Rainer Nordmann was professor of mechatronics at TU Darmstadt, Germany. His research activities focused on the development of mechatronic systems with applications to rotating machinery, machine tools and automotive systems. After his retirement, he worked as manager for Rotor Dynamics at the international R&D Center of Alstom Power in Baden, Switzerland. Currently he serves as consultant at Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability (Fraunhofer LBF) in Darmstadt, Germany. He is involved in other consulting activities for different companies in the area of rotor dynamics and mechatronics.