3D metal Printing in Aerospace: optimization framework for Direct energy deposition (PYTHON)

Functie

Background

3D printing (or additive manufacturing) is a manufacturing process which is gaining popularity within the aerospace sector thanks to the possibilities offered by this technology to manufacture highly optimized and efficient, lightweight structures.

One of the most promising metal additive manufacturing methods is Directed Energy Deposition (DED), in which a laser selectively heats and melts powder in a powder stream that is directed directly at the print. By adding material tracks layer by layer a metal part is built. The mechanics of the melt pool are very important to the whole process and have a large influence on the quality of the print. The physics of the melt pool are complicated and not well understood.

Assignment

The aim of the research is to create code/script in python, coupled with finite element simulations, to optimize printing parameters. The final goal of this optimization is to prevent overheating and therefor improve the quality of the print. The first steps of this assignment are to create a G-code parser python script. That script will then be combined with a script that can interact with a finite element simulation to input certain variable into the finite element simulation and automatically read outputs. The final step is to implement an optimiser in this scheme to find optimized printing parameters.

This assignment asks for good python and coding skills. Experience with Metal DED printing and finite element modelling is a bonus. This assignment is suitable for HBO or WO level students.

Result

• Python script for process parameter optimization

Duration

Between 3 and 9 months

Profiel

Profile

• HBO or WO student of data engineering/science Mechenical of Aerospace engineering (or other relevant field)
• Experience in coding and python scripting
• Experience with finite element modelling or metal additive manufacturing is a plus
• Assertive and self-motivated, able to be part of the project team and also proceed individually

Arbeidsvoorwaarden

What we offer

• A challenging graduation project/internship in a high-tech result orientated work environment
• Weekly supervision and availability of the technical staff for support
• An internship allowance
• Working in an actual R&D project as part of the team
• Internship results to be used in the current and future projects

Informatie

About NLR

Royal NLR has been the ambitious research organisation with the will to keep innovating for over 100 years. With that drive, we make the world of transportation safer, more sustainable, more efficient and more effective. We are on the threshold of breakthrough innovations. Plans and ideas start to move when these are fed with the right energy. Over 800 driven professionals work on research and innovation. From aircraft engineers to psychologists and from mathematicians to application experts.

Our colleagues are happy to tell you what it’s like to work at NLR.

This assignment will be managed by the computational mechanics group within the collaborative engineering (AVCE) department.

Solliciteren

Interested?

Send your application, together with your motivation letter and CV to jos.vroon@nlr.nl and we will contact you as soon as possible.