Master's thesis : Influence of Molten Nitrate Salt Decomposition on Stainless Steel Corrosion in TES

Master's thesis : Influence of Molten Nitrate Salt Decomposition on Stainless Steel Corrosion in TES

Apply now Master's thesis : Influence of Molten Nitrate Salt Decomposition on Stainless Steel Corrosion in TES Job Description Req ID: 4441 Place of work: Stuttgart Starting date: asap Career level: Student research project and final thesis Type of employment: Part time Duration of contract: 6 months

Remuneration: Remuneration is in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector - Federal Government (TVöD-Bund)

Enter the fascinating world of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e. V.; DLR) and help shape the future through research and innovation! We offer an exciting and inspiring working environment driven by the expertise and curiosity of our 12,000 employees from 100 nations and our unique infrastructure. Together, we develop sustainable technologies and thus contribute to finding solutions to global challenges. Would you like to join us in addressing this major future challenge? Then this is your place!

Our Institute of Technical Thermodynamics, with research at five locations in Stuttgart, Cologne‑Porz, Ulm, Oldenburg and Hamburg, focuses on key technologies for energy storage and energy conversion such as fuel cells, electrolysers, batteries and heat storage for industrial applications.

Whar you can expect

With the growing integration of renewable energy, thermal energy storage (TES) has become a key technology for enabling flexible and efficient power generation in concentrated solar power (CSP) plants.

This Master’s thesis aims to develop a fundamental and experimental understanding of oxide‑ion driven corrosion mechanisms in Solar Salt. The work focuses on controlled modification of salt chemistry, systematic corrosion experiments, and objective criteria to identify critical oxide concentrations at which corrosion behavior changes significantly. The thesis will be carried out within an experienced research environment, contributing to the safe and efficient operation of next‑generation TES systems.

Your tasks

• Familiarization with molten nitrate salt corrosion in TES systems and the role of salt chemistry (salt decomposition etc.)
• Planning and execution of a systematic screening matrix for relevant TES alloys (final selection based on availability and project requirements)
• Conducting high‑temperature salt exposure tests under defined conditions with controlled salt modifications
• Post‑test evaluation using standardized methods (mass change/mass loss, SEM‑EDX microstructural characterization, and damage/spallation assessment)
• Optional advanced analytics (e.g., salt chemistry analysis (IC, titration), dissolved metal trends) depending on available equipment/time
• Development of an objective “critical condition” criterion and preparation of a comparative results chart plus a thesis‑ready dataset/Report

Your profile

• Enrolled Master’s student in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Aerospace/Power Engineering, or similar
• Basic knowledge of materials / corrosion / high‑temperature processes
• Interest in experimental work (handling furnaces, sample preparation, microscopy workflows)
• Good English skills

We offer

DLR stands for diversity, appreciation and equality for all people. We promote independent work and the individual development of our employees both personally and professionally. To this end, we offer numerous training and development opportunities. Equal opportunities are of particular importance to us, which is why we want to increase the proportion of women in science and management in particular. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are qualified.

We look forward to getting to know you!

If you have any questions about this position (Vacancy‑ID 4441) please contact:

Sumit Kumar
Tel.: