Thesis

Anisotropic, temperature-dependent material modeling in mold filling simulation with fluid-structure interaction of sandwich components in RTM

Motivation

In order to make the production of fiber-plastic composites as resource-efficient as possible, it makes sense to design not only the structural behavior but also the manufacturing process as precisely as possible and thus reduce the amount of material used. Sandwich composites with an integrated foam core can be manufactured in a single process step, for example using resin transfer molding (RTM). In this process, dry semi-finished fiber products are infiltrated with a plastic resin under pressure in a closed, near-net-shape mold. A major challenge is the mutual influence of deformations of the foam core and the semi-finished fiber product due to the fluid pressure and the resulting changes in the fluid zone, which are mapped by means of fluid-structure interaction in the mold filling simulation. The compacting behavior and permeability of the semi-finished fiber product, the stiffness of the foam core and the viscosity of the infiltrating resin have a significant influence on this interaction. However, correctly recording, modeling and coupling these material properties as a function of temperature, time and direction represents a major challenge. Existing anisotropic, hyper- or viscoelastic material models are to be further developed as part of the work in order to map the complex material behavior.

Contents

• Familiarization with the relevant state of research
• Development of methods to describe the material behavior
• Implementation of the developed methods
• Verification of the approach
• Evaluation and documentation of the knowledge gained

Requirements

• Motivation and ability to work independently
• Previous knowledge/interest in the field of fluid mechanics or continuum mechanics
• Previous knowledge of programming, especially in C++ or Fortran is an advantage
• Previous experience in OpenFOAM or Abaqus/CalculiX an advantage

Specialization: Mechanical engineering and comparable

Type of work: Simulation

Start: By arrangement

Contact: Sarah Schlegel

Tel. +49 721 608-41816

E-Mail: sarah.schlegel∂kit.edu