Climate change and the scarcity of resources are just two of the many factors that make continuous and sustainable materials development essential. The research focus of the Institute of Frontier Materials on Earth and in Space is on the development of innovative material solutions and associated process technologies for the aerospace, energy, transport and security sectors. In close co-operation with other DLR institutes and national and international partners, we carry out both basic and applied research.
What to expect
The Department of Thermoelectric Materials and Systems develops and assembles thermoelectric generators (TEGs) demonstrators. The structural integrity of the assembled TEGs is of utmost importance to assure functionality. The contacts between the functional legs of thermoelectric material with the electrode, bridge and ceramic plates to build up a functional device is a crucial and challenging step for technological application.
Mechanically stable joints are designed by control of reaction and diffusion in the contact region. The mechanical demand of the joining under service conditions is simulated using finite-elements modeling, the stress field for the entire TEG and the energy release rate especially at the interconnection zone need to be analyzed for Mg-Si-based legs and the selected electrodes.
Your tasks
- finite-elements (FE) modeling of the stress fields and energy release rate in thermoelectric modules with focus in the electrical joints
- FE analysis of stresses and energy release rates under unconstrained and constrained mechanical boundary conditions
- identify material properties required as input for the mechanical modeling and assessment of thermo-physical properties available for TE material and electrodes from literature and calculations
- further design experiments to obtain missing material properties necessary to feed reasonable input in the FE analysis
Your profile
- completed university degree (bachelor) and ongoing Master's studies in materials science, materials engineering, mechanical engineering or a comparable discipline
- knowledge on finite-element modeling and FE software, for example experience with ANSYS
- knowledge on a Programing language, independent programming level
- interest in experiments to obtain material properties, practical experience of working in mechanical laboratories
- very good verbal and written communication skills in English
- commitment and willingness to learn, as well as, a communicative and team-orientated manner
We look forward to getting to know you!
If you have any questions about this position (Vacancy-ID 3467) please contact:
Johannes de Boor
Tel.: +49 2203 601 4037
