The University of Luxemburg within its multi-disciplinary and –cultural
environment offers a grant for a Master-thesis in numerical simulation. The
objective of this study is to predict the Distribution of Graphite Particles in
Automotive Sensors. The work is carried out in close cooperation with the
industrial partner IEE (www.iee.lu).
The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, in the heart of Europe, a multilingual country,
and headquarters of many European institutions and businesses, offers a
particularly interesting setting. The University of Luxembourg offers students
the opportunity to pursue doctoral studies under the supervision of academic
staff or in cooperation with other host institutions.

Outline of the thesis:
Force Sensing Resistor (FSR) is frequently employed in automotive technology in
particular in security relevant appliances for which IEE in Luxembourg is a key
technology manufacturer. The sensors are produced from foil-like substrates, on
which electrically conductive and di-electric particles in a defined arrangement
are deposited as shown in fig. 1. The arrangement of particles significantly
influences the electric conductivity, and thus, the quality and performance of
the product.
Within the proposed Master thesis, which is carried out in close cooperation
with IEE, the arrangement of particles and its influencing parameters is
investigated with advanced simulation technology. Analysis of the predicted
results will reveal underlying physics and contribute to a better understanding.
For this purpose, the Discrete Particle Method (DPM) (www.xdem.de) will be
applied, that determines the arrangement and distribution of particles. It
allows investigating a variety of different parameters such as size distribution
or particle density. Predicted results are to be compared with measurements to
explain unknown phenomena.

Profile of the successful candidate:
•	MSc student in applied science or similar with focus on fluid dynamics,
preferably on Discrete Element Method
•	Good knowledge in numerical methods
•	One of the working languages: English, German or French
•	Willingness to work in an inter-cultural environment
•	Highly independent, motivated and with persistence in tackling and completing
difficult tasks;
Start and duration:
•	Start date to be agreed with the successful candidate;
•	Duration: 6 months;