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Simulation-based design of a glass re-melt bushing for scaled bicomponent fibre production
The goal of this thesis is to design a robust and serviceable glass re-melt bushing for the scaled production of bicomponent fibres.
**Motivation**
Today’s greatest challenge in realizing energy-efficient structures from fibre-reinforced plastics lies in the capacity to manufacture high quality parts quickly and cost-effectively. This limits their availability for high volume production and thus hinders the adaptation of these lightweight materials in large volume markets.
Antefil Composite Tech will revolutionize high volume composites manufacturing by providing preforms made from glass fibres which are individually clad in a meltable, recyclable plastic.
Our mission is to expedite the transition of the global composites industry to a more cost- and energy-efficient future and to help previously untouched markets adapt advanced lightweight material technology. To achieve these goals, we want to redefine the limits of cycle time and laminate quality encountered in large scale composites production and provide recyclable material preforms for processes currently bound to thermosets.
**Introducing hybrid bicomponent fibers**
We spin glass fibres and coat them in-line with a thermoplastic polymer, resulting in flexible preforms which are easily and quickly consolidated to perfection and guarantee a uniform fibre distribution. They even enable the use of weldable and recyclable materials for large scale parts.
**Motivation** Today’s greatest challenge in realizing energy-efficient structures from fibre-reinforced plastics lies in the capacity to manufacture high quality parts quickly and cost-effectively. This limits their availability for high volume production and thus hinders the adaptation of these lightweight materials in large volume markets. Antefil Composite Tech will revolutionize high volume composites manufacturing by providing preforms made from glass fibres which are individually clad in a meltable, recyclable plastic. Our mission is to expedite the transition of the global composites industry to a more cost- and energy-efficient future and to help previously untouched markets adapt advanced lightweight material technology. To achieve these goals, we want to redefine the limits of cycle time and laminate quality encountered in large scale composites production and provide recyclable material preforms for processes currently bound to thermosets.
**Introducing hybrid bicomponent fibers** We spin glass fibres and coat them in-line with a thermoplastic polymer, resulting in flexible preforms which are easily and quickly consolidated to perfection and guarantee a uniform fibre distribution. They even enable the use of weldable and recyclable materials for large scale parts.
**Thesis objectives**
The goal of this thesis is to design a robust and serviceable glass re-melt bushing for the scaled production of bicomponent fibres. The bushing assembly shall withstand frequent cooling and heating cycles while ensuring robust operation when in use. At the same time, it shall be easily serviceable in terms of how the bushing is embedded in its assembly as well as in terms of its attachment points to the remainder of the machine. To that end, ideation processes and design studies shall be used and design shall be virtually validated for their thermomechanical behaviour using multiphyiscs simulation software.
**Your profile**
- Interested in multiphysics simulation
- Ideally, already experienced with CAD and/or principles of numerical simulation
- Highly motivated and collaborative student with a passion for sustainable technology
**Thesis objectives** The goal of this thesis is to design a robust and serviceable glass re-melt bushing for the scaled production of bicomponent fibres. The bushing assembly shall withstand frequent cooling and heating cycles while ensuring robust operation when in use. At the same time, it shall be easily serviceable in terms of how the bushing is embedded in its assembly as well as in terms of its attachment points to the remainder of the machine. To that end, ideation processes and design studies shall be used and design shall be virtually validated for their thermomechanical behaviour using multiphyiscs simulation software.
**Your profile** - Interested in multiphysics simulation - Ideally, already experienced with CAD and/or principles of numerical simulation - Highly motivated and collaborative student with a passion for sustainable technology
Christoph Schneeberger
CLA E 32.2, Tannenstrasse 3
8092 Zurich, Switzerland
Mail: cschneeb@ethz.ch
Christoph Schneeberger CLA E 32.2, Tannenstrasse 3 8092 Zurich, Switzerland Mail: cschneeb@ethz.ch