Bachelor’s thesis or master’s thesis
© IKVTopic of the work:
Thermosetting plastics are typically shaped into their final component geometry during curing. Post-forming has hardly been used in industrial applications to date, as fully cross-linked thermosets are considered non-formable. However, partially cross-linked epoxy resins exhibit pronounced plastic deformation behavior within a suitable temperature and cross-linking range. This makes it possible to first produce simple semi-finished products in a reproducible manner and then shape them specifically into defined geometries.
The work is related to this research project:
The “EPForm” research project is investigating how partially cross-linked thermosets and fiber-reinforced composites can be thermally formed after the fact. In addition to the basic characterization of material behavior, process parameters such as forming temperature, forming speed, dwell time, and the influence of geometry will be evaluated. This requires a versatile forming tool capable of reproducibly forming rod-shaped test specimens.
Objective:
Development, design, and experimental testing of a compact forming die for investigating fundamental process parameters in the hot forming of partially cross-linked thermosets.
Your task:
| For a bachelor's thesis, you will address the following topics | For a master's thesis, you will address the following topics |
| Introduction to the topic of hot forming of partially cross-linked thermosets | Introduction to the topic of hot forming of partially cross-linked thermosets |
| Derivation of Requirements for a Versatile Forming Die | Derivation of Die Design Requirements Based on Test Specimen Geometry, Temperature Control, and the Forming Process |
| Development and Evaluation of Various Die Concepts for Bar-Shaped Test Specimens | Development, Evaluation, and Design of a Modular Forming Die |
| Design of the mould in CAD and coordination of manufacturing options at the IKV | Mechanical and thermal design of the mould, taking into account the process constraints |
| Conducting systematic forming tests while varying selected process parameters, such as forming temperature, forming speed, or dwell time | |
| Evaluation of forming results in terms of dimensional stability, elasticity, and damage behavior |
Your profile:
- A degree in engineering or the natural sciences from RWTH or a university of applied sciences (e.g., mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, …)
- Interest in design, hands-on experimental techniques, and thermosetting materials
- Basic experience with CAD software, such as Siemens NX, SolidWorks, or Inventor
- Motivated, careful and independent way of working
- Affinity for technology, creativity and willingness to learn