Work`s Description

The demand on micro actuators tends to increase as a direct consequence of the progress in the field of microelectronics and its development is associated with high requirements for materials, design methods and technologies. The actuation based on shape memory alloys gained a large interest due to (unique) favorable down scaling behavior along with high energy densities as compared with conventional actuators. In this position, different technical ways to prepare Ni-Ti-Cu films are discussed and their mechanical and actuation characteristics are investigated. Single-film prototype will be developed and performance tests will be conducted to explore the characterization of thermal microactuator. In particularly, the thermal shape memory microactuator is used for recovery of low-grade heat sources <100 ℃, e.g., solar energy or geothermal energy.

Scheduled work flow:

•    Characterization of material properties (structure, mechanical, thermal, magnetic)
•    Rapid prototyping (Optical lithography, 3D Printing, laser technology)
•    Characterization of demonstrator variants (thermo-mechanical, electrical properties)
•    Design optimization

Fig. 1. An example of thermal shape memory actuator acting as a fluidics valve. When the current is switched on (actuator heated), the actuator made of a shape memory alloy acts against a spring element, thus releasing a ball from the valve opening. When the current is switched off, the spring element pushes the ball back onto the valve opening.

To carry out the work, the IMT has extensive state-of-the-art equipment (600 m² clean room, rapid prototyping processes such as 3D printing and laser cutting, assembly and joining technology laboratories, various metrological laboratories). Intensive support ensures that the work can be carried out within the given time frame.

Personal qualifications:

We are looking for ambitious, creative and self-motivated individuals, who like to work in a multidisciplinary and international team.

click here for more Information and Online apply

Fachliche/r Ansprechpartner/in