Student Assistant (f/m/non-binary)

Simulation laser beam welding

Institution

Lehrstuhl und Institut für Schweißtechnik und Fügetechnik

Our Profile

In today's manufacturing world, laser beam welding (LBW) is one of the most widely used manufacturing processes due to its good manufacturability, high precision, and versatility compared to other welding methods. In LBW, localized concentrated heat is applied to melt and join the work pieces together. Due to the rapid heating and cooling cycles, the work piece is subjected to steep temperature gradients that lead to microstructural changes in the welded areas, followed by residual stresses and deformations in the welded component. To reduce the formation of residual stresses and deformation generated during laser beam welding, a Low Transformation Temperature effect (LTT) is introduced by a defined amount of unalloyed filler metal into the welding process. This produces a martensitic weld microstructure, with comparable distortion-reducing properties due to volume expansion and shear. Therefore, the numerical simulation will play an important role by predicting the temperature gradient, phase fractions and residual stresses in the welded component for different Cr-Ni % in the weld zone. In order to achieve this, a Numerical Simulation model was created which will exactly replicate the actual welding process by integrating all the necessary boundary conditions, material properties and mechanical constraints and predict the temperature gradient and residual stresses in the welded component.

Your Profile

• Student in Metallurgy or Mechanical Engineering with strong interest in laser technology
• Knowledge in FEM thermal and structural analysis
• Hands-on knowledge in Abaqus/ Ansys
• Enjoyment of scientific and experimental activities
• Independent, goal-oriented work
• Programming knowledge (for example Python, C++) is an added advantage

Your Duties and Responsibilities

Your tasks are the assistance in the areas:

• Familiarization with the subject of "laser beam welding in a vacuum" (LaVa for short)
• Familiarization with the physical interactions of laser and matter
• Transient thermal simulation with a moving heat source
• Phase transformation and mechanical simulation
• Systematic execution and evaluation of experiments

What We Offer

The successful candidate will be employed as a student assistant.
The position is to be filled at the earliest possible date and offered for a fixed term of 6 months.
The option to extend the contract is available and desirable.
This is a part-time contract position.
The standard weekly hours will be 14-19 hours.
Flexible working hours are possible by agreement.
The salary is based on the RWTH Guidelines for Student and Graduate Assistants.
The position corresponds to a pay grade of 12,00 € per hour.

About us

RWTH is a certified family-friendly University. We support our employees in maintaining a good work-life balance with a wide range of health, advising, and prevention services, for example university sports. Employees who are covered by collective bargaining agreements and civil servants have access to an extensive range of further training courses and the opportunity to purchase a job ticket.
RWTH is an equal opportunities employer. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates, particularly from groups that are underrepresented at the University. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability or age. RWTH is strongly committed to encouraging women in their careers. Female applicants are given preference if they are equally suitable, competent, and professionally qualified, unless a fellow candidate is favored for a specific reason.
As RWTH is committed to equality of opportunity, we ask you not to include a photo in your application.
You can find information on the personal data we collect from applicants in accordance with Articles 13 and 14 of the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) at http://www.rwth-aachen.de/dsgvo-information-bewerbung.