Bachelor/Master Thesis: Parameter study of wiping damages in Journal bearings

The Institute of Machine Elements and Systems Engineering researches the fundamental structural and tribological behavior of machine elements. Validated multi-body simulation models are a cost-effective alternative to experimental tests for investigating the effects of loads that occur on individual components within a powertrain system.

90% of the global trading volume is transported by ships. Within the last years, there has been an increasing number of so called ‘wiping’ damages in the journal bearings of the propeller shafts. The causes of this damage mechanism are barely investigated yet. Hence, a study of the influence parameters of wiping damages in journal bearings needed.

Within the scope of this work, wiping damages shall be reproduced on a small-scale test rig to determine the critical bearings conditions to cause these damages. Herby, the temperature field in the bearing during the wiping process shall be determined and evaluated.

Tasks:

• Test bearing preparation and journal bearing tests including temperature measurements.
• Definition of a test matrix for the wiping tests.
• Conduction of journal bearing tests according to the test matrix.
• Evaluation of temperature field within the bearing during the wiping damage process.

Requirements:

• Independent and reliable work approach.
• First experience and enthusiasm for experimental work.
• Prior knowledge in Autodesk Inventor and Matlab is desirable.

We offer:

• Participation in an international research project.
• Flexibility in shaping the focus of work.
• Intensive guidance.
• Immediate start or as agreed upon.
• Very pleasant working atmosphere.
• Preparation of written Thesis in either English or German

We look forward to your application by email:

Markus Gilges, M. Sc. RWTH
Institute for Machine Elements and Systems Engineering

Schinkelstraße 10, 52062 Aachen
markus.gilges@imse.rwth-aachen.de