Lukas Halbach, Production Engineer

Theresa Marte, Junior Engineer and Early-Career Researcher

The six-day training course, led by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Pohl (Ruhr University Bochum) and Prof. Dr.-Ing. Andreas Ibach (Westphalian University of Applied Sciences), focused on the systematic analysis of material failure and the underlying damage mechanisms. In addition to classic fracture types such as overload or fatigue failure, the program also addressed the influence of corrosion, temperature, manufacturing defects, and residual stresses.

A key strength of the course lay in its combination of theoretical instruction and practical application. The lecturers – including experts from research institutions such as BAM and SVTI, as well as from industry – contributed a wide range of real-world failure cases to the discussions. The targeted use of modern analytical techniques clearly demonstrated how conclusions can be drawn about material condition, manufacturing quality, and load history.

Participant Lukas Halbach, a production engineer, offered a thoroughly positive summary (translated from German):

During what has been the longest DGM training course I’ve attended so far, we were able to dive deep into the subject of failure cases and their evaluation and interpretation. I learned a great deal about the systematic approach to handling failure cases, right down to detailed examination methods. As a production engineer, I found the interpretation of investigation results particularly valuable. I gained extensive insights into fracture patterns and how they can reveal information about load conditions and potential faults within the component/load system. From foundational knowledge to the discussion of technically relevant failure cases from real engineering applications, the seminar provided a comprehensive overview of the topic. Well-structured over five days and complemented by a thoughtful supporting program, the course offered an excellent learning environment. The fact that this training has been held many times before is evident not only in the well-curated content and choice of lecturers, but also in the smooth coordination and organization. I’m leaving this week with a very positive impression and have gained a solid foundation and many practical methods I can directly apply in my daily work.

Theresa Marte (M.Sc.), early-career researcher in the field of materials engineering, particularly appreciated the collegial exchange alongside the technical content (translated from German):

It was a great pleasure for me to take part in the legendary failure analysis seminar in Ermatingen this year. As a junior engineer and early-career researcher, I had been looking forward to finally learning everything—once and for all—about the damage mechanisms relevant to engineering practice. Program items such as ‘breaks,’ ‘dinners,’ and ‘excursion’ also promised opportunities to connect with experienced professionals and fellow young failure analysts. My expectations were fully met. The lecture content was carefully selected and followed a clear didactic structure. Alongside the theoretical foundations, the experienced instructors presented a wide range of real-life examples from their professional practice. This gave me an impressive sense of the (often financial) impact of certain damage mechanisms. Even outside the lecture hall, the seminar offered many opportunities to engage in in-depth discussions with both the instructors and other participants. I was able to exchange first-hand experiences, learn about new industries, and solve some of the unresolved puzzles of everyday working life. All in all, a truly enriching experience with consistently good spirits—despite the weather doing its own thing.

The training attracted a broad audience, including engineers from the automotive, aerospace, and construction industries, as well as researchers in materials science and quality assurance. In addition to the technical content, participants also praised the supporting program, which offered ample opportunities for personal exchange and networking.

The next edition of this training is already being planned for 2026. For anyone looking not only to identify damage mechanisms but also to understand and prevent them in a targeted way, this seminar offers a practice-oriented and well-founded continuing education format with long-term benefits.

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