Master thesis (f/m/x) - Hydrodynamic displacement in Lithium-Sulfur cells

The DLR Institute of Technical Thermodynamics, with research facilities in Stuttgart, Ulm, Cologne-Porz, Oldenburg, and Hamburg, employs over 270 people conducting research in the field of efficient and resource‑saving energy storage and energy conversion technologies.

What To Expect

In the department of Computational Electrochemistry, mathematical models of the chemical and physical processes in batteries are developed for an in-depth analysis by means of numerical simulations. The aim is to gain detailed insights into the complex multiscale processes that allow optimization of the battery design with respect to performance and aging.

This master thesis focuses on lithium‑sulfur cells with a high energy density, which are developed for aerospace applications. One problem with these cells is that during cycling, strong, chemically induced volume changes occur in the active material of the cathode, which lead to hydrodynamic displacement of the electrolyte. The latter could have a significant impact on the ageing of the cell. For this reason, the hydrodynamic displacement should be deciphered in this thesis using numerical simulations in the Python solver Firedrake.

The work offers the potential to carry out pioneering work in the context of the stability of lithium‑sulfur batteries and, thus, represents an important contribution to the establishment of the system in commercial applications.

Your tasks

• literature study on numerical fluid mechanics in porous media
• selection, implementation and evaluation of a suitable solution strategy
• carrying out simulation studies under realistic cell conditions
• proposal of optimization measures for the cathode structure
• documentation of the work

Your profile

• fluid mechanics & Transport processes
• numerical Methods
• Python Programming

We look forward to getting to know you!

If you have any questions about this position (Vacancy‑ID 2511) please contact:

Timo Danner

Tel.: L‑WAHL: