Fraunhofer Institute for High-Speed Dynamics

The Fraunhofer Institute for High-Speed Dynamics in Freiburg studies how materials behave under extreme conditions and rapid changes. Using high-speed cameras and specialized equipment, researchers analyze impacts, explosions, and material responses captured in milliseconds.

The institute was founded in 1959, continuing Ernst Mach's pioneering work in high-speed photography for studying ballistic processes. This establishment created a new center for examining dynamic phenomena in Germany.

The institute honors physicist Ernst Mach through its name, linking scientific tradition with current research in this university city. This naming reflects how deeply the work here builds on foundations laid over a century ago.

Access to the research facilities typically happens through partnerships with companies or academic institutions, as this is a specialized research center. Visitors should check beforehand what areas are accessible and how to arrange a visit.

The facility operates additional research sites in Efringen-Kirchen and Kandern to expand its capabilities for studying dynamic phenomena. These distributed locations allow for specialized experiments that would not be possible at a single site.