CV
Prof. Bletzinger (*1958) conducts research in computational mechanics, with a focus on static and dynamic analysis, simulation, optimization, and their integration into the digital design chain. He develops methods to numerically capture the interactions of components and structures with the design process (e.g., CAD-FEM coupling with isogeometric analysis), with loads (e.g., fluid-structure interaction, numerical wind tunnel, and computational wind engineering), and with structural geometry. Together with his research group, he is internationally recognized as a leader in form finding and structural shape optimization. Methods developed in his department have become integral to modern computer-based engineering practice and are used in civil, automotive, mechanical, and aerospace engineering.

He studied civil engineering in Stuttgart, Germany, and Calgary, Canada, receiving his doctorate from the University of Stuttgart in 1990. He was appointed professor at the University of Karlsruhe in 1996 and joined TUM in 1999. He serves on numerous committees in basic and applied research, European standardization bodies, the German Research Foundation (DFG), and the examination board of the Bavarian State Building Authority for certifying test engineers. He is an honorary member of the VDI (Association of German Engineers) and a recipient of its Golden Ring of Honor.

 

Short biography

1978–1984	Studies in Civil Engineering (Dipl.-Ing.), University of Stuttgart
1981–1982	Study abroad at the University of Calgary, Canada
1984–1990	Research Associate, Institute of Structural Mechanics (Prof. E. Ramm), University of Stuttgart
1990	Doctorate (Dr.-Ing.), University of Stuttgart; dissertation on Shape Optimization of Surface Structures
1990–1996	Senior Assistant, Institute of Structural Mechanics, University of Stuttgart
1996–1999	Professor of Numerical Methods in Structural Mechanics, University of Karlsruhe
1999–2024	Chair of Structural Analysis, Technical University of Munich (TUM)

 

Memberships and honors

GACM / IACM – German / International Association for Computational Mechanics

GAMM – International Association of Applied Mathematics and Mechanics

IASS – International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures 

ISSMO – International Society for Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization

VDI – Association of German Engineers (Honorary Member)

 

Selected Publications

Bletzinger KU: “Shape Optimization”. in: Erwin Stein, René de Borst, T.J.R. Hughes (Eds.) Encyclopedia of Computational Mechanics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., 2017.

Hojjat M., Stavropoulou E, Bletzinger KU: “The vertex morphing method for node-based shape optimization”. Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering, 268 (2014) 494-513.

Bletzinger KU, Wüchner R, Daoud F, Camprubí N.: “Computational methods for form finding and optimization of shells and membranes”. Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering. 194 (2005) 3438-3452.

Bletzinger KU, Bischoff M, Ramm E: “A unified approach for shear-locking-free triangular and rectangular shell finite elements”. Computers & Structures, 75 (2000) 321-334.

Bletzinger KU, Ramm E: “A general finite element approach to the form finding of tensile structures by the updated reference strategy”. International Journal of Space Structures, 14 (1999) 131-145.

Breitenberger M, Apostolatos A, Philipp B, Wüchner R, Bletzinger KU: “Analysis in computer aided design: Nonlinear isogeometric B-Rep analysis of shell structures”. Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering. 284 (2015) 401-457.

Kiendl J, Bletzinger KU, Linhard J, Wüchner R: “Isogeometric shell analysis with Kirchhoff-Love elements”. Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering. 198 (2009) 3902-3914.