UROP Project

Development and trial of a design routine for improving plastic optics for laser applications (KOptLas)

In optical applications such as lighting systems, plastics have prevailed over the classic material glass. Laser applications place higher demands on the optical properties, which plastics have not yet met. The main cause is the high temperature dependence of the optical material properties, e.g. the refractive index. If these effects can already be considered in the design process, plastic optics have a high potential to replace standard components. The aim of the research project is to develop a design routine that couples the simulation of optical properties and the manufacturing process and specifically takes the properties of plastics into account. The aim is to deduce the performance of the lens under operating conditions from the lens geometry, the mold and the selected process settings. In this way, cost-intensive tool iterations and the production of prototypes are reduced or avoided.

Task

After identification of suitable transfer parameters and validation of the interfaces of the coupled, digital design and production, an optimization approach will be developed using an existing lens geometry as an example. The aim is the determination of a mould insert geometry with associated process parameter set with which a suitable lens geometry can be realised under thermal load. Your task will be to systematically vary and optimize a lens geometry in process simulations. Based on the results an analytical model can be derived.

Requirements

you are studying mechanical engineering, computer science or process engineering and are interested in plastics processing. - Interest in learning and using injection moulding simulations - Interest in working an a young and motivated Team