Bachelor- / Master Thesis: Development of a simulation methodology for 3-body-abrasive wear of mechanical face seals

The Institute for Machine Elements and Systems Engineering researches the fundamental structural and tribological behavior of machine elements and represents this in experimentally validated model descriptions. These model descriptions are used to analyze and design the functional, loss, and structural behavior of complete technical systems, with a focus on drive technology. The developed models are also used for the research and development of methods in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) as a central element of future industrial product development processes.
Developments in sealing technology require seals to be durable at increasing circumferential speeds and to be manufactured from cost-effective materials using intelligent production technologies. The goal is to prevent seal failure, which can lead to the breakdown of the entire technical system. A very important cause of failure is wear. The effects that cause it must be investigated through simulations in addition to tests.

Tasks:

• Literature analysis of established simulation methods for wear in presence of foreign particles (3-body-abrasive wear)
• Adaptation and development of an existing simulation model for mechanical face seals based on the identified methods
• Validation of the developed simulation methodology against existing methods and data from the literature

Requirements:

• Independent, reliable working approach
• Interest in tribology and multibody simulation
• Prior experience in Matlab/Simulink is advantageous

We offer:

• Work on a topic with high industrial relevance
• Learning of practical simulation methods
• Intensive supervision by our experienced team
• Opportunity to participate in a scientific publication
• Immediate start or by arrangement
• Possibility for remote work via home office access

We look forward to your application by email:

Mohamed Yousri, M. Sc.
Institute for Machine Elements and Systems Engineering

Schinkelstraße 10, 52062 Aachen
yousri.mohamed@imse.rwth-aachen.de