On 03.12.2025, Richard W. Schirmer successfully defended his dissertation entitled "Experimental characterisation and constitutive modelling of the high-temperature creep behaviour of metallic materials using micro specimens". In his presentation and the subsequent discussion, he demonstrated the central importance of his research results for material mechanical characterisation under high-temperature conditions.
The dissertation was assessed by the following members of the examination committee:
- Prof. Matthias Kröger (Chair)
- Prof. Björn Kiefer (1st reviewer)
- PD Dr Steffen Gerke (2nd reviewer)
- Prof. Ulrich Römer
- Prof. Horst Biermann
In his work, Mr Schirmer investigated the visco-plastic behaviour of metallic materials at high temperatures using miniaturised test methods. The focus is on the Small Punch Test (SPT), a miniaturised thermo-mechanical test method. Based on extensive experiments, Mr Schirmer developed two models for the precise description of creep behaviour. The first model allows all creep ranges to be taken into account, while the second was developed for broad application and extrapolation.
The results of the SPT tests prove the suitability of the method for a comprehensive characterisation of high-temperature creep behaviour and make an important contribution to the further development of modern testing and modelling approaches.
We would like to congratulate Mr Schirmer on his achievement and wish him every success in his future endeavours.
