The non-profit research promotion of the Stiftung Maurer Söhne actually includes two fields:
Construction Engineering
Modern, slender construction methods result in structures susceptible to vibrations encouraged for example by machines, wind, traffic or persons. An important specialty means the seismic impact on structures. The safe seismic design of those structures necessitate complicated influence models (stochastics) and methods of computation (Finite Element Methods). In many cases empirical appendage is used as there are wide ranges not completely explored yet. In many cases it is necessary to use damping devices and isolators, i.e. mechanical engineering elements which are strange to the average civil engineer. That is why "structural dynamics" is a special field of construction engineering, mastered by few experts only. In addition there is the necessity of sufficient equipment in electronic soft- and hardware.
This relatively young field of construction engineering is still in need of fundamental research. That is why the Maurer Söhne Foundation set priority to its promotion.
Mechanical Engineering
In many technical domains the numerical simulation of dynamic processes is of ever increasing importance. With this in the process of development on the one hand there result considerable possible savings, as you can do without a variety of cost and time consuming tests and prototypes respectively. On the other hand you can approach technical boundaries in computer simulation and eventually also trespass them without inflicting damage on people or test carriers.
The physical movement simulation the human being is involved, is of particular importance. Again the important matter is how the human being - contrary to the technical sensor- perceives the dynamic movement and how his safety can be granted, as for example in means of transportation. The Maurer Söhne foundation decided to promote basic research in this field.