Automotive Engineering

The FKFS field of Automotive Engineering includes the areas of vehicle aerodynamics and thermal management, automotive technology and driving dynamics, as well as vehicle acoustics and vibrations. The institute operates a state-of-the-art aeroacoustic full-scale vehicle wind tunnel with a 5-belt system providing an accurate simulation of on-road conditions. Furthermore, the institute offers a 1:4/1:5-scale model wind tunnel  and a thermal wind tunnel. With decades of experience in operating our own wind tunnels, FKFS provides competent consulting on wind tunnel technology and corresponding training courses.

Additional advanced test benches and various bespoke measurement vehicles also allow the investigation of vehicle cooling, performance and soiling, as well as driving dynamics and vehicle acoustics. Aside from the testing facilities, the institute also widely utilizes state-of-the-art digital simulation procedures in its work.

This field’s further activities includes public, customer financed or internally financed research, as well as teaching in conjunction with the University of Stuttgart. Profound scientific and technical know-how, access to university resources and the experience from current research services for the automotive industry guarantee our customers an effective and goal-oriented processing of their projects. Total confidentiality is assured in all projects.

Overview of the departments and department heads

Automotive Engineering 1 Vehicle Dynamics & Chassis Functions, Thermal Wind Tunnel Dr.-Ing. Jens Neubeck
Automotive Engineering 2 Aerodynamics & Thermal Management Dr.-Ing. Timo Kuthada
Automotive Engineering 3 Aeroacoustics & NHV

Dr. rer. nat.

Reinhard Blumrich

Automotive Engineering 4 Full Scale Wind Tunnel Dipl.-Ing. Armin Michelbach
Automotive Engineering 5 Model Scale Wind Tunnel, Wind Tunnel Technology Dr.-Ing. Felix Wittmeier

Member of the board

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Andreas Wagner

Ph.: +49 711 685-65600