New professor at RUB: materials science for aviation!

New professor at RUB: materials science for aviation!

Prof. Dr. Alexander Kauffmann has been working at the Chair of Materials Science at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the Ruhr University Bochum since May 1, 2025. His research focuses on improving materials that must withstand extreme conditions, particularly in the aviation industry.

Kauffmann previously worked at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), where he researched metallic and intermetallic materials with improved high-temperature strength and increased creep resistance. His work also included the behavior of materials at temperatures close to absolute zero. He used cross-scale characterization and simulation methods to optimize the material properties.

Research into high-performance materials

At the Ruhr University Bochum, Kauffmann will seamlessly continue his previous research. The focus is particularly on superalloys for high operating temperatures, which are necessary in modern aircraft engines such as the F119 engine from Hewlett-Packard or the M88-2 from SNECMA. These engines utilize state-of-the-art materials and technologies that ensure effective performance in extreme temperatures.

Over 50% of the material in modern engines consists of high-temperature alloys such as Nimonic80 or Inconel, which are improved through manufacturing processes such as vacuum melting technology. Kauffmann's goal is to increase the efficiencies of energy conversion systems, particularly in relation to aircraft turbines. The focus here is also on the suitability of the materials for hydrogen and water-containing atmospheres as well as their recyclability.

Technological challenges and developments

Another important aspect of Kauffmann's research is the resistance of materials to thermomechanical stress cycles, such as those that occur in reserve power plants. He still plans to develop shape memory materials and materials for medical technology. These technologies could also advance the application of innovative materials in other areas.

Kauffmann emphasizes that the Ruhr University Bochum has an important research environment in materials science. The close connection between materials synthesis, processing and characterization at this institution will enable him to achieve his ambitious goals.

Innovative materials are crucial in the aerospace industry. The development of new intermetallic compounds should, for example, increase specific strength and thermal conductivity while improving oxidation and corrosion resistance. Titanium-aluminum compounds that are used at temperatures of up to 982 °C show promising results.

The combination of extreme requirements and the need to save weight also leads to the use of composite materials with ceramic and carbon-based matrices. These materials not only offer high temperature resistance, but also lightness, which is essential for modern engines.

Kauffmann's academic career is as impressive as his research. He studied materials science at the Technical University of Dresden and worked as a research assistant at several prestigious institutions before taking up his new role at the Ruhr University. The aerospace industry not only places high demands on materials, but is also a driver of technological innovations, which Kauffmann and his colleagues will continue to research.

Ruhr University Bochum and Machine MFG highlight the critical role that materials research plays in aviation and emphasize how Kauffmann's work can help meet the industry's upcoming needs.