Institute for Mathematics and Computer-Based Simulation (IMCS)

Mathematics and computer-based simulation are of fundamental importance for modern engineering, in particular also for almost all disciplines in civil engineering and environmental sciences. Mathematically sound and well-founded methods of computer-based simulation have meanwhile evolved to what many researchers call a third pillar of scientific progress besides theoretical and experimental investigations, and are therefore commonly regarded as an indepedent scientific discipline today. With their help, experiments can often be optimized, supplemented, reduced or even entirely replaced. As an example, methods of computer-based simulation allow for easy and cheap parameter studies. Moreover, new insights can be gained in situations where experimental investigations are infeasible - the protection of critical infrastructure components (e.g. buildings) under extreme external loading conditions is just one prominent example. Mathematics and computer-based simulation also enable the analysis of structures and processes with randomly distributed parameters, model uncertainties and with non-deterministic behavior. In doing so, they open entirely new possibilities for scientists and practicing engineers to run through different scenarios and to make decisions under the uncertainties that inevitably exist in real life. Last but not least, today data-driven approaches and physics-informed machine learning complement computer-based simulation to truly holistically evaluate the dynamic behavior of complex engineering systems and structures. Or to put it briefly: "To gain completely new insights through simulations" - that is our mission! With this in mind, we would like to welcome you to the Institute of Mathematics and Computer-Based Simulation (IMCS). Univ.-Prof. Dr. rer. nat. habil. Thomas Apel Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Alexander Popp