This is a sampler of different reports about our missions in the Ukraine. The main activities are in regard to training of young scientists in the operation of non-destructive testing techniques for desaster mitigation of war effects, damaged objects of the built environment (bridges, dams, buildings) and energy infrastructure and the protection of cultural heritage.

See a video documentation regarding some of our activities recorded by a Ukraine TV station. The video is in Ukraine only: Video 

Teaching and Collaboration Amidst Air Alarms

23. - 27.09.2024

During their second visit to Ukraine from September 23 to 27, 2024, Prof. Grosse and Dr. Olga Popovych strengthened the collaboration between the Chair of Non-Destructive Testing at the School of Engineering and Design, Technical University of Munich (TUM), and various institutions in Ivano-Frankivsk and Lviv. Despite the challenges posed by air raid alarms, the visit was marked by productive exchanges in education, research, and innovation.

Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas (IFNTUOG)

This visit included the third lecture delivered by Prof. Grosse at Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas (IFNTUOG), attended by both faculty members and students. He highlighted TUM's latest achievements in Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), introduced his team of scientists, including Dr. Olga Popovych, a TUM postdoc and alumna of IFNTUOG, and shared insights into cutting-edge developments in NDT, focusing on innovative methods and technologies developed by TUM researchers. Although the lecture was briefly interrupted by an air raid alarm, students found refuge in shelters, and the lecture materials will be made available to all who are interested.

The German delegation also toured IFNTUOG's laboratories, witnessing the university’s advancements in non-destructive testing, which now encompass areas such as measurement technologies, metrology, and energy management. Assoc. Prof. Andriy Yavorsky, from the Department of Measurement Technologies at the Institute of Information Technologies, led the tour, showcasing significant research in metallography, metrology, quality control, and renewable energy.

The visit concluded with optimistic discussions on further collaboration between TUM and IFNTUOG, with both sides expressing a strong commitment to advancing education, science, and innovation.

A new partnership was established with the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise, focusing on the assessment of buildings damaged by Russian rocket attacks. Prof. Grosse and Dr. Popovych presented a lecture titled "Modern Non-Destructive Techniques for Civil Engineering Structures" to experts from across Ukraine, who are involved in evaluating the structural integrity of buildings affected by rocket strikes and shock waves. This collaboration aims to enhance the expertise available for the inspection and preservation of war-damaged infrastructure.

Link zur Webseite vom Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise

In Lviv, the delegation visited the Department of Diagnostics of Materials Corrosion-Hydrogen Degradation at the Karpenko Physico-Mechanical Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. The researchers were introduced to the department’s work on structural integrity, including projects on seaport portal cranes, aging bridges, hydrogen-induced delamination in gas pipelines, and in-service material degradation. Discussions focused on identifying key areas for potential future collaboration with TUM, particularly in advancing research in material diagnostics and structural health monitoring.

Link zur Webseite vom Department of Diagnostics of Materials Corrosion-Hydrogen Degradation, Lviv

03. - 06.08.2024

During a visit of Dr. Olga Popovych and Prof. Christian Grosse, Chair of Non-destructive Testing of the TUM School of Engineering and Design, at the Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas (IFNTUOG) in Ukraine between August 2nd to 7th a further collaboration to investigate structures suffering from attacks during the war have been discussed. In addition, a short training program was performed, and the opportunity was used to bring several non-destructive testing instruments for some first measurements. This was accompanied by a first training session for students of the National University in Ivano-Frankivsk and material testing experts from the region of Zhytomyr. The intensive seminar took place in two stages: a theoretical part, which included a presentation on the basic principles and methods used in construction and mechanical engineering, and a practical part, which featured a demonstration of modern technologies and methods. The workshop participants had the opportunity to practice using a multi-channel ultrasonic device and a radar antenna aimed at an intensive study of structures, simulating the actions of specialists performing measurements.

Since the university building was damaged as a result of a rocket attack in June 2024, measurements have been conducted directly on structures that were in the path of the shock wave and damaged. It was demonstrated how to efficiently handle modern NDT equipment. In the meantime, requests from NDT companies and other experts have been received to conduct similar training in the future. The good visibility in the media has generated significant interest in such training.

During the visit, numerous potential directions for cooperation have been discussed on the basis of a formal collaboration between TUM and IFNTUOG in the area of teaching. The Chair of NDT at TUM was asked to support the Ukrainian colleagues in investigating damaged infrastructure due to our extensive experience and international reputation. The intention is to closely cooperate with IFNTUOG in the future, particularly since it is located in one of the safest areas in Ukraine, and to join their project called "Energy Academy," which includes a powerful training unit, "NDE for Infrastructure." Through cooperation between IFNTUOG and TUM,  experts throughout Ukraine can be trained, empowering them to use the equipment conducting ground-based examinations of infrastructural components.