Thesis: Fibre Bragg Gratings for Dimensionally Stable Structures for Space

Job description

Thesis: Fibre Bragg Gratings for Dimensionally Stable Structures for Space

Airbus Defence & Space Friedrichshafen (ex Astrium SL)

Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2016, it generated revenues of € 67 billion and employed a workforce of around 134,000. Airbus offers the most comprehensive range of passenger airliners from 100 to more than 600 seats. Airbus is also a European leader providing tanker, combat, transport and mission aircraft, as well as Europe's number one space enterprise and the world's second largest space business. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions worldwide.

Our people work with passion and determination to make the world a more connected, safer and smarter place. Taking pride in our work, we draw on each other's expertise and experience to achieve excellence. Our diversity and teamwork culture propel us to accomplish the extraordinary - on the ground, in the sky and in space.

Description of the job

Are you looking for a final year project? Would you like to discover the work of a Development Engineer? Then apply now! We look forward to you joining us at the Mechanical Products and Engineering Germany department.

Location: Friedrichshafen
Start: September 2017 (or later)
Duration: 6 months

The overall goal of this thesis is to assess the feasibility of the Fibre Bragg Grating Technology (FBG) for highly accurate strain measurements within CFRP structures for space on basis of project requirements. The thesis will compare the capabilities of existing measurement systems against the requirements of ongoing and future missions in the field of Earth Observation Navigation and Science (ENS). This assessment will include manufacturing methods for fibre integration, connector technology for the optical interface, and the implementation on an existing fibre-placement robot. It will involve empirical and practical approaches such as manufacturing trials and (if possible in the available time) prototype testing.

Desired profile

Tasks & accountabilities

·  Execution of a literature and Airbus internal survey to clarify the state of the art for FBG technology
·  Harmonization, collection of the mission requirements related to the desired measurement goals
·  Identification of limiting factors such as measurement accuracy, de-coupling of strain and temperature
·  Practical and theoretical support for the implementation of a FBG laying option on a robot facility in Friedrichshafen
·  Participation in connector development (optical interface to be designed for CFRP laminates)
·  Perform tests implementing FBG's into CFRP laminates

Required skills

You offer:

·  Enrolled master student (m/f) within Space/Mechanical Engineering or similar field of study
·  MS-Office skills
·  Knowledge about CFRP
·  Experience with Fibre Bragg Grating Technology welcome
·  English: fluent, negotiation level

You are a good team player, have excellent communication skills, and are able to work independently