Ralf Baumann

Ralf Baumann is a Professor at the Institute of Mechanical Engineering and Energy Technology (IME) within the Lucerne School of Engineering and Architecture at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU). He has served as Head of the Competence Center for Mechanical Systems since 2006 and as Deputy Head of IME from 2017 to 2023. His roles include being a lecturer in the Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) program since 2008 and a former Head of Department Numerical Simulation at Hilti AG.

Education:

• Diploma in Aerospace Engineering, University of Stuttgart (1986-1992)
• Internship at Airbus (1988-1989)
• Diploma Thesis at Dornier GmbH (1992)

Ralf Baumann's research focuses on Mechanical Engineering, particularly in Finite Element Method (FEM), Structural Mechanics, Lightweight Structures, and Computational Mechanics. His work spans industrial applications such as overhead line conductors, ski manufacturing, robotics, and additive manufacturing. He has led projects like SwissSTES PIT/CCMS, Virtuelles Gehen, and vLRC – virtual Lucerne Robotics Center.

His publications and presentations emphasize finite element modeling, contact stress analysis, thermal-mechanical simulations, and fluid-structure interaction in practical engineering scenarios.

Scientific Awards:

• ANSYS Hall of Fame Competition - Best in Show 2018 Academic
• Zeppelin Award 'New Technologies' for Best Diploma Thesis (1993)

As an educator, Baumann supervises Bachelor and Master Theses and has developed innovative 3D teaching methods via the Cyber-Classroom initiative. He has held leadership roles in the Swiss Industry Robotics Network and contributed to industry-specific projects involving ANSYS Workbench and Multilayer Stranded Cables.