Meet the people
Tamara Weissenbach (Photograph: ETH Zürich / Alessandro Della Bella)
"I investigate a new type of lightweight composite material."
Tamara Weissenbach, Institute of Mechanical Systems
In my Master's thesis at the Institute of Mechanical Systems, I simulate spinodal decomposition to create a new type of metamaterial. The spinodal decomposition algorithm was developed by two doctoral colleagues, and the advantage of the simulated microstructures lies in their smooth surface morphology. The aim of my work is to investigate the influence of different parameters on the algorithm and to determine the mechanical properties of the simulated structures. The simulated microstructures feature tunable, directional stiffness and can be manufactured thanks to the recent advances in additive manufacturing.