Master Thesis – Optimized sintering of advanced tungsten-based SMART materials for fusion reactors using field assisted sintering technology and finite element modelling

Your Job:

The master thesis contains two parts:
In the first part, FEM is used to investigate the temperature and current density distribution of a square and a polygon-shaped FAST/SPS sample. The linear size of the samples is 100 mm. Based on the results, geometrical parameters like wall thickness of die and thickness of thermal insulation material will be systematically varied to find the optimum tool dimensions and shape for reducing thermal gradients to a minimum.
In the second part, deformation behavior of a mechanically alloyed W-11.6Cr-0.6Y powder in this tool is modelled for ensuring full and homogeneous densification of square and polygon shaped samples with linear size of up to 100 mm.
The FEM modeling of FAST/SPS process and the subsequent model validation in the dedicated FAST/SPS experiments is extremely important for physics and engineering understanding of FAST/SPS technique.

• Adapting an existing FEM model to square and polygon shaped FAST/SPS tools
• Investigation and optimization of the temperature and current density distribution of such tools depending on geometrical features like wall thickness of the die and thermal insulation
• FEM modelling of the densification behavior of a mechanically alloyed W-11.6Cr-0.6Y powder in a square or polygon shaped tools
• FAST/SPS experiments to measure the input parameters for the densification model at the RWTH Aachen University
• Verification of the model by producing large samples in an optimized tool at Forschungszentrum Jülich

Your Profile:

• Studies of material science, mechanical engineering or a related field
• Basic knowledge of FEM modelling
• Basic knowledge of material processing and working in the lab
• Independent work in a motivated team
• Good command of written and spoken English

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We support you in your work with:

• Participation in a cooperation between RWTH Aachen and Forschungszentrum Jülich
• The main working place will be the IWM, RWTH Aachen
• Possibility to be employed as a working student at RWTH Aachen University
• A highly motivated, interdisciplinary work environment at both institutions, a well-recognized technical university and one of the largest research institutions in Europe
• Participation in the worldwide collaboration on development of advanced materials
• Professional support of qualified supervisors
• Working on a topic with high relevance for future energy systems

Place of employment: Aachen

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.