Master Thesis - Erosion performance and failure mechanisms in TBCs

Master Thesis - Erosion performance and failure mechanisms in TBCs

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The department for materials and chemistry technology consists of 24 persons and have a wide range of responsible areas. For example, mechanical testing, failure investigations, metallography, development of new alloys etc. 

The challenge

Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) are advanced material systems used in the hot sections of gas turbines for power generation. TBCs typically have two layers, a metallic coating called bond coat, and a ceramic coating, called topcoat. The function of the bond coat is to provide oxidation and corrosion resistance for the gas turbine components such as blades and vanes. The topcoat provides insulation against the hot gases and helps in maintaining relatively low component temperature.

The operating environment in the hot sections of a gas turbine is harsh and complex and, this places strict requirements on the protective thermal barrier coatings. To keep the turbine components’ temperature to an acceptable level, it is critical that the coatings are durable. Failure of coatings is a complex phenomenon and is an ongoing study. Erosion, in particular, is of interest. Erosion is the process by which material is removed due to impingement of foreign particles. Erosion can cause rapid material loss in the coating and, thus limiting its life severely. A comprehensive understanding of failure mechanisms during erosion is, therefore, of high interest to Siemens Energy.

Project description

In this project, erosion resistance and the failure mechanisms in different TBC materials will be studied. Efforts will be made to understand the failure mechanisms by combining both extensive literature survey and as well as hands on microscopic investigations in optical and scanning electron microscopes.

The student will be involved in
1. Careful sample preparation of the TBCs for microstructural investigations
2. Parallelly conduct literature survey to understand the erosion mechanisms in general and then in the context of TBCs
3. Look at the microstructure and try to correlate the erosion failure mechanism to both the microstructure and the material
4. Finally, write a report to summarize the findings and make conclusions

Who are you?
* We are looking for motivated student with relevant background to join us int the development of our thermal barrier coatings. Experience of working in a lab is preferable.

Why should you be working at Siemens?

Siemens Energy is one of the world’s leading energy technology companies. The company works with its customers and partners on energy systems for the future, thus supporting the transition to a more sustainable world. With its portfolio of products, solutions and services, Siemens Energy covers almost the entire energy value chain – from power generation and transmission to storage. The portfolio includes conventional and renewable energy technology, such as gas and steam turbines, hybrid power plants operated with hydrogen, and power generators and transformers. More than 50 percent of the portfolio has already been decarbonized. A majority stake in the listed company Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE) makes Siemens Energy a global market leader for renewable energies. An estimated one-sixth of the electricity generated worldwide is based on technologies from Siemens Energy. Siemens Energy employs 91,000 people worldwide in more than 90 countries and generated revenue of around €29 billion in fiscal year 2019. In Sweden Siemens Energy has 2600 employees in 10 locations.

At Siemens we value diversity by inclusion and by cooperating with people with different mindset, background, experience, competence and personal traits – in all organizational levels.

Read more about Siemens here:

www.siemens-energy.com.

Application

Do not hesitate - apply today via https://jobs.siemens-energy.com/jobs or, refnr 221649 and no later than November 6^th. For questions about the role please contact recruiting manager Hanna Sivervik on +46 (122) 887766, or for questions about the recruitment process contact Eva Nilsson on eva.e.nilsson@siemens.com

Place of work: Finspång

Trade Union representatives:
Veronica Andersson, Unionen, 0122-840 21
Simon Von Eckardstein, Sveriges Ingenjörer, 0122-842 24
Jan Lundgren, Ledarna, 0122-812 33
Jonny Persson, IF Metall, 0122-817 69