Bachelor / Master thesis: Real-Time Simulation of Sliding Bearings Through ML Integration

The Institute of Machine Elements and System Engineering researches the fundamental structural and tribological behavior of machine elements and represents them in experimentally validated model descriptions. These model descriptions are used to analyse and design the functional, loss and noise behavior of entire technical systems with a focus on drive technology. The developed models are also used to research and develop methods of Model Based Systems Engineering as a central element of future inductive product development processes.

In recent years, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) techniques in tribology has revolutionized the understanding, prediction, and control of friction, lubrication, and wear phenomena. This integration has opened up opportunities for more accurate modeling, efficient optimization, and enhanced control of these processes. Therefore, the application of ML approaches can provide a solution to the highly timeconsuming conventional numerical simulations used for calculating sliding bearings, making them suitable for realtime applications.. Therefore, the goal of this thesis is to extend the application of ML approaches to a real-time Elasto-Hydrodynamic (EHD) module for system simulation.

Tasks:

• Literature Review: Overview of existing literature on the calculation of sliding bearings as well as ML solutions.
• Definition of Limitations: Investigation of the limitations of conventional numerical EHD simulations of sliding Bearings, particularly in real-time scenarios.
• Data set Collection: Collect and analyze the opration condations and the available simulation results (Define input and output
  variables)
• Model Development: Design and implement an AI/ML-based approach for real-time EHD simulation module development.
• Evaluation: Validation of the developed module through comparison with existing numerical simulations.

Requirements:

• Motivation to work independently and responsibly
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems and machine element design
• Ability to critically evaluate and synthesize information from diverse sources
• Previous knowledge in the field of simulation and programming (e.g. Matlab/python) is desirable, but not mandatory.

What we offer:

• Contribute to the cutting-edge research at the intersection of these two fields
• Learning of simulation methods relevant to practice
• Intensive support in a highly motivated and interdisciplinary team
• Learning of practice-relevant simulation methods
• Option to participate in a scientific publication
• Immediate start possible

We look forward to your application by email:

Ahmed Saleh, M. Sc.
Institute for Machine Elements and Systems Engineering

Schinkelstraße 10, 52062 Aachen
ahmed.saleh@imse.rwth-aachen.de