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Student paper

Disoriented? – With the right moulds, you can see the big picture!

Research laboratory or project work

Determine the fibre orientation distribution using computed tomography scans and automated image analysis.

The properties of short-fiber-reinforced thermoplastics result to a large extent from the orientation distribution of the fibers, which results from the locally prevailing process conditions during injection moulding. Determining these is essential for determining the local material properties for predicting component behavior under mechanical stress. For this reason, IKV uses a method that makes it possible to determine the fiber orientation distribution using computer tomography scans and automated image evaluation. The topic of your thesis will be to apply the developed method and validate it using common evaluation methods.

Stuwi-Richtige-Werkzeuge-für-besseren-Durchbllick eng© IKV
Using µCT scans, individual fibres can be reconstructed into a three-dimensional image from X-ray images (left). This allows the local probability of a fibre’s orientation to be calculated (right).

The thesis is written in this department:

In the Structural Analysis and Materials Technology department, we investigate the mechanical behavior of various types of plastic. The aim is to enable the industry to use the researched material technology findings to predict component behavior using numerical calculation methods in order to check the fulfillment of a wide range of technical requirements.

Computed tomography scans of short and long fiber-reinforced plastics Computed tomography scans of short and long fiber-reinforced plastics
Creation of micrographs and creation of microscopy images Creation of micrographs and creation of microscopy images
Determination of fiber orientation distribution using image processing algorithms Determination of fiber orientation distribution using image processing algorithms
Analysis of influences of the evaluation parameters on the scan quality Analysis of influences of the evaluation parameters on the scan quality
Development of an open source Python tool for the evaluation of fiber orientation distribution

These are your benefits:

  • Learn how to work scientifically in a motivated team under intensive supervision
  • Preparation for your Bachelor’s/Master’s thesis
  • Learn time and project management methods
  • Acquire skills in the experimental preparation and execution of computer tomography scans
  • Computer-aided evaluation using image processing software
  • Support from experienced assistants

Your profile:

  • Technical or scientific studies
  • Interest in experimental work
  • Ideally initial experience with Matlab and Python