Digital Twin in Development and Design

Faculty

Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science

Version

Version 1 of 15.02.2026.

Module identifier

11B2309

Module level

Bachelor

Language of instruction

German

ECTS credit points and grading

5.0

Module frequency

winter and summer term

Duration

1 semester

 

 

Brief description

Today, digital, computer-aided models of virtual assembly, motion analysis, realistic rendering or other model functions that describe the operating behavior are used in product development. 

This initially virtually and digitally modeled twin can become a completely digital model of a real product or a real system using real data and feedback from the operating behavior of real products. Digital twins, which are already modeled during product development and design, are thus an essential part of the "Internet of Things" (IoT).

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Overall workload

The total workload for the module is 150 hours (see also "ECTS credit points and grading").

Teaching and learning methods
Lecturer based learning
Workload hoursType of teachingMedia implementationConcretization
25LecturePresence-
15Learning in groups / Coaching of groupsPresence or online-
20Laboratory activityPresence or online-
Lecturer independent learning
Workload hoursType of teachingMedia implementationConcretization
45Work in small groups-
15Preparation/follow-up for course work-
15Exam preparation-
15Creation of examinations-
Graded examination
  • Homework / Assignment
Recommended prior knowledge

The knowledge from the previous mechanical design courses is required.

Knowledge deepening

Students are also able to parameterize complex assemblies and derive variants. They have basic knowledge of the integration of virtual methods for advanced product design, simulation and documentation.

Knowledge Understanding

Students can assess requirements for digital models on the basis of their current practical knowledge and create corresponding digital product models.

Application and Transfer

Students can carry out further digital simulations and analyses on the basis of CAD modeling of products.

Academic Innovation

Students develop digital product models and test their functionality on the "digital twin".

Communication and Cooperation

The students communicate and cooperate within (student) development teams and with potential users of the products in order to develop the digital twin to meet the requirements.

Literature

  • Klepzig, Wei?bach: 3D-Konstruktion mit CATIA V5, Hanser Fachbuchverlag Leipzig Behnisch: Digital Mockup
  • mit CATIA V5, Hanser 2004 Hoenow, Mei?ner: Entwerfen und Gestalten im Maschinenbau, Hanser, Fachbuchverlag Leipzig, 2004
  • Pahl, Beitz: Konstruktionslehre, Springer Verlag; Springer Verlag::Gesch?ftsmodelle Digitaler Zwillinge, 

Applicability in study programs

  • Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor)
    • Mechanical Engineering B.Sc. (01.09.2025)

  • Mechanical Engineering in Practical Networks
    • Mechanical Engineering in Practical Networks B.Sc. (01.03.2026)

  • Power, Environmental and Process Engineering
    • Power, Environmental and Process Engineering B.Sc. (01.09.2025)

  • Automotive Engineering (Bachelor)
    • Automotive Engineering B.Sc. (01.09.2025)

    Person responsible for the module
    • Forstmann, Jochen
    Teachers
    • Schwarze, Bernd
    • Wahle, Ansgar
    • Forstmann, Jochen