Non-destructive testing for the sustainable energy technology of the future: TUM Expert Forum 2024

The 9th TUM Expert Forum, organized by the Research Neutron Source Heinz Maier-Leibnitz (FRM II) at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the VDI Technical Committee 101 “Non-destructive Testing”, brought together around 70 experts from science and industry to discuss current developments and challenges in non-destructive testing (NDT), from battery technology to aviation.

Participants and speakers of the 9th TUM Expert Forum 2024. © FRM II / TUM

Participants and speakers of the 9th TUM Expert Forum 2024. © FRM II / TUM

Opening of the event and introduction to NDT work
This year’s biennial platform meeting on September 12 once again featured presentations, a poster exhibition and a panel discussion that created space for exchange and networking. Dr. Ralph Gilles, Industry Coordinator of the Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ), head of the “Advanced Materials” working group at the MLZ and organizer of the expert forum, opened the event, followed by Thomas Ullmann (German Aerospace Center), who highlighted the work of the VDI technical committee on NDT and emphasized the importance of the network for the exchange of expertise between industry and research.

Neutron research for materials testing
Prof. Dr. Christian Pfleiderer, Scientific Director of the Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Research Neutron Source (FRM II), then welcomed the participants and gave a brief overview of the use of neutrons for industry and science. He discussed the outstanding properties of neutrons, which make it possible to gain deep insights into materials and thus significantly support the development of new materials and technologies.

During the lunch break, participants had the opportunity to examine the posters on display and ask questions. © FRM II / TUM

During the lunch break, participants had the opportunity to examine the posters on display and ask questions. © FRM II / TUM

Keynote: Challenges for the aircraft engines of the future
A special highlight of the day was the presentation by keynote speaker Prof. Jörg Esslinger. Esslinger, an employee of MTU Aero Engines AG and professor at the TUM School of Engineering and Design, reported on the “Challenges facing the aircraft engines of the future and their materials”. He emphasized that new materials and innovative NDT processes are essential for the development of efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft engines. One example of progress in the industry is the modern aircraft engines developed by MTU, which significantly reduce noise and emissions. Esslinger emphasized that non-destructive testing methods make a decisive contribution to the reliability and longevity of engines.

Innovative testing technologies for batteries: From X-ray to neutron methods
Before the lunch break, Dr. Olaf Günnewig spoke about X-ray-based testing technologies for the quality control of batteries and ceramic composites. Dr. Joachim Jonuscheit then presented terahertz measurement techniques for precise layer thickness measurement of battery foils in real time. After the lunch break and a poster exhibition, which provided space for networking, the program continued with further specialist presentations. In his presentation, Dr. Thomas Waldmann from the Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg showed how neutron-based and complementary methods are used for the non-destructive testing of Li-ion batteries. “Together with our colleagues at the FRM II, we had the opportunity to carry out non-destructive neutron-based investigations that contributed significantly to the understanding of a critical ageing mechanism. This has contributed to the development of a process that can double the cyclic life of batteries,” explained Waldmann, referring to the advantages of neutron depth profile analysis in the investigation of battery anodes.

Dr. Andreas Fent talks about innovative measuring methods used in transmission production for e-mobility. © FRM II / TUM

Dr. Andreas Fent talks about innovative measuring methods used in transmission production for e-mobility. © FRM II / TUM

NDT in the automotive industry
NDT methods have also become indispensable in the automotive industry. Dr. Andreas Fent from the BMW Group presented innovative measurement methods that are used in transmission production for e-mobility. Fent also emphasized the importance of neutron tomography and radiography: “Without neutrons, we probably wouldn’t have put the R6 engine on the road back then,” he explained, referring to the decisive role of these technologies in the development of crankcases made of magnesium-aluminum composite materials at the time.

Panel discussion: NDT for the sustainable energy technology of the future
The expert forum was rounded off with a panel discussion in which participants had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss current NDT challenges. Keynote speaker Prof. Jörg Esslinger led the concluding exchange of views, in which topics such as the range of batteries, the transition to electromobility and the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation for the further development of testing methods were discussed in depth.
Another highlight for many was the guided tour of the Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Research Neutron Source (FRM II), where participants were able to experience the unique possibilities of neutron research up close and live.