Stefan Diebels

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Stefan Diebels is a Professor at the Chair of Applied Mechanics within the Department of Materials Science, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology at Universität des Saarlandes. His research group focuses on microstructured continua, developing models for material behavior across scales (metals, polymers, biomaterials) using continuum mechanics frameworks. Experimental work investigates mechanical properties and environmental interactions (e.g., temperature/humidity), validated through finite element simulations.

Research Interests: The group’s work spans four key areas:

• Biomechanics: Fracture healing, orthopedic implant optimization, and biological material behavior.
• Metals: Multiscale modeling of metallic structures and failure mechanisms.
• Polymers: Moisture effects, aging, and viscoelastic behavior of adhesives/elastomers.
• Foams & Metamaterials: Auxetic materials, electrodeposition coatings, and porous media mechanics.

Publication Trends (2023-2025): Recent articles emphasize computational biomechanics (fracture healing, digital twins), polymer degradation under environmental stress, and metamaterial design. Over 60% focus on medical applications (implants, trauma recovery), while 30% address material-specific challenges in polymers/metals. Recurring themes include moisture diffusion modeling, finite element validation, and patient-specific simulations.

Infrastructure & Collaboration: The chair maintains experimental laboratories for material testing and collaborates on projects like NFDI-MatWerk (National Research Data Infrastructure) and Pro4CableSim (industrial transfer project). Team structure includes scientific/technical staff, with lab capabilities for multiaxial mechanical testing and environmental simulation.