Institute of Mechanical Systems (IMES)
«Whether light, resilient, highly dynamic, heat-resistant or collision-proof - with our expertise in engineering, analytical and experimental simulation, you develop products that meet high requirements».
The IMES
Structures, subjected to high mechanical stress, are the core of research and development activities at IMES. Starting from light and optimized assemblies in vehicle design or from the general machine industry, moving to muscles, tendons and bones of the human body, or even in the form of additively manufactured machine parts.
We work on applications of highly stressed structures in the following three fields:
- Biomechanical Engineering
BME is involved in the design and testing of medical devices, in particular implants & prostheses (Surgical Technologies), develops novel therapies & devices for patients (Rehabilitation Engineering) and is active in the field of mechanics of soft biological tissues and biomedical materials (Soft Tissue Biomechanics). - Lightweight Design
Light structures reduce energy consumption, light mechanisms also reduce wear and bearing forces in the event of high dynamics as well. Numerical simulation and optimization enable weight-optimized components made of conventional as well as innovative materials to be designed safely and fatigue-proof. - Mechanics for Modelling
Digitalisation, energy transition, new manufacturing technologies, service orientation... Industry is undergoing profound change. Being able to reliably describe and predict complex system behaviour is central during this transformation. The research area Mechanics for Modelling deals with mechanical aspects of the industrial digitalisation and uses the synergy of experiment, simulation and data-based methods in mechanics to model, analyse and optimise materials, systems and processes. A physical basis is created to optimally use non-linear simulations of highly loaded structures or the additive manufacturing process as well as digital twins, condition monitoring and predictive maintenance.
What do we offer?
In addition to their expertise in the field, the senior lecturers at IMES have many years of industrial experience. This ensures the strong practical focus of our projects and enables us to tackle the tasks of our industrial partners competently and according to their specific needs.
From the applied research and development project (with or without state funding), to bachelor and master theses, to laboratory and calculation services, there are scalable forms of cooperation for all needs.
With our extensive network of specialists, we can make further expert knowledge available to you. Contact us, we are looking forward to your questions.
From research and development into teaching
Our domestic and international industry and university partners appreciate our experience and expertise in carrying out sophisticated research and development projects.
Thanks to our research and development activities, our students can work on current issues as part of their training. This is how we train future engineers in a practical manner.
News
Studies and further education
Bachelor degree
The IMES trains engineers in the following four bachelor programs:
You will be taught the basic engineering subjects of engineering mechanics (statics, kinematics and kinetics, mechanics of materials, linear vibrations, finite element method) and you may choose from two engineering majors supervised by IMES:
The BME-group is active in the supervision of Master students in Physiotherapy.
Our lecturers are involved in the «ZHAW runway startup incubator » as jury members and supervisors.
Master of Engineering
In the interdisciplinary Master of Science in Engineering (MSE), IMES forms, together with other institutes and centers of the ZHAW, the Master Research Unit (MRU) Mechanics and Materials.
Master students can deepen their research and development focus at IMES and have their master thesis supervised by IMES.
The IMES also participates in the central teaching of the interdisciplinary Master of Science in Engineering (MSE).
The IMES at a glance
3 research and development priorities
About 20 Bachelor and Master theses each year
Various laboratory facilities
- SAS-accredited biomechanics test laboratory according to ISO 17025
- 3D motion and muscle activity systems, force plates
- several standard pulsators (up to 12 kN) and linear impactor
- Computer tomograph
- .... other laboratory facilities
Projects Biomechanical Engineering
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Robot-based experimental in vitro studies to evaluate two surgical techniques for a meniscal lesion with respect to knee kinematics
In this project, the following hypotheses will be investigated with experimental robot-based in vitro tests on human leg specimens1) Ramp lesion of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus leads to increased anterior translation and rotational instability in a knee with an ACL rupture.2) In a knee…
completed, 01/2022 - 05/2023
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How well do you control your biosignals? (MuscleJump)
This demo project relates to the current application of EMG sensors (electromyography). Nowadays, EMG sensors can be used to control modern arm or leg prostheses, giving patients more freedom. However, controlling such prostheses is a challenge and requires lengthy training. Especially at the…
completed, 01/2024 - 07/2024
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InnoTreat: Towards Personalized Treatment Decisions with Digital Twins
The "InnoTreat: Towards Personalized Treatment Decisions with Digital Twins", initiated by the Digitalization Initiative of the Universities of Zurich (DIZH), aims to personalize clinical diagnosis and treatment decisions for shoulder pathology. By integrating patient-specific anatomy into…
ongoing, 11/2024 - 04/2026
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Hip-Kick – playful training from the hip
The background of this demo object is the playful visualisation of novel, interactive forms of movement visualisation. Independently executed, game-oriented rehabilitation programmes of neuro-patients have recently revolutionised therapy. It has been shown that direct feedback for patients has…
completed, 01/2023 - 11/2023
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Development of trunk therapy for the assessment and training of balance & control in neurorehabilitation (Holoreach)
The SNSF-funded Health & Wellbeing project deals with the topic of trunk stability. The aim is to create a novel, technology-supported training concept to promote selective trunk training. In a first step, this includes the implementation of tracking software for the kinematics of the test…
ongoing, 01/2024 - 02/2026
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Mechanobiological plastic model
Plastics are experiencing increased interest in medical technology. Due to their mechanical properties, plastics correspond more closely to human tissue than metallic materials such as titanium or cobalt-chromium. The so-called mechanobiology of human soft tissue, especially cartilage and…
completed, 01/2022 - 12/2022
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T-Chair II – Assistive therapy concept for trunk balance & stability after stroke
Trunk control is a key factor for a successful rehabilitation outcome early after stroke. Training must start early after stroke in sitting as trunk control is essential for standing and walking. A robot assisted medical chair enables therapies at various levels of trunk-control impairment. The need…
completed, 10/2017 - 06/2023
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Development of a unicondylar knee joint prosthesis with physiological kinematics
This project has two objectives:1. to optimise the surface geometry of an existing unicondylar knee prosthesis in order to enable natural knee kinematic2. to model and validate a generally valid parameter model of the knee ligaments in FEA. In the development process, both experimental…
completed, 07/2019 - 12/2022
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OsteoFusion: Highly osteoconductive and fast incorporating ceramic implant solutions for Sports Medicine (and Orthopedics)
In Sports Medicine, a faster return to full activity, a better cost-benefit ratio, and maximized patient comfort are paramount. OsteoFusion provides a solution with an innovative ceramic implant that transforms into bone being anchored by ultrasonic liquefaction of a fiber-reinforced biocomposite.
ongoing, 10/2023 - 03/2027
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Holoreach
Development of an Augmented Reality Training Programme for Stroke Patients
completed, 05/2020 - 05/2023
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TAMINA® – lmproving proximal humerus fracture treatment
completed, 01/2023 - 06/2024
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Influence of additional weight carrying on load-induced changes in glenohumeral translation in patients with rotator cuff tear - a…
This project aims to explore human shoulder biomechanics using a functional shoulder model. The experimental tests are compared with subject measurements for a better characterization of the muscle and joint forces acting on the shoulder.
completed, 09/2020 - 08/2023
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MyoPlus: Multisegmental, Functional Muscle Simulation in Physiologic Models (Myo+)
The project content deals with the Development and Testing of physiological muscle models and is executed in collaboration with the EELISA project partner of the University of Sant'Anna, Pisa.
ongoing, 01/2025 - 11/2025
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The mechanobiology of fibroblasts in soft nanofibrous materials – novel test protocols for in-situ mechanical testing
Background: Mechanobiology is the study of the influence of mechanical loads on the behavior of cells, especially on their differentiation, proliferation, morphology, or metabolic activity. It determines the interaction of implants with the body and ultimately, its integration by tissue growth and…
ongoing, 01/2025 - 11/2025
Projects Light Weight Design
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DRACONIAN DRone trAjectory and CONtrol optlmisAtioN for noise emissions reduction
The project is concerned with a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the acoustic drones and the extent to which this can be reduced by adjusting the flight path and/or flight control parameters. The aim is to contribute to limiting the impact of air traffic on the environment.
ongoing, 02/2024 - 06/2025
-
Hip-Kick – playful training from the hip
The background of this demo object is the playful visualisation of novel, interactive forms of movement visualisation. Independently executed, game-oriented rehabilitation programmes of neuro-patients have recently revolutionised therapy. It has been shown that direct feedback for patients has…
completed, 01/2023 - 11/2023
-
Containment of drone acoustic footprint through configuration optimisation (CO-NOISE)
Identify noise generation mechanisms and characterise the associated footprint of drone configurations widely used in the market. The project aims to identify optimisation opportunities based on sensitivity assessment related to key design parameters.
completed, 01/2023 - 09/2024
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T-Chair II – Assistive therapy concept for trunk balance & stability after stroke
Trunk control is a key factor for a successful rehabilitation outcome early after stroke. Training must start early after stroke in sitting as trunk control is essential for standing and walking. A robot assisted medical chair enables therapies at various levels of trunk-control impairment. The need…
completed, 10/2017 - 06/2023
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Development and construction of a sensor carrier for the drone-based measurement of methane and CO2 concentrations in near-ground air layers
The Geoforschungszentrum Potsdam is researching the exchange processes between the ground and the atmosphere. To this end, the climate-relevant gases methane and CO2 are to be measured in air layers near the ground in order to make climate models more accurate. This is being done with an unmanned…
completed, 06/2023 - 05/2024
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Holoreach
Development of an Augmented Reality Training Programme for Stroke Patients
completed, 05/2020 - 05/2023
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NEAPTIDE – Numerical Prediction and Experimental Assessment of Drone Noise
The project deals with the development of a method to characterise aircraft noise generated by drones. For this purpose, a corresponding noise database will be created, which will serve to identify the most relevant noise generation mechanisms (so-called acoustic footprint) in order to contribute to…
completed, 04/2021 - 04/2023
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Multidisciplinary Optimization of an Axial Fan for Heat Pumps
Air-source heat pumps typically feature an external unit with an axial fan to blow air through the heat exchanger. Due to the annoyance (and regulations) of the noise emissions of the fan, manufacturers try to achieve as low-noise configuration as possible while keeping the target pressure and…
completed, 06/2021 - 10/2023
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lnFlex - Innovative flexible shafts in lightweight construction
Development and calibration of a calculation method using machine learning for the weight- and space-saving design of flexible shafts, based on dynamic characteristic values determined with a new type of test equipment.
completed, 08/2022 - 06/2024
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Multi-Disciplinary Optimisation (MDO) (MDO)
The project shall provide a detailed guide as to the installation of all necessary tools and the definition and implementation of the necessary interfaces. The object of the optimization will be indicated by Pilatus and is expected to be a fuselage-wing configuration. The optimization relies on CFD…
completed, 12/2022 - 10/2023
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QualiTex: Innovative quality and output optimised weaving
The productivity of label weaving machines is to be greatly increased by improving the weaving quality at high weft rates.
ongoing, 12/2024 - 12/2026
Projects Mechanics for Modelling
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Development of an accelerated reliability test for innovative, lead-free power semiconductors
Development of an accelerated reliability test for innovative, lead-free power semiconductors. …
ongoing, 08/2024 - 07/2025
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Simulation Method to Predict Vibrations of Liquid-coupled Rotor–Stator Systems with Bladed Rotors
The main objective of this project is to develop a simulation method to calculate the complex vibrational behavior of pump turbines, in particular the interaction between the rotor and stator due to the coupling with the water.
ongoing, 01/2025 - 12/2027
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Reduced Residual Stresses through Support Structure Optimization in Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Metal additive manufacturing (AM) has proven to be an attractive and viabletechnology for industry to produce complex components and/or small lot sizes. Thereliability and thus acceptance of metal laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) remains achallenge though. Severe thermal gradients can occur causing…
ongoing, 03/2023 - 02/2026
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Mechanobiological plastic model
Plastics are experiencing increased interest in medical technology. Due to their mechanical properties, plastics correspond more closely to human tissue than metallic materials such as titanium or cobalt-chromium. The so-called mechanobiology of human soft tissue, especially cartilage and…
completed, 01/2022 - 12/2022
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Measurement, statistical evaluation, and calibration of mechanical model parameters of human soft tissues
Determining the strength properties of human soft tissues is crucial in biomechanics, especially with the rise of transplants and special surgical procedures. Budapest University of Technology and Economics collaborates with ZHAW on biaxial measurement studies, result analysis, and numerical…
ongoing, 01/2025 - 11/2025
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Lifetime prediction of POM gears
ongoing, 01/2025 - 06/2028
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Machine Learning Enhanced Process Simulation in Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) (LPBF)
The project aims to develop and implement dedicated calibration procedures and parts that are tailored to critical applications of ABB and Sauber, to improve the accuracy of distortion predictions for specific components. Machine learning is then used to enhance simulations also beyond the…
completed, 08/2021 - 07/2024
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Optimisation of the tooth root geometry of plastic gears
The use of plastic gears in drives is growing rapidly, especially in the module size range 0.5to 1.5 mm and at maximum load cycles during the product life of 105 to 106. A key factor for reliability is the tooth root strength of the gears. Although injection moulding, which is the common production…
completed, 04/2022 - 12/2024
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Digital twin of ROSTA rubber spring elements
Digital twins are derived from high-fidelity simulations to efficiently predict the non-linear characteristics of ROSTA rubber spring and damper systems. In the context of digitalisation, customer needs are thus better satisfied and own development processes become more efficient.
ongoing, 01/2023 - 12/2025
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Studieren an der School of Engineering
Verschaffen Sie sich einen Überblick über die Ingenieurstudiengänge an der ZHAW.
Studieren an der School of Engineering
Verschaffen Sie sich einen Überblick über die Ingenieurstudiengänge an der ZHAW.