RTM & CFRP Lightweight Design
Bachelor's thesis in lightweight systems with research-related work on an engineering research topic. Focus on resin transfer molding (RTM) for carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRP), structured analysis, technical documentation, and evaluation of demolding stresses in aerospace-related RTM processes.
What happens when the part lets go of the mold?
In resin transfer molding, a dry carbon-fiber preform is infused with resin inside a closed mold and cured under heat and pressure. The critical, least-understood moment comes at the end: demolding. Residual and adhesion stresses between part and tool decide whether an aerospace component comes out flawless, or damaged.
A test rig that measures the moment itself.
The core of the thesis: I designed and built a test rig that measures demolding stresses directly in the RTM process, and used it to analyze the demolding behavior of CFRP structures in an aerospace manufacturing context, turning an invisible process risk into measurable data.
- designTest rig concept & CAD, instrumented mold for direct stress measurement
- buildHardware built and commissioned at the DLR site in Stade
- measureDemolding stresses captured across RTM process variations
- evaluateStructured analysis and technical documentation of the results
Under a five-year publication embargo.
The thesis was written with DLR and carries a five-year blocking clause, standard practice for industry-relevant research. The full text will appear on DLR’s publication server once the embargo lifts; until then, the record below holds the metadata.
Record on DLR eLib