nicolas balzer

Nicolas Balzer

  • Internship
  • Finite element simulations on a resonant micro-fatigue setup

Research Project

Finite element simulations on a resonant micro-fatigue setup

Fatigue experiments with micro samples at kHz frequencies require novel experimental setups. Such apparatus are typically designed as resonant devices and can only be used at their characteristic frequency to maximize the stress amplitude. In the proposed thesis, the aim will be to use finite element simulations with the input from experiments to predict the behavior of complex experimental setups and the changing properties of the samples under investigation. Material properties like damping and the damage occurring during fatigue (e.g. crack propagation) should be implemented into the FE model. Therefore, for example the eigen-frequency change can be used as an in situ defect analysis which will further enhance the usability of this measurement technique.