INT-27045 INTERNSHIP- MODELLING AND MANUFACTURING OF CURVILINEAR FIBRE-REINFORCED COMPOSITES

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is a Research and Technology Organization (RTO) active in the fields of materials, environment and IT. By transforming scientific knowledge into technologies, smart data and tools, LIST empowers citizens in their choices, public authorities in their decisions and businesses in their strategies.

Do you want to know more about LIST? Check our website: https://www.list.lu/

Your LIST benefits

• An organization with a passion for impact and strong RDI partnerships in Luxembourg and Europe that works on responsible and independent research projects
• Sustainable by design, empowering our belief that we play an essential role in paving the way to a green society
• Innovative infrastructures and exceptional labs occupying more than 5,000 square metres, including innovations in all that we do
• An environment encouraging curiosity, innovation and entrepreneurship in all areas
• Multicultural and international work environment with more than 50 nationalities represented in our workforce
• Diverse and inclusive work environment empowering our people to fulfil their personal and professional ambitions
• Gender-friendly environment with multiple actions to attract, develop and retain women in science
• 32 days’ paid annual leave, 11 public holidays

Compulsory Internship contract | Hautcharage | 6 Months

Are you passionate about research? So are we! Come and join us

How will you contribute?

You will contribute to an ongoing research activity on curvilinear continuous-fiber-reinforced composites. During this six-month traineeship, you will help strengthen the link between structural modelling, continuous-fiber additive manufacturing and mechanical testing. The objective is to develop and assess a modelling-to-experiment workflow in which relevant process-induced deviations are characterized and, where supported by evidence, introduced into numerical models.

You will be mainly in charge of:

• Review the scientific and technical literature on variable-stiffness and curvilinear fiber-reinforced composites, continuous-fiber additive manufacturing, and modelling of process-induced deviations and defects.
• Contribute to the development of finite-element models for curvilinear composite structures, building on variable-stiffness composite and Carrera Unified Formulation shell approaches where appropriate.
• Define representative fiber paths, test specimens and numerical studies that connect structural performance requirements with manufacturing constraints.
• Support the preparation and manufacture of continuous-fiber composite specimens using 3D printing equipment, including toolpath definition and documentation of relevant process parameters.
• Characterize selected manufacturing outcomes, such as fiber-path deviations, gaps or overlaps, local thickness variations and other observable imperfections, using suitable inspection and data-processing methods.
• Introduce selected, evidence-supported process-induced deviations into numerical models and evaluate their influence on stiffness, strength and structural response.
• Plan and support mechanical tests on manufactured specimens, then compare the experimental results with numerical predictions to support model calibration and validation.
• Document the workflow, data, assumptions and results in a reproducible manner, and communicate the main findings through technical reports and presentations.

Is your profile described below? Are you our future trainee? Apply now!

Education

• You are currently enrolled in a Master’s degree programme, in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, materials science, manufacturing engineering or a closely related discipline.
• The traineeship must be a mandatory and integrated part of your degree programme, and you must remain enrolled for its full duration.
• Your studies have provided a foundation in solid mechanics, structural mechanics, composite materials, finite-element analysis and/or advanced manufacturing.
• A strong interest in variable-stiffness composites, curvilinear fibre architectures and continuous-fibre additive manufacturing is expected.

Experience and skills

• Basic experience with numerical modelling or finite-element software such as Abaqus, ANSYS, COMSOL or an equivalent package.
• Familiarity with Python or similar programming and data-analysis tools; experience with automation or optimization workflows is an asset.
• Knowledge of composite mechanics, shell modelling, variable-stiffness laminates or additive manufacturing is an asset; prior experience with Carrera Unified Formulation methods or 3D printing systems is welcome but not required.
• Interest in hands-on laboratory work, including composite manufacturing, specimen preparation, inspection and mechanical testing.
• Ability to analyze technical data, critically compare numerical and experimental results, and propose well-supported next steps.
• Ability to document models, assumptions, datasets and results clearly and reproducibly.
• Good organizational skills and the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary research team.
• Curiosity, scientific rigor, proactivity and motivation to contribute to applied research and innovation.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Language skills

• Fluency in English, both oral and written, is required.
• Knowledge of French and/or Luxembourgish is considered an asset.