Collaborative Research Center 1464 " TerraQ - Relativistic and quantum-based geodesy "
The Collaborative Research Center brings togehter about 60 researchers from geodesy and physics who aim to develop novel measuring techniques, sensors and analytical methods. "Our aim is to improve gravimetric Earth observation, while making an essential contribution to climatology resulting in immense effects in the entire field of Earth Sciences", explains Professor Jürgen Müller from the Institute of Geodesy at Leibniz University Hannover, spokesperson of TerraQ.
At this stage, the varying distance between two satellites orbiting the Earth on a low course can be measured precisely, providing globally accurate data on the Earth''s gravitational force and its time-related variations - and therefore its mass variations, which are key indicators for climate change processes. Among other things, the TerraQ researchers will develop laser-based systems that will be able to conduct such distance measurements within the Earth''s orbit with unmatched accuracy. Furthermore, the team investigates quantum sensors to be used on Earth in order to conduct fast and precise gravimetric measurements recording small-scale processes, such as groundwater reservoir variations. These development activities include compact, mobile devices for measuring campaigns in particularly promising geographic areas, as well as large, stationary devices with an extremely high level of precision. Moreover, atomic clocks will be used to determine the gravitational field - a groundbreaking measuring approach in geodesy. For this purpose, the researchers will utilise properties defined in Einstein''s theory of relativity.
The collaborative research centre 1464 "TerraQ - Relativistic and quantum-based geodesy" comprises the following research facilities: Leibniz University Hannover, the DLR Institute for Satellite Geodesy and Inertial Sensing Hannover, PTB Braunschweig, the Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity Bremen, the German Research Centre for Geosciences Potsdam, HCU Hamburg and Graz University of Technology. The project is led by Leibniz University Hannover. LUH is represented by the Institute of Geodesy, the Institute of Gravitational Physics and the Institute of Quantum Optics. The project will be realised between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2024 and could be extended until 2032. The DFG will provide approximately 9.6 million euros of funding.
Collaborative Research Center 1463 " Integrated design and operating methodology for offshore megastructures "
The collaborative research centre will develop new concepts for tomorrow''s offshore wind turbines. Established methods for designing and operating wind turbines cannot be applied to constructions of this size. In order to manage future wind farms, precise information about the condition and dynamic behaviour of the support structure and the rotor blades must be collected over the entire working life of each turbine, as well as information regarding the effects of changing environmental or operating conditions.
The collaborative research centre focuses on physical and methodological foundations, based on the concept of a digital twin. The digital twin is a linked overall model of a specific wind turbine, which uses measurement data to illustrate the current condition of the actual structure (the actual twin). The resulting simulation models describe individual existing turbines over their entire working life and can be adapted depending on current conditions.
"By using a digital twin, tomorrow''s wind turbines can be designed and operated in a safe, economic and sustainable manner", explains Professor Rolfes from Leibniz University Hannover, who acts as spokesperson of the collaborative research centre. Compared to current models, such turbines could generate electricity more efficiently, while providing a more continuous supply of electricity. In terms of output, they could be installed in a more time-efficient manner while reducing maintenance costs.
Led by Leibniz University Hannover, the collaborative research centre 1463 "Integrated design and operating methodology for offshore megastructures" comprises four research facilities. In addition to LUH, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg as well as the German Aerospace Center and TU Dresden are involved in the project. Overall, researchers from ten LUH institutes are involved, including members of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geodetic Science, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, and the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology. Most of the involved institutes at Leibniz University Hannover and Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg already conduct joint research within the scope of the research collaboration ForWind. The project will be realised between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2024 and could be extended until 2032. Funding amounts to approximately 8.5 million euros.
(source: DFG, LUH)
More Information:
- Press release of Leibniz University Hannover
- CRC 1463 Offshore Megastructures
- CRC 1464: TerraQ
- International Research Training Group IRTG 2657 "Computational Mechanics Techniques in High Dimensions"
- Research Training Group "Integrity and Collaboration in Dynamic Sensor Networks" (i.c.sens)
