Skip to content Go to main navigation Go to language selector
Saab Global
student.jpg

Master Thesis, 30 HP: Cohesive Zone Modeling using Finite Element Method

Karlskoga,
Sweden
Closing date: 3 November 2024

Saab is a place where teamwork makes things fly. Literally. Join us and experience our supportive and friendly workplace.

Your role

Background

Adhesive bonding plays a pivotal role in various engineering applications, from aerospace structures to automotive manufacturing. Understanding the mechanical behavior of adhesive joints is crucial for ensuring the structural integrity and durability of bonded assemblies. This thesis aims to develop a comprehensive methodology for evaluating adhesive performance utilizing Cohesive Zone Modeling (CZM) within the Finite Element Method (FEM) framework.

Description of the master thesis

The proposed methodology involves the following key steps:

  • Literature Review: A thorough review of existing literature on adhesive bonding, CZM, and FEM techniques to establish a comprehensive understanding of the current state-of-the-art methodologies and challenges.
  • Material Characterization: Experimental characterization of adhesive material properties, including fracture toughness, cohesive strength, and other relevant parameters, to accurately represent the adhesive behavior in numerical simulations.
  • CZM Implementation: Development and implementation of CZM within FEM software (primarily Ansys and LS-DYNA), including defining cohesive laws that govern the behavior of adhesive interfaces under various loading conditions.
  • Numerical Simulations: Conducting numerical simulations of adhesive joints using the developed CZM approach to predict their mechanical response under different loading scenarios, such as tension, shear, and peel.
  • Validation: Validation of the developed methodology through comparison with experimental data and existing analytical models to ensure its accuracy and reliability.
  • Case Studies: Application of the methodology to real-world adhesive bonding scenarios, such as composite-to-metal joints or multi-material assemblies, to demonstrate its practical utility and effectiveness.

Your profile

The outcome of this thesis will be a robust methodology for evaluating adhesive performance using CZM within the FEM environment. This methodology will enable engineers to predict the mechanical behavior of adhesive joints more accurately, optimize bonding processes, and design structures with improved reliability and durability. Moreover, it will contribute to advancing the state-of-the-art in adhesive bonding technology, benefiting industries ranging from aerospace and automotive to civil engineering and beyond.

The task is suitable for one or two M.Sc. Mechanical Engineering students (or similar). The work is carried out on site in Karlstad/Karlskoga, with supervisor from SAAB Dynamics.

This position requires that you pass a security vetting based on the current regulations around/of security protection. For positions requiring security clearance additional obligations on citizenship may apply.

What you will be a part of

Behind our innovations stand the people who make them possible. Brave pioneers and curious minds. Everyday heroes and inventive troubleshooters. Those who share deep knowledge and those who explore sky-high. And everyone in between.  ​

Joining us means making an impact together, contributing in our own unique ways. From crafting complex code and building impressive defence and security solutions to simply sharing a coffee with a colleague, every action counts. We encourage you to take on challenges, to create smart inventions and grow in our friendly and tech-savvy workspace. We have a solid mission to keep people and society safe.

Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 23,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world.

Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations. Read more about us here

Last application day

03-11-2024

Contact information

Sebastian Edbom, Division Manager

010- 217 16 08

sebastian.edbom@saabgroup.com        

David Fors, Master Thesis Supervisor

david.fors@saabgroup.com

073- 446 34 38