PDEng position – Robotics: Design of a process control system for induction welding of thermoplastic composites

The Professional Doctorate in Engineering (PDEng) programme Robotics is very interesting for you. The PDEng programme is a 2-year post MSc technological programme with a focus on technological design. This programme at the University of Twente contains an educational part that will be followed at the University, and a design project that will be carried out at the ThermoPlastic Composites Research Centre (TPRC, https://tprc.nl/). The educational programme will have an in-depth and broadening character with ample attention for professional development and will be partly tailored to the design project. In collaboration with TPRC, high level, creative and new designs for complex issues will be aimed at.

PDEng Design Project - Design of a process control system for induction welding of thermoplastic composites
Induction welding is a promising assembly technology for carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite parts. The parts are clamped in dedicated tooling to provide the pressure needed for the welding process. The required heat is generated through eddy currents in the carbon fibers, which are induced by an alternating magnetic field applied by a moving induction coil. The process does not require any contact between the induction coil and heat susceptor and, moreover, it allows local generation of heat, making the process energy efficient. As the process uses closed tooling it can be seen as a black box in which it is difficult to measure the temperature distribution in the weld interface and composite parts during processing. The application of thermocouples is for example problematic, as these tend to interfere with the generated magnetic field. Consequently, the process relies heavily on trial-and-error procedures to optimize welding strategy (e.g. power and tool velocity along the toolpath) for each new application and/or material system. A process control system, able to monitor the temperature distribution during welding and vary the induction tool speed or power accordingly, would significantly reduce the process development time and associated costs.

Deadline Application: 19-06-2016

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PDEng position – Robotics: Design of a process control system for induction welding of thermoplastic composites