Student Projects
Entwicklung eines parametrischen Modells im Rahmen einer automatisierten Simulationskette zur Werkzeugentwicklung
In der modernen Fertigungstechnik spielen die thermische Belastung und mechanische Beanspruchung von Werkzeugen wie Bohrern und Fräsern eine zentrale Rolle. Um die Lebensdauer und Leistungsfähigkeit von Werkzeugen zu optimieren, sollen numerische Simulationsmethoden, wie die Finite-Elemente-Methode (FEM) und die Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH), zur Anwendung kommen. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es, eine durchgängige Simulationskette zu erstellen, die von der parametrischen Modellierung eines Werkzeugs über die automatische Generierung eines Netzes bis hin zur Berechnung der transienten Temperatur- und Kraftverläufe im Werkzeug reicht.
Keywords
Parametrische Modellierung, 2D/3D-Modell, Finite-Elemente-Methode (FEM), Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH), Thermische Analyse, Kraftverläufe, Schneidprozesse, Werkzeugsimulation, Abaqus, Festigkeitsberechnung, Bohrer- und Fräseroptimierung, Numerische Simulation
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Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2025-06-06 , Earliest start: 2024-10-31 , Latest end: 2026-01-31
Applications limited to ETH Zurich
Organization Institute of Machine Tools and Manufacturing
Hosts Locher Yves , Klippel Hagen
Topics Engineering and Technology
Fabrication of TiC-Reinforced Alumina Composites with Enhanced Mechanical Properties and Self-Healing Capability via Spark Plasma Sintering
The objective of this project is to design, fabricate and characterize TiC-reinforced alumina (Al₂O₃) ceramic composites using Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS), with the aim of achieving a combination of a low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), high hardness (approximately 10–13 GPa), high bending strength and enhanced fracture toughness, as well as the potential for self-healing. Although SPS is a promising method of sintering for dense, fine-grained ceramic composites, controlling the microstructure and optimizing properties such as hardness, toughness and dimensional stability remains challenging. This research project will therefore focus on developing optimized Al₂O₃–TiC composite formulations and SPS processing parameters, integrating experimental sintering trials with microstructural and mechanical characterization. Particular attention will be given to exploring the self-healing behavior induced by TiC oxidation at high temperatures. This project will contribute to the development of toughened, high-performance ceramic composites suitable for advanced engineering applications.
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Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2025-05-22 , Earliest start: 2025-06-01
Organization Advanced Manufacturing
Hosts Kovalska Natalia
Topics Engineering and Technology
Modelling and experimental validation of near-net-shape densification in ceramic composites using Spark Plasma Sintering
This project aims to advance finite element modelling (FEM) techniques to predict material densification and optimize tool design for 3D spark plasma sintering (SPS) of Si₃N₄-based ceramic composites. While SPS has shown enormous potential for processing nanocrystalline and ultrafine grained materials. Its application to the fabrication of complex 3D geometries has been challenging due to difficulties in controlling material properties such as dimensional accuracy, local densification, and microstructural integrity. Recent developments in selective powder deposition combined with sacrificial materials have shown promise in increasing design flexibility and enabling the production of more complex geometries. This project will focus on using FEM to model the densification behavior during the SPS process, taking into account factors such as applied pressure, temperature and current. The aim is to predict the densification profile of the material and optimize tool design to improve the overall quality of the sintered components. By integrating experimental results with numerical simulations, the study will address key issues such as local variations in densification and dimensional distortion during sintering. This research will contribute to improving the accuracy and reliability of SPS for Si₃N₄-based ceramic composites, enabling the production of high-performance components with complex shapes and superior mechanical properties.
Keywords
finite element modelling, spark plasma sintering, complex geometries
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Semester Project , Course Project , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis , Student Assistant / HiWi , Summer School
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Published since: 2025-05-22 , Earliest start: 2025-06-01
Organization Advanced Manufacturing
Hosts Kovalska Natalia
Topics Engineering and Technology