Prof. Thomas Böhlke
Dr. J. Albiez
J. von Lautz

A specialisation in mechanics is desired
An internship is possible
 

Prof. Thomas Böhlke

Topic Description:

The turbines of commercial engines are generally assembled rotors, i.e. the blades are inserted into grooves in the disc. Centrifugal forces and vibrations are transmitted via the contact surfaces of the disc groove and the blade root. In modern and efficient engines, increased wear and occasional cracking occurs at this junction in test and production engines.  Although wear at this point can limit the life of the component, the influencing factors are not fully understood. Because of these uncertainties, large safety factors must be built into the design. This means that the full potential of the material cannot be exploited.

The aim of the work is to extend and validate an ABAQUS UMESHMOTION for the simulation of wear mechanisms. For this purpose, simplified simulation models have to be created to describe real components. By comparing finite element calculations with experimental data, the wear routine will be evaluated and possibly extended.

About the company:
MTU Aero Engines is Germany's leading engine manufacturer and a global player in the industry. The company develops, manufactures, markets and supports aircraft engines of all thrust and power categories as well as stationary industrial gas turbines. Some 30% of the world's commercial aircraft are powered by MTU technology.