Review: Research Perspectives Photography Competition

1st place: Florian Muschka, Anika Mühl, Sammy Schließer

Title: Transistors in pad printing
Entrants: Florian Muschka (Research Assistant), Anika Mühl (Master’s student), Sammy Schließer (Photographer) from the Department of Printing and Packaging Technology

First place in the photo competition goes to Florian Muschka (left), Anika Mühl (right) and Sammy Schließer (photographer). The photograph “Transistors in Pad Printing” shows the Master’s student in Printing and Packaging Technology and the research assistant to Prof. Dr Ingo Reinhold characterising printed organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs). Their high sensitivity and compatibility with aqueous environments make OECTs ideal for sensor applications, for example in medical technology for glucose measurement. The researchers produced the transistors using pad printing, a gravure printing process from the graphics industry that is particularly suitable for curved and uneven surfaces. In her Master’s thesis, Mühl is investigating the influence of process parameters on the print quality and conductivity of silver structures in pad printing. Muschka is researching the printing process for seal-integrated sensor technology in the ‘IntelliSeal’ project at the Leipzig Research and Transfer Centre of HTWK Leipzig.

2nd place: Herrmann Busse, Lorenz Spillecke

Title: Mixed Reality in Everyday Laboratory Life
Entrants: Herrmann Busse and Lorenz Spillecke, Research Assistants at the Institute of Geotechnical Engineering

Second place goes to civil engineers Herrmann Busse (photography) and Lorenz Spillecke (image editing) for a photomontage depicting their vision of everyday working life in a soil mechanics laboratory in the future. Through mixed reality, in which real and virtual objects interact in real time, laboratory technicians could view context-related content in addition to the real-world situation. With the aid of mixed-reality glasses, for example, it would be possible to look inside the sample. In the context of soil mechanics, this vision has great potential for innovation, whether for faster availability and sharing of information or for interdisciplinary and decentralised professional development. Busse is currently pursuing a PhD at the Technical University of Berlin and HTWK Leipzig on the interpretation of dynamic load testing data; together with Spillecke, he is developing a measurement system for road network stress in the ‘RoadIT1.0’ project under the supervision of Prof. Dr Ralf Thiele.

2nd place: Karl Marbach

Title: Tangible Innovation: Hands in the Spotlight of Technology
Submitted by: Karl Marbach, Master’s student in Industrial Engineering (Mechanical Engineering/Energy Technology)

Second place also goes to the image by Karl Marbach, a Master’s student in Industrial Engineering (Mechanical Engineering/Energy Technology). As a research assistant, he works at the Chair of Production and Logistics Systems, headed by Prof. Dr Martin Gürtler. As part of his Master’s project, he is working on generating automated work process time analyses (MTM analyses) from video sequences. To this end, he utilises, amongst other things, motion capture – a method for recording movements – as well as object recognition. MTM analyses are used in industrial settings, particularly for the planning and evaluation of manual assembly tasks and for determining operational planning times. Furthermore, they are used to evaluate assembly processes from an ergonomic perspective. Marbach is developing an algorithm for this purpose that uses the recorded movements to improve existing assembly processes. The photo shows Marbach creating a comprehensive training dataset. The image processing highlights the measured moving parts of the hand.

3rd place: Niels Clasen

Title: Wood-to-wood connection using timber
Entrant: Niels Clasen, research assistant in the FLEX research group

Third place in the photo competition goes to Niels Clasen, research assistant in the FLEX research group. As part of his Master’s thesis within the ‘Directed Timber Pressfitting’ project led by Prof. Dr Alexander Stahr, the civil engineer investigated the clamping effect of glue-free and species-separable dowel joints made of timber. The research group tested rod-shaped round timber dowels, which they expanded using nails made of synthetic resin-bonded wood and firmly connected to the drill hole in a laminated veneer lumber (LVL) panel. In a series of tests, Clasen examined the load-bearing capacity of 80 test specimens with various modifications to the dowel. The initial attempts to drive the nail into the dowel from the end were initially unsuccessful: dowels tore, panels split and nails broke, as can be seen in the picture here. However, these failures were crucial to gaining insights; further experiments led to the solution: pilot holes, more precise matching of nail and dowel sizes, and LVL panels with cross-layers ultimately perfected the joint to achieve a pull-out strength of up to 2 kilonewtons.

1. Platz: Stefanie Penzel

Titel: Mobile Messsonde zur Überprüfung der Wasserqualität
Einreichende: Stefanie Penzel, Umwelt-Ingenieurin und Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin am Institut für Technologie und Produktion im Maschinenbau

Den ersten Preis erhielt die Umwelt-Ingenieurin Stefanie Penzel. Sie erforscht im Rahmen ihrer Promotion zusammen mit der Arbeitsgruppe „Vor-Ort-Analytik“ des Helmholtz-Zentrums für Umweltforschung eine mobile Tauchsonde zur Überwachung der Wasserqualität in Seen und Flüssen. Die Sonde bestrahlt Wasserproben mit Licht im ultravioletten und sichtbaren Bereich und zeichnet Fluoreszenz- und Transmissionsspektren auf. Diese zeigen, wie lichtdurchlässig das Wasser ist; daraus lässt sich auf bestimmte Substanzen im Wasser schließen. Auf dem Foto ist Stefanie Penzel bei einer Probedurchlaufmessung am Bogensee in Leipzig-Paunsdorf zu sehen, der in der Vergangenheit von Blaualgen befallen war. Umwelteinflüsse wie Niederschlag oder Sonneneintrahlung führen bei Messungen vor Ort zu Messunsicherheiten – diese erfasst und modelliert Stefanie Penzel mithilfe von Soft-Computing-Methoden.

2. Platz: Daniel Matthes und Patrick Frenzel

Titel: Perspektivwechsel – Datenerfassung für automatische Wettkampfanalysen im Kanu-Rennsport
Einreichende: Daniel Matthes und Patrick Frenzel, Ingenieure der Forschungsgruppe „Laboratory for Biosignal Processing“

Den zweiten Preis teilen sich Daniel Matthes und Patrick Frenzel für ihr Foto beim Filmen eines Qualifikationsrennens im Kanurennsport. Die Ingenieure der Forschungsgruppe „Laboratory for Biosignal Processing“ entwickeln eine Software unter Verwendung künstlicher Intelligenz zur automatisierten Echtzeit-Wettkampfanalyse. Sie kann für jedes Boot in jedem Streckensegment die mittlere Geschwindigkeit rein videobasiert ermitteln. Diese Information soll auch die Analyse der Wettkampftaktik der Konkurrenz in internationalen Wettkämpfen ermöglichen.

3. Platz: Michael Weise

Titel: High Voltage meets Power Electronics
Einreichender: Michael Weise, Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter am Institut für Elektrische Energietechnik

Im Fokus des an dritter Stelle prämierten Bildes von Michael Weise stehen unerwünschte Gasentladungen, hervorgerufen durch die Überlagerung einer hohen Gleichspannung mit einer mittelfrequenten Wechselspannung. Solch ein Spannungsmix tritt in Geräten auf, die regenerativ erzeugte Energien übertragen und nutzen. Durch die Hochspannung und die hohe Feldstärke an der spitzen Elektrode wird die Luftstrecke zur Elektronik hin ionisiert – zu sehen als blaues Bündel konzentrierter Entladungen, deren Fußpunkte sich bewegen. Der Elektroingenieur untersucht als wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter am Institut für Elektrische Energietechnik, wann diese speziellen Gasentladungen auftreten, welches Störpotenzial sie haben, wie sie erkannt und vermieden werden können.

1st place: Robin Pischko

Title: Investigation of the properties of modern high-performance plastics for use in future hydrogen infrastructures
Submitted by: Robin Pischko, Research Assistant at the Institute of Energy, Building and Environmental Technology

The winning image shows the PhD student with a permeation measurement cell installed on a hydrogen-powered pipeline. Using this cell, researchers can test the permeability of the gas through the plastic pipes and capture the hydrogen that flows through the pipe wall.

As part of research into alternative energy generation, the university is investigating how green hydrogen can not only be utilised, but also stored and distributed effectively. In the project “H₂ Infrastructure – Efficient and Safe Operation of Hydrogen Distribution Networks”, researchers at HTWK Leipzig are investigating how modern high-performance plastics, such as those used in today’s natural gas sector, can be utilised for hydrogen applications. The results of the research show that existing pipeline systems are already very well suited for a future supply of green hydrogen.

The winning photo combines, both in terms of content and creativity, everything that makes a good science image: an active person takes centre stage and provides insights into their research.

2nd place: Felix Schmidt-Kleespies

Title: Wood No. 104 – Assembly plan as a hologram
Submitted by: Felix Schmidt-Kleespies from the FLEX research group

The image shows a wooden structure in a workshop, featuring an overlaid hologram. This was achieved using so-called AR glasses. AR stands for Augmented Reality: the real world is enhanced and linked with digital elements.

Augmented reality can be used to display holographic representations for the complex manufacture of individual components. As an assistance system, the AR glasses project the necessary manufacturing information directly into the carpenters’ field of vision. This allows them to receive the planning data directly on the shop floor – step by step and directly in the context of the specific component. This can significantly increase efficiency in production as well as precision in the manufacturing process of timber-frame components.

Behind the methodology and the photograph lies the research project ‘Optically parametric component referencing for the prefabrication of timber panel elements’. The project lead is Felix Schmidt-Kleespies from the FLEX research group.

3rd place: Lars Hoffmann

Title: Stress test – ceilings made of wood, concrete and hemp undergoing load testing
Submitted by: Lars Hofmann, Research Associate at the Institute of Concrete Structures

The image shows a component test used to assess the load-bearing capacity of a ceiling. To ensure that ceilings are load-bearing and stable, reinforced concrete is currently the material of choice. Whilst this construction method is very durable, it is not particularly environmentally friendly.

At HTWK Leipzig – in line with our sustainability strategy – intensive research is being carried out into the implementation of resource-saving alternatives. In future, ceilings could, for example, be made of wood and eco-concrete, reinforced with hemp fibres and plastic. This alternative combines the advantages of all the materials: wood and hemp are lightweight and, as renewable raw materials, environmentally friendly. If a wooden beam is reinforced with hemp, less wood can be used in ceiling construction whilst maintaining the same load-bearing capacity. This makes the ceilings thinner whilst maintaining the same performance. Consequently, existing building spaces can be utilised more effectively in the long term. To ensure that this ecologically improved alternative is actually put into practice, appropriate experiments on the load-bearing capacity of the structural elements are required beforehand, as the load test shown here clearly demonstrates.

1st place: Lukas Franke

Title: sPRINTer goes Porsche
Submitted by: Lukas Franke, Research Associate in the FLEX research group

First place in 2018 went to civil engineer Lukas Franke, a research assistant in the FLEX research group. The image shows the sPRINTer, a prototype vehicle powered by a cordless screwdriver. Its technological and design highlight is the central, ergonomically shaped, 53-centimetre-long cantilevered centre section. It is made of resin-bonded polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and was 3D-printed.

Within the university, the interdisciplinary collaboration between architecture and mechanical engineering students formed the intellectual and human foundation of the project’s success.

2nd place: Dr Mirco Fuchs, Patrick Frenzel, Dr Gerold Bausch

Title: Contactless pain monitoring of the future using intelligent video-based analysis systems
Submitted by: Dr Mirco Fuchs, Patrick Frenzel, Dr Gerold Bausch from the ‘Laboratory for Biosignal Processing’ research group

After surgery, a sedated patient – shown here in a re-enactment – lies in the recovery room. A camera analyses facial expressions and vital signs such as heart rate and respiratory rate. From this, the software can determine whether the patient is in pain and display recommendations on the monitor for medical staff regarding painkiller dosage.

The image illustrates an important area of research at the “Laboratory for Biosignal Processing”, where the three electrical engineers are conducting their research. At the time the photograph was taken, they were working in collaboration with the Leipzig Heart Centre as part of a clinical feasibility study to determine individual pain perception in patients based on facial expressions. Such a system is then intended for use in contactless health monitoring on standard wards, particularly for people who are unable to communicate verbally, such as newborns.

3rd place: Julian Hofbauer, Silvio Hund

Title: The blue component of sunlight – metrological characterisation of photovoltaics
Submitted by: Julian Hofbauer and Silvio Hund from the FuzzySun research project

A stable, precisely controllable light spectrum is essential for the metrological characterisation and research of photovoltaic cells and modules. As part of the “FuzzySun” research project, Julian Hofbauer and Silvio Hund, research assistants at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Energy Technology, investigated the control of light spectra for this specific application.

They produced the submitted image in the “Industrial Measurement Technology” laboratory. It shows the measurement of a mini-module under blue measurement light.

1st place: Dr Gerald Bausch, Friederike Frieler

Title: How the Internet of Things will
change our everyday lives Submitted by: Dr Gerald Bausch and Friederike Frieler from the ‘Laboratory for Biosignal Processing’ research group

First place in 2016 went to Dr Gerold Bausch and Friederike Frieler from the “Laboratory for Biosignal Processing” research group for their three-part series of images visualising the Internet of Things and its impact on our future daily lives. For an innovation forum held in September 2015 at HTWK Leipzig on the topic of “Digitalisation”, various designs were created to illustrate the applications of modern sensor and computing technology in different fields of use.

2nd place: Florian Hanso

Title: All Fired Up for Cambodia
Submitted by: Florian Hanso from the student project group “Cooking Stove Cambodia”

Second place in 2016 went to the student project group “Cooking Stove Cambodia”. Alongside Florian Hanso, the energy engineering students Robert Kühne, Tom Eisenblätter, Julian Dobczinski and Udo Blümel were involved. The aim of the research project was to design and construct an efficient, safe and cost-effective stove using existing materials. 

During their trip to Cambodia, the students built the very first prototype of a cooker designed for the local population on the second day after their arrival. The Cambodians didn’t want to miss out on this spectacle and lent a hand enthusiastically. The image shows the inner cylinder of the future stove.

3rd place: Martin Dembski

Title: We’ve got the hang of it
Submitted by: Martin Dembski, Research Associate in the FLEX research group

Third place went to architect Martin Dembski, a research assistant in the FLEX research group. The photo shows Master’s students from the Architecture and Civil Engineering programmes who, as part of an interdisciplinary research project, designed, planned, manufactured, assembled and tested a large-scale model of a Zollinger arch in load-bearing tests. Under the supervision of Prof. Alexander Stahr, a parametrically designed board-and-rib structure was created within a year, characterised by exceptional resource efficiency (savings of around 30 per cent compared to conventional timber buildings) and sustainability (fully recyclable).

1st place: Michael Lohmeier

Title: KUKA vs. HTWK
Submitted by: Michael Lohmeier, mechanical engineering student

The winning image from 2015 was created in the then-new Faculty Building for Mechanical Engineering and Energy Technology, in the newly equipped robotics laboratory of the Mechatronics Department. Michael Lohmeier and other mechanical engineering students programmed the robot to spell out the HTWK logo and installed a lamp at the front to illuminate the letters. They then ran the programme at high speed and took the photo using a long exposure.

The photograph thus artistically illustrates the diverse applications of industrial robots.

2nd place: Ben Andrack

Title: Training Team
Submitted by: Ben Andrack from the Innovative Surgical Training Technologies (ISTT) research group

The image shows a training simulator developed by electrical engineer Ben Andrack, a research assistant in the ‘Innovative Surgical Training Technologies’ research group, in collaboration with the team. It illustrates how the surgical training system could be used in practice.

As part of the “LewiSim” research project, the group developed this simulator, which allows trainee surgeons to practise performing surgery on the lumbar spine. They cut, punch and mill on the simulator just as they would in a real operation, without putting a real person at risk during these initial “first steps”. Pictured are Dr Gerold Bausch (right) and Matthias Müller (left).

3rd place: Lars Ehlers

Title: Electrically heated screen
Submitted by: Lars Ehlers from the Innovative Surgical Training Technologies (ISTT) research group

In 2015, Lars Ehlers’ panoramic photograph took third place. It shows several electrically heatable room partitions on which the architect worked in the ‘Functional Surfaces’ research group led by Prof. Henning Rambow. Electrically conductive papers and non-woven fabrics offer a cost-effective alternative for the production of surface heating systems. Unlike traditional underfloor hot-water heating systems, these react very quickly. As they can be used over large areas – floors, external walls, building components – they can be operated at relatively low temperatures with high thermal radiation.

This research project focused on the composite structure of the materials, their combination with surface materials and, above all, the installation-friendly and permanently safe connection of individual elements of an underfloor heating system. The researchers also developed mobile components such as this folding screen, a foldable and portable unit that can function as a room divider and as a temporary, easily movable heating system.

3rd place: Lars Ehlers

Title: Electrically heated screen
Submitted by: Lars Ehlers from the Innovative Surgical Training Technologies (ISTT) research group

In 2015, Lars Ehlers’ panoramic photograph took third place. It shows several electrically heatable room partitions on which the architect worked in the ‘Functional Surfaces’ research group led by Prof. Henning Rambow. Electrically conductive papers and non-woven fabrics offer a cost-effective alternative for the production of surface heating systems. Unlike traditional underfloor hot-water heating systems, these react very quickly. As they can be used over large areas – floors, external walls, building components – they can be operated at relatively low temperatures with high thermal radiation.

This research project focused on the composite structure of the materials, their combination with surface materials and, above all, the installation-friendly and permanently secure connection of individual elements of an underfloor heating system. The researchers also developed mobile components such as this folding screen, a foldable and portable unit that can function as a room divider and as a temporary, easily movable heating system.