Course paper / final thesis Optimization of Hybrid Plates Student Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or similar

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The German Aerospace Center DLR has a dual mandate as the national research centre for aeronautics and space, and as the space agency of the German federal government. Approximately 8000 people work for DLR on a uniquely diverse range of topics spanning the fields of aeronautics, space, energy, transport, digitalisation and security research. They collaborate on projects extending from fundamental research to the development of the innovative applications and products of the future. If the idea of joining a top-class team of researchers working in a supportive, inspirational environment appeals to you, then why not launch your mission with us?

Our Institute of Composite Structures and Adaptive Systems wishes to recruit a

Optimization of Hybrid Plates

Your mission:

Hybrid metal-FRP-design attempts to combine advantages of both materials. Metal design in general leads to high surface quality, improved load introduction capability and low material cost. FRP offers high specific strength and stiffness and better fatigue behavior.

In the current study the weight saving potential of hybrid design shall be evaluated on a generic level. 

Therefore structural configurations, which can be found as sub-parts of thin-walled structures, are to be examined. One of those configurations is a hybrid plate loaded in axial compression with both transversal edges simply supported, one free longitudinal edge and the other elastically restrained (see Fig.). This could for example represent a flange of a stringer or beam.

Your tasks include:

• implementation of analytical algorithms for stress and stability analysis of laminated plates
• construction of parametric finite element models
• optimization for minimum weight under stability and strength constraints
• documentation and discussion of results

Your qualifications:

• knowledge of analytical and numerical analysis of plates
• basic programming skills
• good knowledge of English (written and oral)

Your benefits:

Look forward to a fulfilling job with an employer who appreciates your commitment and supports your personal and professional development. Our unique infrastructure offers you a working environment in which you have unparalled scope to develop your creative ideas and accomplish your professional objectives. Reconciling family and working life as well as equal opportunities for women and men are an integral part of our HR policy. We therefore strongly encourage applications from women. Disabled applicants with equivalent qualifications will be given preferential treatment.

If you have any questions concerning specific aspects of the job, please contact Matthias Beerhorst by calling +49 531 295-3564. Please find further information on this vacancy with the reference number 07601, and details regarding the application procedure, at www.DLR.de/dlr/jobs/#21927.