Student Engineering, Natural Sciences, Data Science or similar (f/m/x)
Course paper/final thesis
Enter the fascinating world of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) and help shape the future through research and innovation! We offer an exciting and inspiring working environment driven by the expertise and curiosity of our 11,000 employees from 100 nations and our unique infrastructure. Together, we develop sustainable technologies and thus contribute to finding solutions to global challenges. Would you like to join us in addressing this major future challenge? Then this is your place!
For our institute German Aerospace Center in Cologne we are looking for
3D characterization of Lunar regolith particles
What to expect:
Research Questions
The surface of the moon is covered with a fine powdery material called "lunar regolith". The overall mechanical behavior of granular materials such as lunar regolith is strongly affected by the properties of individual grains (grain shape) and their composite behavior.
Usually, and problematically, shape measurements of the solid particle are obtained only from two dimensions. It is well known that, in general, a given 2D shape measurement cannot be uniquely related to a solid. In addition, CT scan imaging for large amounts of grains is very slow procedure and expensive.
The experimental setup shown below enables floating, rotating particles to be captured in real time from different angles.
Experimental Approach
The test setup consists of a glass tube through which Nitrogen gas is passed to keep particles suspended. Moreover, a high-speed camera is installed on the glass tube, which can be upgraded to two cameras to observe the particles from two directions. Finding the best configuration of camera and backlight for high-quality imaging is part of the lab work. Additionally, micro CT scan, SEM, and optical microscope devices are available for comparison between particles and further insights into their characteristics.
Research Assistant Tasks
- Literature research on lunar regolith properties and lunar regolith particle shape including methods, and statistics.
- Optimization of the imaging system in the experimental setup (camera setup)
- Perform image and data analysis and interpretation of results and statistical evaluation
What we expect from you:
Your Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in STEM or data science
- For image and data analysis, previous experience/knowledge in Python would be desirable
- Very good written and spoken English skills
- Initiative and enjoyment of working independently
- Enthusiasm for experimental work is preferred.
What we offer:
DLR stands for diversity, appreciation and equality for all people. We promote independent work and the individual development of our employees both personally and professionally. To this end, we offer numerous training and development opportunities. Equal opportunities are of particular importance to us, which is why we want to increase the proportion of women in science and management in particular. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are qualified.
Further information:
Starting date: 01.12.2024
Duration of contract: 6 Monate
Type of employment: Teilzeit
Remuneration: Je nach Qualifikation und Aufgabenübertragung bis Entgeltgruppe 05 TVöD.
Vacancy-ID: 98938
Contact:
Prof. Dr. Matthias Sperl Institut für Materialphysik im Weltraum
Tel.: 02203 601 3434