Theses
At STFS we offer a wide range of student theses (Bachelor/Master) and student projects (ADP/ARP). The topics are usually closely related to our current research topics, for example:
- Hydrogen combustion
- Data-driven modeling of combustion phenomena by means of machine learning
- Metal combustion (Clean Circles project, Clean Circles Website)
- Sustainable fuels, e.g. produced by Power-to-X processes
- Flame-wall interactions / flame retardants (SFB 150)
- Biomass combustion (SFB 129)
- Reduction of pollutant emissions / soot modeling
- Aero Engines and Thermoacoustics
If you are looking for a student thesis at STFS, you can directly contact the supervisors of the topics listed below, or you can send an email to lehre@stfs.tu-… on your own initiative with an overview of the courses you have studied, as well as mentioning your previous experience and interests – it is always possible to derive research questions from our current research topics and adapt them to the profile of suitable applicants.
Theses available
Masterthesis
The Institute for Simulation of Reactive Thermo-Fluid Systems (STFS) conducts cutting-edge research on reactive flows and alternative energy carriers. One of our focus areas is the combustion of metallic fuels, which have the potential to play a key role in future energy systems.
Aluminum, in particular, undergoes a unique combustion process where evaporated metal reacts with steam, forming hydrogen and aluminum oxide. The global reaction and transport rates are controlled by a multitude of tightly coupled processes, including phase changes, gas phase reactions, thermophoresis, and droplet shape evolution—key aspects that are not yet fully understood.
In this thesis, you will contribute to refining numerical models for these processes using OpenFOAM-based simulations. Your work will help improve the predictive capabilities of existing models, enabling more accurate simulations of aluminum combustion.
Do you have experience in CFD, physical modeling, or programming (Python/C++) in a Unix-based environment? If not, are you eager to develop these skills? If so, we encourage you to contact us for more information!
Supervisors: Pascal Steffens, M.Sc., Johannes Mich, M.Sc.
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Masterthesis, Research Assistant
Motivation & Background
To achieve current climate goals, rapid technological changes are necessary. High- performance computing will be a crucial pillar for future engineers, enabling a swift transition of the energy system through innovative technical solutions.
The Institute for Simulation of Reactive Thermo-Fluid Systems (STFS) aims to lead this journey by developing new generation of algorithms to enable simulations of reactive multiphase flows targeting the next generation of super computers. This includes Europe's first Exascale supercomputer, currently being built at our partner, Jülich Supercomputing Centre.
Your contributions to this exciting undertaking are very welcome!
Are you a visionary engineer passionate about pushing the boundaries of computational science? Do you thrive on solving complex problems and developing cutting-edge solutions? Do you have a strong programming background (preferably in C/C++), and proficiency in Unix-based systems? If so, we encourage you to contact us for more information!
Supervisors: Driss Kaddar, M.Sc, Dr.-Ing. Hendrik Nicolai
Cutting Edge High-Performance Computing
Towards Exascale CFD simulations
2024/06/20
Masterthesis, Research Assistant
Motivation & Background
To achieve current climate goals, rapid technological changes are necessary. High- performance computing will be a crucial pillar for future engineers, enabling a swift transition of the energy system through innovative technical solutions.
The Institute for Simulation of Reactive Thermo-Fluid Systems (STFS) aims to lead this journey by performing groundbreaking simulations. This includes leveraging Europe's first Exascale supercomputer, currently being built at our partner, Jülich Supercomputing Centre.
Your contributions are highly welcome in this exciting endeavor!
Are you an exceptional engineer with a passion for high-performance computing (HPC) and large-scale simulations? Do you thrive in the fast-paced world of HPC and have a knack for optimizing complex simulations on diverse hardware platforms? Do you have a strong programming background (preferably in C/C++), and proficiency in Unix-based systems? If so, we encourage you to contact us for more information!
Supervisors: Driss Kaddar, M.Sc, Dr.-Ing. Hendrik Nicolai
Research Assistant
Motivation & Background
The Institute for the Simulation of Reactive Thermo-Fluid Systems (STFS) is at the forefront of research and development in the field of reactive thermo-fluid dynamics. We utilize a variety of open-source and in-house developed codes to simulate and analyze complex fluid systems.
Your contributions to this exciting venture are most welcome!
Do you have a strong programming background (preferably in python and/or C/C++), and proficiency in Unix-based systems? If so, we encourage you to contact us for more information!
This job also offers a good opportunity to familiarise yourself with our codebase in preparation for a possible thesis at our institute.
Supervisors: Max Schneider, M.Sc. M.Sc., Pascal Steffens, M.Sc.
Masterthesis, , Research Assistant
The Institute for the Simulation of Reactive Thermo-Fluid Systems (STFS) is at the forefront of research and development in the field of reactive thermo-fluid dynamics. One of our research areas is the optimization of combustion chambers using simulation methods with regard to pollutant emissions.
A combustion chambers is for example found in gas turbines, where effusion cooling is employed to mitigate the impact of high thermal loads on the combustor walls. In effusion cooled combustors, the interaction of the flame with the cooling air influences the local flame structure and pollutant formation, a phenomenon not yet fully understood.
In your work, these effects are to be investigated in more detail under different operating conditions with detailed chemistry and thermochemical manifolds (a method often used in our institute to speed up simulations).
Do you have a programming background (preferably in C/C++), and proficiency in Unix-based systems? If so, we encourage you to contact us for more information!
Supervisors: Max Schneider, M.Sc. M.Sc., Dr.-Ing. Hendrik Nicolai
HiWi for Hydrogen Engine CFD Simulations
RANS / LES of hydrogen fueled spark-ignition engines using Converge CFD
2024/01/30
Research Assistant
We are offering an HiWi (student assistant) position at the Institute for Simulation of Reactive Thermo-Fluid Systems (STFS) to support our research on hydrogen as a carbon-free fuel for internal combustion engines (ICEs). The position involves conducting CFD simulations of the Darmstadt Research Engine in collaboration with the RSM, focusing on hydrogen's unique properties as a fuel. The goal is to build a comprehensive simulation database covering various operating points, utilizing the Converge CFD software. Both motored (non-combustion) and fired (combustion) engine modes will be studied to explore the potential of hydrogen-fueled ICEs as sustainable transportation solutions.
Supervisor: Benjamin Traut, M.Sc.
