IKV Logo Portrait

Student paper

Characterisation of thermoplastic elastomers – Realistic imaging with micromechanical models

Bachelorarbeit oder Masterarbeit

Untersuche die mechanischen Eigenschaften von geschäumten TPE und bilde diese mithilfe von mikromechanischen Modellen realitätsnah ab.

The use of thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) over conventional elastomers can be justified, among other things, by their better environmental properties in terms of processing and recyclability. A further improvement in the CO2 footprint can be achieved by reducing the use of materials in terms of lightweight construction. This is where lightweight construction using TPE foams comes into its own. Foaming always results in a softening of the material. Consequently, it is necessary to estimate the functional fulfillment of the component. Predicting the mechanical properties of TPE foams is complex due to the strong process-dependent foam morphology. One way to gain a better understanding of morphology-dependent material properties is to use micromechanical models with the aid of representative volume elements (RVE). The aim of your work will be to characterise the morphology and the resulting mechanical behavior of TPE foams depending on the process conditions and to model them in micromechanical models. You will produce, prepare and characterise your own test specimens. The material behavior is then mapped by means of micromechanical simulations using finite element methods.

Stuwi Mechanische Chrarakteristik eng© IKV
Application example of TPE foams, cross-section through a TPE foam, and micromechanical model.

In the Department of Structural Analysis at IKV, two working groups deal with the mechanical modeling of elastomer materials and TPE. Suitable material models are developed, calibrated and validated. Expanding the understanding of materials with regard to foamed TPE enables the development of new savings potential in technical components for the plastics industry in a wide range of sectors.

Objective:

Investigate the mechanical properties of foamed TPE and reproduce them realistically using micromechanical models.

Mechanical characterisation of the test specimens produced Mapping the mechanical behavior of TPE foams using RCE simulations
Morphological characterisation of the foam structure Mechanical characterisation of the manufactured test specimens
Illustration of the mechanical behavior of TPE foams using RVE simulations Morphological characterisation of the foam structure
Parameter variation and sensitivity study on the RVE

Your profile:

  • You already have knowledge and experience in simulation with ABAQUS and in programming with Python, or would like to get into simulation technology.
  • You are interested in mechanics and micromechanics.
  • Knowledge of mechanical modeling of plastics and elastomers is advantageous.
  • Natural science course such as mechanical engineering

If you are interested in writing your thesis at IKV and in this task, please apply.