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Student paper

Production and analysis of fracture surfaces

Research Laboratory

Create plastic fracture surfaces under defined conditions and investigate recognizable correlations with specific fracture characteristics on a microscopic level
Stuwi-Herstellung und Analyse von Bruchflächen© IKV
Fracture surface of a polycarbonate showing fracture paths

Topic of the work:

The material failure of plastics is highly material- and load-specific. In practical damage analysis, it is often helpful if authentic fracture surfaces from use and those from defined laboratory tests can be compared with each other. This motivates the development of a fracture surface database, which is fed with fracture surfaces from real cases of damage and, in particular, readjustment tests. The failure can be classified and evaluated more precisely on the basis of this data and comparisons of characteristics.

The work is written in this working group:

The tests carried out in the microscopy laboratory at the Center for Plastics Analysis and Testing (KAP) provide significant support for industry and the institute’s own research in the validation of production parameters. Another focus is on systematic damage analysis in order to precisely identify the causes of faults and bridge the gap between research and industrial implementation. Through these analyses, the laboratory provides essential findings for the optimization of production processes and improved component quality.

Objective:

In this research laboratory, fracture surfaces with different load situations are to be generated on selected materials and then subjected to a microscopic fracture surface examination. From this, material and load-specific characteristic correlations are to be derived.

Your task:

  • Creation of fracture surfaces with different load situations (e.g. notched bar impact bending test, tensile test, 3-point bending test, generation of cryogenic fractures)
  • Systematic examination of fracture surfaces for their fracture characteristics and shape using light and electron microscopic methods
  • Evaluation of the results using the fractography vocabulary from guideline VDI 3822

Your profile:

  • Technical or scientific studies (e.g. mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, materials science…)
  • Interest in analytical tasks and practical work in the laboratory
  • Independent, structured and team-oriented way of working

These are your benefits:

  • Work in a motivated team
  • Independent work with needs-based support
  • Processing of research-relevant questions
  • Individual coordination of tasks and time frame
  • Experimental work on laboratory equipment
  • Short-term start possible / fast processing without delays

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