ESR 1
A robust and efficient Lie group solver for Cosserat rod models with internal and external constraints

Scientist-in-Charge:
Martin Arnold

As a mathematician, I have always been fascinated by solving real-life problems with rigorous mathematical methods and powerful numerical software tools. THREAD is one of the first research projects that applies the novel mathematical concept of geometric numerical integration in industrial settings. It is a great honour and challenge to coordinate this European network of mechanical engineers and mathematicians and to share my enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research with a new generation of young scientists.



ESR 2
Local frame methods for the simulation of textile manufacturing processes

Scientist-in-Charge:
Olivier Brüls

I am a mechanical engineer with a strong passion for mathematical modelling methods and their application to real-life and industrial problems. Cables are ubiquitous in today’s applications, so that the detailed understanding of their behaviour can potentially induce major innovations in numerous fields. Within THREAD, I look forward to explore novel geometric methods and contact solvers in order to capture complex nonlinear phenomena that dominate the mechanical behaviour of cables. We also want to apply these numerical methods to study strand interactions in advanced textile manufacturing processes. I believe that the interdisciplinary approach and complementary skills of THREAD’s consortium will lead to major progresses in numerical methods and simulation software technology.



ESR 3
Mesoscopic modelling and simulation of wiring harnesses

Scientist-in-Charge:
Olivier Brüls

I am a mechanical engineer with a strong passion for mathematical modelling methods and their application to real-life and industrial problems. Cables are ubiquitous in today’s applications, so that the detailed understanding of their behaviour can potentially induce major innovations in numerous fields. Within THREAD, I look forward to explore novel geometric methods and contact solvers in order to capture complex nonlinear phenomena that dominate the mechanical behaviour of cables. We also want to apply these numerical methods to study strand interactions in advanced textile manufacturing processes. I believe that the interdisciplinary approach and complementary skills of THREAD’s consortium will lead to major progresses in numerical methods and simulation software technology.



ESR 4
Data driven modelling of cables and hoses

Scientist-in-Charge:
Elena Celledoni

I have now for many years been working on methods for solving differential equations in a computer. Differential equations are important because they encode the laws of physics. My interest is in the field of structure preserving numerical methods and geometric numerical integration. These are methods designed to respect fundamental properties of the solution under computer approximation e.g. preserve important invariants. I am interested in applications of these methods to mechanical systems in general and to slender, flexible structures in particular because they can make important qualitative difference in computer simulations. I believe the research collaboration of mathematicians and engineers in the THREAD consortium can lead to significant advances in the technology of slender flexible structures.


Fellow:
Andrea Leone

ESR 5
Novel practical numerical methods for mechanical problems on Lie groups and manifolds and their implementation

Scientist-in-Charge:
Brynjulf Owren

THREAD is a great opportunity for me as a mathematician to work with the strong team of experts taking part in the consortium.
I am interested in numerical methods that preserve geometric properties, frequently found in models in mechanical engineering.
It is also a great privilege for me to supervise and interact with a large group of PhD students who are specialising in several different but related areas central to the THREAD project.


Fellow:
Ergys Çokaj

ESR 8
Modelling and simulation of cables with transported mass points

Scientist-in-Charge:
Johannes Gerstmayr

My research focus concerns theoretical, numerical and experimental problems in the field of multibody system dynamics.

As a developer of software tools in multibody dynamics, I see a lot of open theoretical and numerical problems in nonlinear structural dynamics, which is the reason why I like to participate in the ETN. My special focus is on the dynamics of highly slender beams interacting with their surrounding, e.g. in the case of ropeway systems and medical applications, which will be addressed in the project of ESR8.



ESR 9
Stable long-term numerical integration of the Cosserat rod problem in large overall motion

Scientist-in-Charge:
Gordan Jelenić

THREAD ITN is the most challenging and ambitious research project I have been involved in so far. I am immensely proud to be a member of this committed team of European researchers and industrial partners and have enjoyed every step both in the process of preparation of the project proposal as well as in its actual conduct. I firmly believe that in partnership with our excellent trans-continental young group of early-stage researchers we will make THREAD a success.


Fellow:
Jan Tomec

ESR 10
Variational modelling and simulation of complex beams and their optimization

Scientist-in-Charge:
Sigrid Leyendecker

Sigrid Leyendecker is Professor of Applied Dynamics at the Friedrich Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg. Her research topics are situated in the field of computational mechanics, in particular dynamics and applied mathematics with focus on the development of efficient techniques for the simulation and optimisation of dynamical and control systems with applications to modern engineering and biomechanical questions.

The project of ESR 10 addresses the development of a simulation model for medical devices like endoscopes. The THREAD network constitutes an inspiring and ideally supporting framework for the various challenges from the modeling as well as the numerical point of view involved in this task.



ESR 11
Simulation of inelastic Cosserat rods and experimental investigation of their effective constitutive properties

Scientist-in-Charge:
Joachim Linn

Long and thin flexible structures have many different applications throughout various industry branches all over the world, and Cosserat rod models provide a versatile framework for the modeling and simulation of such applications. However, Cosserat rod models are technically quite demanding and rarely touched in the academic education of students. With THREAD we aim to change this situation and provide a new generation of skilled and motivated young researchers with broad, highly interdisciplinary and scientifically profound background in this subject. I hope that in this way THREAD provides the seed to spread knowledge about this academically interesting and likewise useful area



ESR 12
Nonlinear dynamics response with nonlinear constitutive material models

Scientist-in-Charge:
Tomaž Šuštar

As an SME provider of specialized numerical modelling solutions we are very enthusiastic about being a part of the THREAD project. This is a great opportunity for our company to collaborate with top experts in the field of numerical modelling of flexible structures in the EU. It represents an excellent starting point for us to enter the application area with our customized solutions.


Fellow:
Muneer Ahmed

ESR 13
Nonlinear dynamics of slender beams: frequency domain numerical strategies and reduced order modelling

Scientist-in-Charge:
Olivier Thomas

Olivier Thomas is full professor at Art et Metiers Institute of Technology, in Lille, France. Together with his team (one assistant professor and 7 PhD students / post-docs), he is investigating the nonlinear dynamics of vibrating mechanical structures and systems, and their interaction with electronic circuits, via piezoelectric or electromagnetic couplings. The four aspects of theoretical modelling, efficient numerical simulations, phenomenology of vibrations and experimental tests are addressed. The applications range from vibration damping (dynamic vibration absorbers, electromechanical shunts), musical instruments to micro/nano electromechanical systems.



ESR 14
Geometrically and materially nonlinear beam dynamics with strain localisation

Scientist-in-Charge:
Dejan Zupan

»I am certain more elegant approaches could be found«, my supervisor often said when we had endless discussions on non-linear beams and three-dimensional rotations. I still agree, but the main challenge is to find them in the perspective of high accuracy, robustness and efficiency of numerical solution methods. Within the THREAD consortium such challenges are feasible.