MSc assignment: Thermal and mechanical analysis of fiber reinforced composites under cryogenic conditions

In the MSc assignment: Thermal and mechanical analysis of fiber reinforced composites under cryogenic conditions, you will investigate the behavior of thermoplastic composites under cryogenic conditions and collaborate closely with Demcon Kryoz on technology that will shape the future.

• Enschede
• Engineering Student

About Demcon

Demcon develops and manufactures advanced technology and complex systems, from concept through to series production. Driven by the ambition to solve societal and technological challenges, we combine deep engineering expertise with creativity to create solutions that make a real impact. We build prototypes, industrialize innovations, and bring products into production, with a strong focus on mechatronics. By integrating mechanical, electrical, and software engineering with disciplines such as robotics, optics, and data science, we support our customers throughout the entire product lifecycle. The Demcon Group consists of more than 50 specialized companies, together forming a one-stop shop for high-tech innovation. With over 1,100 colleagues worldwide, we are building the technology of tomorrow.

Your assignment

Hydrogen is a useful energy carrier for mobility purposes as well as storage of additional electricity generation from wind parks at the North Sea. In order to store energy efficiently, either high pressures (>700bar), low temperatures (+-20K) or a combination of both (+-90K, 350bar) are required. Storage tanks can be made from composite materials and should be able to cope with these extreme pressures and temperatures. For this work, a thermoplastic composite storage tank (without a liner) will be considered for low temperature storage (<90K). Thermal expansion and development of microcracks in the material should be studied at these temperatures. Understanding the relation between thermal properties and material damage is of high importance for further development of storage systems. The objective of this work is to apply digital image correlation techniques to various thermoplastic composite materials under cryogenically cooled conditions to analyze the internal damage and thermal expansion coefficients. For this purpose, we work in close collaboration with Demcon Kryoz. The outcomes of this work will lead to more reliable thermoplastic composite storage tanks for cryogenic hydrogen storage. The specific objectives of the assignment are stated below:

• Perform a literature survey on hydrogen storage tanks and cryogenic performance of thermoplastic composites;
• Simulate thermal stresses in composites using the classical lamination theory and/or FEM;
• Develop a microscopy stage for cryogenic cooling compatible for digital image correlation in collaboration with Demcon Kryoz;
• Analyze internal damage and thermal properties of the composite layups using DIC under cryogenic conditions;
• Write a report on the outcomes including a reflection on hydrogen storage compatibility.

Your growth, our pride!

Demcon offers a dynamic, growing and innovative organization. With our complex projects and multidisciplinary teams we offer you a lot of challenge and variety in this position. Thanks to enthusiastic and dedicated colleagues, our working atmosphere is good, open and informal, with a flat organizational structure. You will have a regular supervisor to coach you and all mutual wishes and expectations are clearly agreed upon before the start of the assignment. Furthermore, the standard working method gives you the opportunity, in a motivating working atmosphere, to act within the team.