Final thesis on laser welding of cast aluminum

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (www.fraunhofer.com) currently operates 76 institutes and research units throughout Germany and is a leading applied research organization. Around 32 000 employees work with an annual research budget of 3.4 billion euros.

The Chair of Laser Technology LLT at RWTH Aachen University, together with the cooperating Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT, is Europe's leading center for basic and contract research in the field of laser technology.

The weldability of cast aluminum alloys is currently classified as limited for fusion welding processes. Limitations result from the process-dependent shape and characteristics of the material inhomogeneities in the base material, which vary depending on the process (sand mold casting, gravity die casting, die casting). In particular, the presence of gas pores and blowholes leads to increased porosity of the weld seam during the joining process and to weld pool ejections, which can have a negative effect on the quality of the welded joint and lead to rejection of the material bonded joint. The motivation is to develop a fundamental understanding of the interactions between the material inhomogeneities in the base material and the laser-based joining process.

What you will do

The focus of your research work will be on analyzing the causes of weld pool ejections during laser beam welding and deriving preventive measures.
Depending on the focus, your tasks will include
- Literature research, metallographic analyses and microscopy
- Carrying out and evaluating welding tests (with and without beam shaping)
- and/or the theoretical/simulative analysis of weld pool ejections (physical explosion model)

What you bring to the table

You are studying engineering, materials science, physics or a comparable course of study
Independent, organized and structured way of working
You have basic knowledge in the field of materials science
Experience in laser beam welding of aluminum-based alloys is advantageous, but not mandatory

What you can expect

👥 Team spirit: Creative, interdisciplinary environment with a motivated team, flat hierarchies and a “you” culture.
🖥 Workplace: Excellent machinery and equipment as well as first-class office facilities.
💪 Co-creation: Practice-oriented final thesis in an innovative applied research environment.
🧘‍♀️ Work-life balance: Benefit from flexible working hours on a trust basis.
➕ Advantages: Opportunity to benefit from exciting corporate benefits.
🚐 Travel: Good transport connections, parking spaces directly in front of the institute, an e-charging station and a parking garage.

The position is temporary until completion of the final thesis.

We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled people are given preference if they are equally qualified.

Interested? Apply online now. We look forward to getting to know you!

Did you already know? We give you even more insights on our LinkedIn profile.🗯️

Questions about this position will be answered by
Mr. Patrick Meyer M.Sc
Telefon +49 241 8906-135

Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT

www.ilt.fraunhofer.de

Requisition Number: 79154 Application Deadline: 05/31/2025

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