KÖNIG – A Calibrated and Virtual Multiscale Wave Measurement Laboratory for Improving and Supplementing Flow Measurements
From Basic Research to Industrial Applications
The interaction between fluid flow and ultrasonic waves is a fundamental yet insufficiently explored research topic with significant relevance across a wide range of scientific and industrial applications. As part of its Research Initiative (Forschungsimpuls, FIP), the German Research Foundation (DFG) is funding the KÖNIG project at Bochum University of Applied Sciences. The project aims to establish an innovative research infrastructure for advancing ultrasound-based flow measurement technologies. Its objective is to improve the characterization of flow processes in both natural and engineered systems, develop novel measurement methodologies, and facilitate their application in research and industry. To achieve this, our core expertise in computational flow dynamics, ultrasound simulation, experimental flow mechanics, laser-optical flow diagnostics, and ultrasonic measurement techniques is being expanded and systematically integrated. This deeper understanding of flow characteristics will help us to measure sediment movements in river systems more precisely in the future and apply this knowledge in suitable models for predicting flow behavior. Particularly considering the increasing impacts of heavy rainfall events, this opens new possibilities for more accurately forecasting the behavior of various river systems.
Project management
Overarching objectives of the FIP
Establishment of an interdisciplinary "Flow & Ultrasound"excellence network to promote knowledge transfer into industrial applications.
Strengthening research through targeted support of early-career researchers, including the establishment of a junior professorship, the supervision of doctoral candidates, and the integration of numerous Bachelor's and Master's theses.
Advancement of scientific knowledge through the integration of experimental, theoretical, and numerical approaches in the geosciences and materials science, and the translation of these findings into both research and practical applications.
Emphasis on sustainable application domains, particularly geothermal energy and flood protection.
Development, further advancement, and optimization of ultrasound-based flow measurement techniques, measurement methodologies, as well as flow and ultrasound simulation approaches.
Interdisciplinary expertise from the fields of civil engineering, mechatronics, and mechanical engineering is brought together at Bochum University of Applied Sciences to conduct excellent applied research in this area. To this end, this Research Initiative (FIP) establishes three levels of development that are very closely interconnected.
Other participating researchers:
