Bachelor- / Master Thesis »Full-field Thermo-mechanical Characterization of Glass Materials«

At the Fraunhofer IWM, 330 employees conduct research on materials and components with the aim of better understanding, developing, processing and using them. In our projects, we bridge the gap between the properties of materials and the durability, safety and function of technical systems. 
We show ways and solutions for more energy efficiency and sustainability. After all, materials are crucial for climate neutrality, for the careful use of our planet's limited resources and for the sustainable transformation of our economy.

What you will do

Glass materials have unique optical and mechanical properties that have been utilized in various applications. However, their complex viscoelastic properties pose challenges for forming processes. To better understand viscoelasticity of glass at high temperature, our glass forming group is developing an advanced full-field characterization method using digital image correlation (DIC) and Infrared (IR) thermal imaging to efficiently tackle these challenges. In connection with this topic, you will write your Bachelor´s or Master´s thesis, focusing on the full-field characterization of viscoelastic properties of glass materials using thermos-mechanical experiments. 

A wide variety of tasks await you:

You will be responsible for developing and optimizing characterization techniques for the viscoelastic properties of glass materials. This will involve utilizing full-field displacement and temperature data to refine methods. Additionally, you will assist in experiment setups, including experiment sample preparation, optimization for DIC and thermal camera, and the operation of tensile testing machines. You will also be responsible for planning and conducting thermo-mechanical experiments. Furthermore, you will evaluate and summarize experimental results to extract meaningful insights. 

What you bring to the table

Your professional background:

You are studying materials science, mechanical engineering or a related subject and are interested in modeling materials. You are enthusiastic about the possibility of conduct research in a research institute on both scientific and industry-related topics.

Qualifications that complement your profile:

You are interested in working on experimental investigations and in the laboratory. In addition, it is beneficial if you already have some experience in thermal imaging, digital image correlation characterization and materials modeling, especially for viscoelastic materials. Furthermore you are characterized by your independent way of working, your ability to look for solutions independently and taking a critical look at issues.

What you can expect

Always something new:

Working at the Fraunhofer IWM means researching innovative topics in an established research institute. Thanks to our flat hierarchies and open working culture, you will always have the right support at your disposal.

What we offer you:

Through flexible working hours and mobile working, we are committed to ensuring that you can balance your free time and work. In family emergencies, we offer emergency childcare and allow you to bring your children to our parent-child office if necessary, in order to react flexibly to unforeseen situations or childcare bottlenecks. You can also benefit from a wide range of employee discounts on events, furniture, clothing and much more.

This culture awaits you:

Our open institute culture aims to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable here. We pursue this goal, for example, through various leisure groups and our networking event as part of the onboarding process. 
Come and join us and see for yourself!

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 persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. 

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future. 

Apply online and shape the future of Fraunhofer IWM together with us!

Our recruiter Anja Brückner will be happy to answer all your questions about the position and our application process. 
You can reach us by e-mail at recruiting@iwm.fraunhofer.de or by phone at +49(0) 761 5142-539.

Kuo-I Chang will answer all technical questions on +49(0) 761 5142-463.

Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM 

www.iwm.fraunhofer.de 

Requisition Number: 72479