Bachelor/Master Thesis: Smashing ice! – Classification of sea ice samples for propeller-ice collision experiments.

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.

Due to the progressive climate change new shipping routes occur in the polar regions. This leads to an increasing number of collisions between ship propellers and sea ice which results in high impulse loads on the propeller and thus on the journal bearings of the shaft. The influence of these loads on the bearing life is widely unknown.

This work therefore focuses on the production and classification of scaled sea ice samples for propeller-ice collision experiments.

Tasks:

• Literature review of ice strength parameters and compression tests.
• Modification of a hydraulic press to conduct ice compression tests.
• Development of a test procedure and plan to systematically conduct ice compression test.
• Production of scaled sea ice samples in existing climatic chamber.
• Conduction of ice compression tests.
• Classification of ice samples for propeller-ice collision experiments.

Requirements:

• Independence and reliability
• Interested in experimental work

We offer:

• Intensive support
• Flexible work focus
• Immediate start or by arrangement
• Pleasant working atmosphere

We look forward to your application by email:

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

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