Masterand CVD Coatings of Cutting Tools

Walter AG in Tübingen is recruiting for a Master´s student Thesis Project

Topic: Simulation and Validation of Temperature and Flow Patterns in Reactors for CVD Coatings of Cutting Tools

Background:

Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is widely used to coat cutting tools for metal machining with thin wear resistant layers. The process occurs under vacuum at elevated temperatures and comprises a sequence of phenomena related to gas transport and chemical reactions on the surface of the substrates to be coated as well as in the gas phase. The outcome of the coating process is steered by the adjustment of parameters such as pressure, temperature, flow conditions and partial pressures of the reactive precursor gases. Coating processes are required to yield a homogeneous distribution of the desired coating properties (thickness, chemical composition, microstructure, crystallographic phase, and preferred orientation) throughout the reactor. The use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is an important tool to understand, develop and improve CVD coating processes and equipment.

Scope of the project:

The aim of the thesis project is to use the flow simulation package of Solidworks to calculate flow and temperature profiles in an industrial CVD reactor. The creation of the reactor CAD-model itself is not part of the thesis, however adoptions to existing components can be necessary to study the impact of design changes. It will be investigated how variation of boundary conditions with respect to heating, process pressure and gas supply influence local temperature profiles. The validation of the CFD model and simulation results by experimental data is an important aspect of this thesis. To measure temperature profiles throughout the reactor, thermocouples are planned to be introduced through feedthroughs. Temperatures will be recorded for different steps of CVD processes and used to validate the model over a range of deposition conditions and to explore the limits of the model.

Your Profile:

• Master's student in the field of process engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or similar study programs
• Knowledge in the field of heat transfer and/or reaction kinetics
• Analytical thinking and quick comprehension skills
• Independent and target-orientated way of working and ability to work in a team
• Good communication skills in German and English (written and spoken)

Our benefits:

Walter offers you a modern working environment with flexible working hours, mobile working, a wide range of health measures and company pension schemes. We place great importance on enabling our employees to develop professionally and personally. Safety in the workplace is very important to us and we actively support diversity and inclusion measures.

Start: As soon as possible

Grade: non-tariff

If you have any questions, please contact:

Dr. Thorsten Manns

thorsten.manns@walter-tools.com

+49 7071 701 1191

How to apply?

Please apply with your complete application documents (letter of motivation, CV, references), stating your salary expectations and earliest starting date via our online tool on the intranet.