Master thesis
The aim of this work is to replicate injection moulding-like fibre architecture in additive manufacturing using an innovative path planning strategy.
Injection moulding results in a characteristic fiber architecture that influences fiber orientation, length and distribution. For this reason, it has so far only been possible to produce specifically graded moulded parts in the injection moulding process at great expense. In contrast, additive manufacturing can be used to change the fiber architecture locally during layer build-up. This requires a path planning strategy that makes it possible to simulate the specific fiber architecture of an injection moulding process. This is made possible by non-planar path planning, which is being further researched as part of this thesis. With non-planar path planning, components are not divided into parallel planes but into curved layers.
© IKVThe work is related to this research project:
The work is part of the Collaborative Research Center TRR 402 “DediGrad” in which, among other things, a highly adaptive production process for injection-moulded components with continuously configurable fiber architecture is being researched. Research into a manufacturing process for intrinsically graded, additively manufactured test specimens, which are then heated above the melting point in an external mould and subsequently converted into injection-moulded components.
Objective:
The aim of the thesis is to develop a path planning strategy in plasticizing additive manufacturing using a non-planar layer structure to simulate injection-moulding-like fiber architecture.
Your task:
You will work on the following tasks for a Master’s thesis:
- Research on non-planar rail planning
- Design of simulation concept for injection moulding-like fiber architecture
- Implementation of the most promising simulation concept in Abaqus
- Production of test specimens for validation
- Analysis of the fiber architecture
Your profile
- Interest in additive manufacturing
- Experience in the Abaqus simulation environment
- Basic understanding of slicing/lane planning is an advantage
- Independent, structured and autonomous work
- Interest in working on pioneering research projects
- Preferred fields of study:
- Mechanical engineering / industrial engineering, specialising in mechanical engineering
- Automation technology
- General mechanical engineering
- Computational Engineering Science (CES)
- Simulation Sciences
- Applied Polymer Science (M.Sc.)
If you are interested in this exciting range of topics and would like to help shape the future of additive manufacturing, we will be happy to work together to develop a topic tailored to your needs.