Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM

Welcome to Fraunhofer ITWM!

We are one of the world's largest mathematical research institutes and our goal is to further develop mathematics as a key technology, give innovative impetus and implement it in practice together with industry partners. Methodologically, our research areas are based on modeling, simulation and optimization. Integral parts of our projects are consulting and implementation, support in the application of high-performance computer technology and providing tailor-made software solutions. We not only use simulation software, but also develop it ourselves, often in cooperation with leading software companies.
Nowadays, companies of all sizes use simulations on regular bases which gives them benefit in terms of product innovation and quality assurance. Our customers are mainly in the automotive, mechanical engineering, textile, computer industry and finance sectors.

News

 

Article / 12.10.2026

Drinking Water Tanks as Energy Storage

Our project »TriWaOpt« explores how large drinking water networks can be operated more energy- and cost-efficiently using mathematical methods. In the latest issue of »ewp kompakt«, Helene Krieg (Fraunhofer ITWM) and Christoph Drusenbaum (Bodensee-Wasserversorgung) introduce the project and highlight the potential of integrating water management and energy systems.

 

Press Information / 24.09.2026

Mathematics for Maintenance

Mathematical models and sensor technology can be used to determine how long a piece of equipment can operate or which maintenance measures are ideal at any given time. Our researchers are developing solutions that enable reliable assessments of the condition of machines and components even with limited data, thereby helping to plan maintenance in a targeted manner. They will present their approaches at the »maintenance« trade fair.

 

Interview / 17.09.2026

Felix Klein Academy Autumn School 2026

As early as 2023, Leonhard Mühlberger was introduced to applied mathematics and the Kaiserslautern campus through the Math Talent School. Three years later, he is now beginning his mathematics studies and participating in the Autumn School as a new scholarship recipient of the Felix Klein Academy. We spoke with him about his experiences and his journey.

 

Interview / 14.09.2026

When One Vehicle Is Enough to Calm Traffic

Why does a traffic jam suddenly form on a highway even though there is neither an accident nor roadworks? This is the question that Prof. Dr. Benjamin Seibold is exploring as a guest researcher at our institute. Together with the team from the »Mathematics for Vehicles, Systems and Production« division, he is using the RODOS® driving simulator to investigate new approaches to preventing traffic jams.

 

Article / 03.09.2026

Uncovering Hidden Patterns

How can a huge 3D dataset be transformed into a precise statement about a crack, a fiber, or a pore? At our institute, together with Prof. Dr. Claudia Redenbach, we combine mathematical modeling with advanced image analysis. Using our methods, we make even the finest structures in CT scans visible and quantitatively describable. Learn more about the research behind these methods in the RPTU Research Magazine.

 

Press Release / 02.09.2026

Record Results in a Fraunhofer-Wide Comparison

The High Performance Center »Simulation and Software Based Innovation« in Kaiserslautern ranks first among the Fraunhofer Society’s 19 High Performance Center. It is the first High Performance Center ever to achieve a perfect score in the annual evaluation, thereby setting a new standard.

 

Press Release / 24.08.2026

Digital Twins and Advanced Inspection Technology for Shipbuilding

Our researchers use MESHFREE to develop new simulation approaches for complex maritime processes, alongside measurement systems for the non-destructive testing of composite materials. This makes it possible to simulate ship movements and wave interactions, for example, and to inspect hulls, decks and bonded joints for internal defects using terahertz and millimeter waves.

 

Press Release / 04.08.2026

Ministerial Visit to Fraunhofer ITWM

As part of their discovery tour across Rhineland-Palatinate, Minister for Economic Affairs Michael Ebling and Minister for Science Clemens Hoch visited our institute in Kaiserslautern. The visit focused on digital twins for tires, the expansion of our technical center, and the continued development of our research site.

Upcoming Events

 

Steyr, Austria / Seminar / 13.10.2026

DVM Seminar Funda-mentals for Determining the Structural Properties of Cables

The seminar covers current approaches for assessing the mechanical durability of electrical lines and cables. Our expert Dr. Fabio Schneider-Jung from the »Mathematics for Vehicles, Systems and Production« department presents contributions on load data analysis and lifetime prediction of cables.

 

Munich / Fair / 14.10.2026

Maintenance 2026

Maintenance in Munich is the leading trade show for industrial maintenance, where experts and companies from various industries gather annually to learn about innovations and trends. Our researchers from the »Dynamics, Loads and Environmental Data« focus areas will be on site at the joint booth to present a poster presentation on predictive maintenance planning and will showcase their newest research on condition monitoring and predictive maintenance.

 

Steyr, Austria / Conference / 14.10. – 15.10.2026

DVM Conference Working Group on Structural Durability

The DVM Conference of the Working Group on Structural Durability provides a platform for exchange on challenges in product development. Our expert Dr. Sascha Feth from the Mathematics for »Vehicles, Systems and Products« department presents approaches for virtual product validation of engine components together with Balázs Krisztián Dóczi (KTM AG).

 

Kaiserslautern / Talks and poster pitches by doctoral students / 15.10.2026

Young Researchers Symposium 2026

The 7th Young Researchers Symposium 2026 puts research by doctoral students from Kaiserslautern and Landau into the spotlight – short, sharp, and engaging instead of long and dry. Awards will be given for the best presentations, posters, and abstracts. For the first time, a Transfer Award will also be presented.

 

42kaiserslautern / Workshop / 19.10.2026

Tech Table Quantum Technologies

The »Tech Table Quantum Technologies« is an event organized by the Innovation Agency of Rhineland-Palatinate as part of the HTAD@RLP (High Tech Agenda Germany) series, with technical support from Fraunhofer ITWM.

Our Research Coordinator for Quantum Computing at Fraunhofer ITWM, Dr. Pascal Halffmann, is involved in organizing the workshop and is giving two presentations.

 

Düsseldorf / Fair / 20.10.2026

glasstec 2026

International innovations and trends in the glass industry will be showcased at glasstec 2026 in Düsseldorf. The focus will be on solutions to current and future challenges.

Dr. Jörg Kuhnert and Dr. Almut Eisenträger from the »Processes and Materials« department will present the EU project »EVERGLASS« – in which MESHFREE is used for simulations – at the European Science Communication Institute’s booth.

 

Würzburg / Congress / 21.10.2026

Smart Process Manufacturing Kongress 2026

The congress brings experts together to present solution- and practice-oriented application examples from the chemical and process industries and to discuss the opportunities and challenges of the industry’s digital transformation. Our expert, Dr. David Mogalle from the »Optimization« division, will be speaking at the event on agent-based AI for model-based process design.

 

Kaiserslautern / Workshop/ 22.10.2026 – 23.10.2026

MMiPE – Mathematical Methods in Process Engineering

The event brings together leading researchers from universities, research institutions, and industry. The program includes presentations from the Center for Applied Research and industry, providing opportunities for professional exchange and new insights into process engineering.

Registration Deadline: October 9, 2026

 

Hannover / Fair / 02.11 - 06.11.2026

GET 2026

GET2026 is a conference and exhibition organized by the EAGE (European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers), focusing on the contribution of geosciences and engineering to the energy transition. Our colleagues Dr. Norman Ettrich and Ammar Ghanim from the »High Performance Computing« department are presenting our research on seismics at a joint booth with Fraunhofer IWES.

 

Freiheitshalle Hof / Conference / 04.11. – 05.11.2026

Hofer Nonwovens Days 2026

The symposium of the Hofer Nonwovens Days provides a platform for exchanging ideas on current developments and challenges in the nonwovens industry.

Our colleagues from the »Flow Processes« department will be on site, presenting projects and products focusing on energy efficiency, sustainability, and simulation.

 

Stuttgart / Fair / 10.11. - 12.11.2026

Foam Expo Europe 2026

The »Foam Expo Europe 2026« brings together experts from industry and research to discuss innovations in the field of engineering foams.

Our expert Dr. Dariusz Niedziela from the division »Processes and Materials« is on site to present our latest research findings as well as our simulation tools »FOAM« and »FeelMath«.

 

Regular Seminars

Seminars of the Division »Mathematics for Vehicle Engineering«

In 2026, further training seminars of the division »Mathematics for Vehicle Engineering« will take place again!

We will keep you up to date here:

Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM

Fraunhofer-Platz 1

67663 Kaiserslautern

Deutschland

Phone +49 631 31600-0

Fax +49 631 31600-1099

 

Latest News at the Institute