Thesis: Simulation-Based Method for Deriving Boundary Conditions from Autoclave Data (Thermal Runaway)

The release of vent gases in a thermal runaway event is a key boundary condition for designing safe high-voltage batteries. The goal of the thesis is to develop a simulation-based method for automatically converting autoclave data into simulation-relevant boundary conditions and to build a continuous workflow linking testing, data analysis and simulation.

• Literature research on vent mechanisms, thermal runaway and cell outgassing of lithium-ion batteries
• Analysis and evaluation of autoclave tests to characterize cell venting behavior
• Development of a method for automatically deriving simulation boundary conditions from test data
• Building and further developing CFD simulation models to reconstruct time-dependent vent gas mass flows
• Investigation of influencing factors such as cell type, state of charge and trigger method on venting behavior
• Development of metrics to describe and quantify the scatter of single-cell tests
• Support in planning and carrying out validation tests (e.g. X-ray analyses) and presenting results to the group-wide expert community

• Fields of study: Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or similar
• Study focus: Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Simulation, Software Development
• Technical knowledge: Fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, simulation software, high-voltage batteries, interest in battery safety, thermal runaway
• Experience with 3D CFD simulation software, ideally Star-CCM+
• First experience in software development, programming an advantage
• Interest in research topics around simulation software, high-voltage batteries and safety
• Language skills: German, English
• Independent and structured way of working
• Strong teamwork and communication skills