Lightweight construction and energy efficiency

As part of the CO₂ discussion and the energy transition, the reduction of energy consumption is gathering pace. Lightweight construction is an important measure to achieve this goal. In addition, vehicles with low axle load preserve the roadway, saving maintenance costs. At the IFS we investigate the possibilities of reducing the vehicle mass and we develop lightweight components and structures of different materials not only for the railway sector. We do this by applying modern simulation techniques such as the finite element analysis, together with topology optimisation methods if required.

Another possibility of saving energy is the recuperation, or rather regeneration, of kinetic and potential energy. We develop concepts for energy-optimized powertrains of rail vehicles.