Master's Thesis / Student (f/m/x) Joining Concepts for Ceramic Matrix Composites

The Institute of Structures and Design works on the development and optimization of materials and their processing and joining technologies, as well as new design approaches and the construction of full-scale demonstrators. Naturally, testing and validation in specialized test facilities and flight trials are also part of the daily work. The focus is on fiber-ceramic, polymer, and hybrid composite materials. The research of new multidisciplinary design tools and digital models forms the basis for hardware development.

What to expect

The Department of Ceramic Composites and Structures optimises and develops manufacturing processes for high-performance materials, whilst also pursuing the goal of putting these materials into practical use. To this end, application-oriented prototypes are designed, manufactured, integrated and tested. The focus is on ceramic matrix composites (CMC) for high-temperature, short-term and long-term applications such as rocket nozzles and tips, as well as components for the hot gas section of aircraft engines.

Continuous-fibre-reinforced SiC/SiC (silicon carbide fibre reinforced silicon carbide) materials are promising candidates for the first and second stages of the high-pressure turbine in aircraft engines and are already in series production in the LEAP and GE9X engines. Their low density and high temperature resistance offer a number of advantages over nickel-based superalloys. A key challenge here is the integration of CMC components into the metallic environment of the engine, due to the differing thermal expansion coefficients of the individual components.

Your tasks

• Research into existing connection and sealing concepts between CMC and metal components, drawing on the literature and patents
• Identifying the specific problems associated with CMC–metal connections and deriving potential solutions
• Evaluation of published solutions from patents and the literature, and selection of a suitable concept or a combination of different concepts for the specified stator geometry
• Development and detailed design using CAD of two to three connection concepts based on a specific case study: connection of a CMC guide vane from the first stage of the high-pressure turbine to the metallic engine environment
• Evaluation of the developed connection using an existing evaluation matrix, as well as, where applicable, initial structural analysis using the finite element method

Your profile

• A degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science or a comparable discipline
• Fluency in spoken and written German or English
• Good knowledge of and enjoyment in working independently on design tasks using Siemens NX (or similar software)
• Knowledge of structural analysis using ANSYS or similar software
• Interest in engine structures, ceramic matrix composites, material properties and sealing systems

We look forward to getting to know you!

If you have any questions about this position (Vacancy-ID 6411) please contact:

Dr. Joel Schukraft

Tel.: +49 711 6862 734