Student Research Assistants - DEM Modelling and Calibration of Granite for Geothermal Applications

Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft · Bochum

HiWiGerman needed: none

Still open on 11 Nov

You apply on the company's own website.

Key facts

Pay: Paid by a works agreement for assistants
Subject you study: Civil Engineering, Subsurface Engineering, Computational Engineering, Geosciences

Development of granite mesostructure models considering mineral composition and microstructural heterogeneity
Performance of numerical uniaxial compression and Brazilian tests
Development and calibration of a generalized parameter strategy for microstructure-informed DEM models
Validation of model transferability across different granite compositions
Development of simplified granite mesostructure models using random fields
Performance of numerical triaxial compression tests under different confining pressures
Conducting sensitivity analyses and calibrating numerical model parameters
Validation of simulation results against independent experimental datasets

Current enrolment in a Master's degree programme in Civil Engineering, Subsurface Engineering, Computational Engineering, Geosciences or a related field
Solid understanding of solid mechanics; basic knowledge of fracture mechanics is an advantage
Programming experience in Python and an interest in numerical modelling and simulation
Ideally, initial experience with the Discrete Element Method (DEM) or other particle-based simulation methods
Familiarity with Linux, high-performance computing (HPC) or rock mechanics is an advantage
Independent, structured and analytical working style, with an interest in scientific research and interdisciplinary collaboration

Active involvement in applied research on rock mechanics and geothermal energy technologies
Hands-on experience with DEM simulations, numerical model calibration, sensitivity analysis and optimization
Opportunities to develop skills in scientific programming, open-source research software, HPC and scientific visualization
Close collaboration with researchers from Fraunhofer IEG and Ruhr University Bochum, including regular scientific guidance and feedback
Flexible working hours that can be combined with your studies
Opportunity to continue working on the research topic as part of a Master's thesis
A collaborative research environment with the opportunity to contribute your own ideas and develop practical research skills

Development of granite mesostructure models considering mineral composition and microstructural heterogeneity
Performance of numerical uniaxial compression and Brazilian tests
Development and calibration of a generalized parameter strategy for microstructure-informed DEM models
Validation of model transferability across different granite compositions
Development of simplified granite mesostructure models using random fields
Performance of numerical triaxial compression tests under different confining pressures
Conducting sensitivity analyses and calibrating numerical model parameters
Validation of simulation results against independent experimental datasets

Current enrolment in a Master's degree programme in Civil Engineering, Subsurface Engineering, Computational Engineering, Geosciences or a related field
Solid understanding of solid mechanics; basic knowledge of fracture mechanics is an advantage
Programming experience in Python and an interest in numerical modelling and simulation
Ideally, initial experience with the Discrete Element Method (DEM) or other particle-based simulation methods
Familiarity with Linux, high-performance computing (HPC) or rock mechanics is an advantage
Independent, structured and analytical working style, with an interest in scientific research and interdisciplinary collaboration

Active involvement in applied research on rock mechanics and geothermal energy technologies
Hands-on experience with DEM simulations, numerical model calibration, sensitivity analysis and optimization
Opportunities to develop skills in scientific programming, open-source research software, HPC and scientific visualization
Close collaboration with researchers from Fraunhofer IEG and Ruhr University Bochum, including regular scientific guidance and feedback
Flexible working hours that can be combined with your studies
Opportunity to continue working on the research topic as part of a Master's thesis
A collaborative research environment with the opportunity to contribute your own ideas and develop practical research skills