Coupled Multi-Physics Simulation of Reactive ε-Caprolactam Infusion in Porous Carbon Fiber Preforms

Institut

Lehrstuhl für Carbon Composites (TUM-ED)

Typ

Masterarbeit /

Inhalt

experimentell / theoretisch /  

Beschreibung

Thermoplastic composites offer improved impact resistance and recyclability compared to conventional thermoset
systems. In the field of hydrogen pressure vessels, thermoplastic manufacturing routes such as dry winding
combined with Thermoplastic Resin Transfer Molding (T-RTM) represent a promising alternative to conventional
wet winding processes. In T-RTM, low-viscosity reactive ε-caprolactam is infused into dry carbon fiber preforms
and polymerizes in-situ to form Polyamide 6 (PA6). The exceptionally low initial viscosity enables efficient impregnation
of highly compacted fiber reinforcements, making the process attractive for lightweight structures in
automotive and aerospace applications. However, reactive T-RTM is governed by several strongly coupled
physical phenomena, including resin flow through porous media, heat transfer, anisotropic permeability, and
temperature-dependent viscosity evolution. These interactions strongly influence impregnation quality, processing
time, and overall manufacturing robustness, making process understanding and optimization essential
for successful industrial implementation.

Voraussetzungen

In this thesis, the focus lies on the development of a coupled transient multi-physics simulation framework for
reactive ε-caprolactam infusion into porous carbon fiber preforms. The work will involve numerical modeling of
Darcy-based flow, transient heat transfer, anisotropic permeability, and temperature-dependent viscosity, with
the possibility of incorporating simplified reaction kinetics. Experimentally characterized material data acquired
will be integrated wherever available to improve simulation accuracy. The developed framework will be used to
investigate the influence of process parameters such as permeability, injection pressure, and thermal boundary
conditions on resin impregnation, filling stability, and process windows for robust T-RTM manufacturing.

Requirements
• Strong interest in numerical simulation and multi-physics modeling
• Knowledge of fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and composite materials.
• Experience with COMSOL, ANSYS, Abaqus, Python, or similar simulation software is advantageous.
• Independent working style, analytical thinking, and motivation for scientific research.

Möglicher Beginn

sofort

Kontakt

Cagla Sipahi
Raum: 5504.01.404
Tel.: +498928915203
cagla.sipahitum.de

Ausschreibung