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School of Engineering

Institute of Computational Physics (ICP)

«We are the specialists in computer simulation. The close collaboration with our partners results in convincing simulation results that generate customer value.»

Prof. Dr. Andreas Witzig, Head of Institute

At the ICP, a team of physicists, mathematicians and engineers works on applying methods and results from basic research to problem areas in industry.

For over 20 years, the ICP has been developing multiphysics computer models on the basis of finite element methods, which can be used, for example, to simulate crowd flows at large events such as the Street Parade or research the stability of ultra-thin solar cells. Furthermore, the ICP operates a laboratory for optoelectronics (OLAB) to develop optoelectronic materials and new optical measurement methods.

Together with partners from the worlds of research and industry, the ICP works on solutions for concrete problems, such as as how coatings can be measured contact-free and how aging processes in fuel cells can be halted.

Your Benefits as an ICP Partner

At First Glance

Approximately 60 employees as well as bachelor and master students

5 research and development areas 

Optoelectronics research and development laboratory (OLAB)

8 spin-off companies

Several partner institutes and industry partners, enabling access to interdisciplinary know-how

Part of 4 Master's degree programs and students' projects

News/Events

Research Reports

Study and Continuing Education

The ICP contributes important basics, such as physics, mathematics and thermodynamics, as well as specialized modules for the Bachelor's degree program of the School of Engineering. In the Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) program, the ICP is active in the following specializations: Energy and Environment, Photonics, Medical Engineering, and Computer Science. The Master's program, jointly developed by the Swiss Universities of Applied Sciences, is aimed at highly motivated Bachelor's graduates who wish to deepen their knowledge and skills in a specific subject area.

 

In addition, ICP lecturers supervise bachelor's, master's and doctoral theses on computer-aided design and characterization of micro- and nanosystems, sensors, actuators, fuel and solar cells as well as organic light-emitting diodes and solar cells. Most of this work is done in cooperation with industrial partners. An overview of these projects and detailed information on some of them can be found in our annual research reports.

Selected Master's Theses at the ICP

Doctoral Theses at the ICP

Several doctoral theses were supervised at the ICP.  Following find a summary of their work. If you are interested in a dissertation at the ICP, please contact us. We always have interesting topics for a dissertation.

Partners

The ICP is part of a comprehensive research network and will find the right project partner for your project. We offer you access to experimental facilities and simulation tools. We also know how interdisciplinary projects are successfully realized for industrial partners. Please direct your inquiries to Beat Ruhstaller.

Project Partners

Spin-off Companies

 

Partner Institutes at the ZHAW

Swiss Competence Centers for Energy Research

The ICP also participates at the Swiss Competence Centers for Energy Research (SCCER) in the field of mobility.

Publications