Institute of Mechanical Systems (IMES)

«Whether light, resilient, highly dynamic, heat-resistant or collision-proof - with our expertise in engineering, analytical and experimental simulation, you develop products that meet high requirements».
Prof. Dr. -Ing. Robert Eberlein, Head of Institute IMES
The IMES
Structures, subjected to high mechanical stress, are the core of research and development activities at IMES. Starting from light and optimized assemblies in vehicle design or from the general machine industry, moving to muscles, tendons and bones of the human body, or even in the form of additively manufactured machine parts.
We work on applications of highly stressed structures in the following three fields:
- Biomechanical Engineering
Implants for joints, in the tooth and jaw area, as well as for the healing of bone fractures help people with accidents and signs of wear. Ergonomically optimized products prevent deterioration. Patient specific assistance systems make everyday life easier for elderly and injured people. - Lightweight Design
Light structures reduce energy consumption, light mechanisms also reduce wear and bearing forces in the event of high dynamics as well. Numerical simulation and optimization enable weight-optimized components made of conventional as well as innovative materials to be designed safely and fatigue-proof. - Applied Mechanics
With nonlinear material models and corresponding characterization for metals and plastics, complex material behavior (plasticity, viscoelasticity, creep and damage) can be mapped and component behavior can be realistically predicted and effectively optimized. Advanced simulation methods (nonlinear, mechanical, thermo-mechanical) and experimental validation serve as the basis for mechanical analyzes (deformation, damage) and the optimization (topology and process parameters) of highly stressed structures and complex manufacturing processes (e.g. additive manufacturing).
What do we offer?
In addition to their expertise in the field, the senior lecturers at IMES have many years of industrial experience. This ensures the strong practical focus of our projects and enables us to tackle the tasks of our industrial partners competently and according to their specific needs.
From the applied research and development project (with or without state funding), to bachelor and master theses, to laboratory and calculation services, there are scalable forms of cooperation for all needs.
With our extensive network of specialists, we can make further expert knowledge available to you. Contact us, we are looking forward to your questions.
From research and development into teaching
Our domestic and international industry and university partners appreciate our experience and expertise in carrying out sophisticated research and development projects.
Thanks to our research and development activities, our students can work on current issues as part of their training. This is how we train future engineers in a practical manner.
News
News
Flying measuring platform investigates gases in the air
Studies and further education
Bachelor degree
The IMES trains engineers in the following four bachelor programs:
You will be taught the basic engineering subjects of engineering mechanics (statics, kinematics and kinetics, mechanics of materials, linear vibrations, finite element method) and you may choose from two engineering majors supervised by IMES:
The BME-group is active in the supervision of Master students in Physiotherapy.
Our lecturers are involved in the «ZHAW runway startup incubator » as jury members and supervisors.
Master of Engineering
In the interdisciplinary Master of Science in Engineering (MSE), IMES forms, together with other institutes and centers of the ZHAW, the Master Research Unit (MRU) Mechanics and Materials.
Master students can deepen their research and development focus at IMES and have their master thesis supervised by IMES.
The IMES also participates in the central teaching of the interdisciplinary Master of Science in Engineering (MSE).
Further information on the master’s degree
The IMES at a glance
3 research and development priorities
About 20 Bachelor and Master theses each year
Various laboratory facilities
- SAS-accredited biomechanics test laboratory according to ISO 17025
- 3D motion and muscle activity systems, force plates
- several standard pulsators (up to 12 kN) and linear impactor
- Computer tomograph
- .... other laboratory facilities
IMES Brochure
Flyer Applied Mechanics:
Flyer Lightweight Design
Flyer Biomechanical Engineering:
Projects
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Holoreach
pStroke is a serious burden for the health system and the affected individuals. Globally, around 16 million people per year experience a stroke for the first time, of which 5 million remain limited in their functionality and participation. Since improvements in functionality after a stroke take time and require many ...
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Kyburz stress test rear suspension
The rear suspension of the DXP chassis is subjected to a stress test on the ZHAW test bench. The results are used by Kyburz to improve the life of the individual components and the overall system.
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Research Projects and other Services
Nobel Biocare is interested in IMES providing research services in regard to device testing, experimental and numerical investigations, in particular for implantable medical devices.