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The History of the Department
Laboratory for Technical Physics
Since its establishment, the aim of the Laboratory for
Technical Physics has been the experimental application of
theoretically obtained knowledge.
Research is also carried out although the Technical University
does not have an official research assignment. This teaching
model sets an example for many other technical universities
and is applied to this day. The purpose of the laboratory is
later explained by Wilhelm Lynen, Professor of Mechanical
Engineering at the THM from 1909 onwards: ‘The student
must deal with the machines himself, (…) he must see with
an open eye, hear with his ear strained, feel with his hands, to
understand how they behave when idling and under full load,
at the highest speeds and at high temperatures.’
1906
Rudolf Camerer is appointed as full professor at the
department, establishing the Chair of Hydroelectric
Power Plants. In addition, an Institute of Hydraulic
Machines and Plants is attached to the Chair.
1907
Establishment of the Chair of Lifting Equipment
and Conveying Systems which is filled by a crane
construction expert from the industry, Rudolf Krell.
Aircraft designer Claude Dornier graduates at the
department.
1913
Modernisation of the technical laboratory.
The Institute of Machine Tools and Industrial Engi-
neering includes materials testing, ferrous metallurgy
and the forming of metals through external forces in
its focus of activity.
The Paradigm of Mechanical Engineering is Improved
The establishment of the groundwork of the paradigm was
followed by a period in which the mechanisms, principles
and works of mechanical engineering were improved and
specified. Machines which work on established principles,
for example, become smaller and more efficient. Mechanical
engineering is perfected by lubricants, new materials and
shapes of toothed wheels in gear mechanisms as well as
numerous other detailed solutions.
1923
Willy Messerschmitt is awarded a degree; he
establishes Messerschmitt Flugzeugbau GmbH in
Bamberg while still studying. In 1923 he comes first
in a gliding competition on the Rhön hills with his
graduation project of a glider named ‘S 14’.
1924
Establishment of the first chair and an Institute of
Agricultural Machinery at a German university.
1925
Wilhelm Nußelt is appointed as full professor at the
Chair of Theoretical Machine Science and teaches
thermodynamics there. The ‘Nusselt number’ is
named after him. It describes the convective heat
transmission between a solid surface and a flowing
fluid.
Max Jakob, assistant to Oskar Knoblauch, carrying out thermal output
testing in the laboratory, around 1906. As a jew, Max Jakob had to emigrate
during the Nazi era and became a founder of heat transmission research in
the United States.
Testing facility at the Institute of Hydraulic Machines, around 1925