Micro-damage analysis in fiber-reinforced thermoplastics

Bachelor’s thesis or Master’s thesis

Topic of the work:

Short and long fiber-reinforced thermoplastics are predominantly processed using the injection moulding process, as this method enables the economical, high-quality and automatic production of components. However, the flow conditions within the melt result in a distribution with varying fiber orientation across the wall thickness. The different fiber orientations lead to a variety of mechanical interactions at the micro level, which result in different micro-damage patterns. Due to the viscoelastic properties of the matrix polymer, the damage is also dependent on the loading speed.

The aim of your thesis is therefore to close the knowledge gap regarding the relationship between the macroscopic damage introduced and the resulting microdamage. With a thesis at IKV you have the opportunity to acquire in-depth knowledge and experimental skills and thus make an important contribution to research into material damage.

© IKV

The work is related to this research project:

The fatigue mechanisms in short-fiber-reinforced plastics are not yet fully understood. For this reason, components fail prematurely, are replaced early or have to be over-dimensioned using large amounts of material in order to ensure operational stability. As part of the working group, you will contribute to research into material damage and thus support IKV in developing methods for safe dimensioning, taking sustainability into account.

Objective:

The aim of your work will be to microscopically examine quasi-static and dynamically pre-damaged material samples. For this purpose, thin sections of the pre-damaged samples are first analysed so that the characteristics of the microcracks can be evaluated. Based on the findings, you will develop a methodology that makes it possible to visualize three-dimensional images of the damage using X-ray computed tomography at the micro level. The relationship between microdamage and the macroscopically applied load is then systematically evaluated. You will document your methodology and the knowledge you have gained in a Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis.

Your task:

Your profile

• Degree in natural sciences or engineering
• Independent and quality-conscious way of working
• Interest in experimental work and scientific data analysis
• Ideally initial experience with the processing of plastics