl.-Tech. Math. Marcus Schmidt A list of publications can be found here.