The Earth's magnetic field has been measured and researched for several centuries. Our #topteam from thyssenkrupp rothe erde also supports this work: Their slewing bearing helps scientists to simulate the formation of the Earth's magnetic field. The slewing bearing guarantees the highly demanding dynamic motion of a high-performance dynamo used in the international "DRESDYN" research project at the Helmholtz Zentrum Dresden Rossendorf (HZDR). Our #topteam is collaborating on the project across departmental boundaries: Randolf Dietrich takes care of sales, Gerd Poloschek is responsible for the key account management, Volker Hertel is the engineering expert and Edward Mischok is responsible for service.

What have you achieved as a team?

"We were faced with the challenge of developing a slewing bearing that would allow the superstructure, which weighs more than 20 tons and is filled with liquid sodium, to rotate at 600 revolutions per minute. To illustrate the difficulty: The acceleration forces are so enormous that the base frame of our slewing bearing had to be anchored over 22 meters deep in the bedrock. Plus, because the project involves research with liquid sodium, which is highly explosive, a special new research building was constructed.
Our solution: A special slewing bearing combined with recirculating oil lubrication and precise measurement of the surfaces of the connecting structures. We were able to calculate, manufacture and install a rothe erde® slewing bearing that enables the researchers to successfully implement all the requirements of the research project.
The theory: Billions of years ago, the rotation and tumbling of the Earth in its own orbit enabled the liquid metal core to generate a magnetic field that protects us against deadly cosmic radiation to this day. This is how life on our planet became even possible at all. And it is precisely this rotation that the scientists are simulating with “DRESDYN”.
In this project, we have shown: With our products, visions become reality - also in science!"

How did you achieve this together?

"At this point, it has to be said clearly that cross-departmental cooperation is the most important factor in this project. Since this is the first dynamo of this type, we were unable to draw on any previous experience. Engineering as part of the team is therefore of particular relevance in this project, which is the first of its kind in the world. And we were able to demonstrate: Working together is not just something we do internally. Together with other companies and the research institution, we took on an unprecedented (research) challenge and found solutions together."

What does your performance mean for thyssenkrupp?

"We make a relevant contribution to high precision basic research. This is intended to show what holds the world together at its core. In the best case scenario, the results will allow experiments based on this, which will permit detailed insights into metal melts. In the future, for example, liquid metal batteries could be developed for energy storage or the safety of next-generation liquid metal-cooled nuclear reactors could be researched. So we could show: thyssenkrupp can also do research."

Congratulations to the #topteam of thyssenkrupp rothe erde for this great achievement!

Are you also part of a #topteam? Then send us an email. We look forward to celebrating your successes together!