Overview
Computational mechanics is a constantly growing field with impact on both science and industry in all areas of engineering. It is concerned with solving mechanical problems on the basis of numerical approximation methods, involving discretization of the underlying equations in both space and time. Nowadays, related skills are indispensable in civil and mechanical engineering, for the design of automobiles and spacecrafts, for developments in biomechanics and micro-electro-mechanical systems. Virtually, all technical disciplines make use of the fast progress in this area.
Computational mechanics brings together highly sophisticated methods of theoretical, applied and structural mechanics as well as computer science, software engineering and applied mathematics. The curriculum of the course encompasses, among others,
- continuum mechanics, structural mechanics and theory of stability
- structural and fluid dynamics
- applied mathematics and functional analysis
- computer science, programming and software engineering
- linear and non-linear finite element methods
- structural and multidisciplinary optimization
- modelling and simulation
- networking, distributed and parallel computing
Which further expertise and skills will I acquire?
As a graduate of the Master of Science Program in Computational Mechanics you have developed a portfolio of skills and competences in the field of numerical simulation, modeling of engineering problems for a consequent numerical simulation as well as a profound understanding of mechanical problems. You are able to analyze problems in the field of engineering and transfer them into appropriate numerical models. Via this process you are capable of evaluating the assumptions of the respective models and their limitations, the artifacts which can be created during the modeling and evaluation process as well as the possible expansions of models. You develop and derive new ideas during your work for optimizing engineering processes and are able to assess a range of software tools.
Furthermore, you are capable of applying and evaluating different programming principles, the underlying partial differential equations for various problems and the assumptions for material descriptions and low and high frequency analyses.
Which professional opportunities can I take up with this qualification?
As a graduate with a M.Sc. in COME you are able to work in many different areas as you gain a deep understanding in mechanics, programming, modeling and simulation. You can start a career e.g. as software engineer or design, calculation and simulation engineer, respectively.
Structure
The first semester gives a solid background in mechanics and programming, which is indispensable for the following semesters.
In the second and third semester the students have to choose 4 mayor subjects in order to specialize in the fields of interest. The elective courses allow the students to gain a wide knowledge in different disciplines such as civil engineering, mechanical engineering or informatics. As most companies in Germany require at least basic language skills, the students also may select a German language course as elective course. The software lab is an interdisciplinary team project (3–6 students) which links the analysis and solution of engineering problems and the development of software components.
The fourth semester is dedicated to the master’s thesis. It can be written either at the chairs involved in Computational Mechanics or in cooperation with industry or other academic partners.
Costs
Funding
Admissions
Selection takes place through an aptitude assessment procedure. Aptitude assessment is a two-part procedure after the submission of an official application to a program. In this procedure, the TUM school or department determines whether you meet the specific requirements for its master’s degree program.
In the initial stages, the grades you obtained during your bachelor's program, as well as your written documents, will be evaluated using a point system. Depending on the amount of points accumulated, applicants are either immediately admitted, rejected or invited to an admissions interview.