Dietrich Braess

Prof. Dr. Dietrich Braess is affiliated with the Ruhr University Bochum as a faculty member in the Faculty of Mathematics. His research focuses on numerical methods for elliptic differential equations, nonlinear approximation theory, and optimization, particularly the Braess paradox in traffic and network systems.

Research Interests

• Multigrid methods for elliptic PDEs
• A posteriori error estimation via two-energies principle
• Finite elements in solid mechanics (locking phenomena)
• Stokes solvers and mixed elements
• Rational approximation and complex analysis methods
• Braess paradox in transportation and computer networks

Co-Editorships

• Constructive Approximation (until 1999)
• SIAM Journal on Numerical Analysis (1991–2000)
• Numerical Linear Algebra
• European Transactions on Electrical Power (until 2010)

Braess Paradox

A counterintuitive phenomenon where adding roads can worsen traffic congestion. This has implications beyond transportation networks, extending to computer networks and electrical systems. Key papers include:

• Original 1968 German Paper
• 2005 English Translation