Experimental Characterization of CuAlMn for Cost-Effective Elastocaloric Microcooling Devices
- Forschungsthema/Bereich
- Elastocaloric cooling
- Typ der Abschlussarbeit
- Bachelor / Master
- Startzeitpunkt
- 01.05.2026
- Bewerbungsschluss
- 30.04.2026
- Dauer der Arbeit
- 6 Monate
Beschreibung
Elastocaloric cooling is considered a highly promising solid-state cooling technology with the potential to replace conventional vapor-compression systems that rely on environmentally harmful refrigerants. Owing to its high theoretical efficiency and inherent scalability, elastocaloric cooling is particularly attractive not only for macroscopic systems but also for compact cooling solutions targeting small-scale applications such as electronics, sensors, and microfluidic systems.To date, most elastocaloric devices rely on NiTi-based shape memory alloys due to their excellent elastocaloric performance and durability. However, the high material cost of NiTi represents a major obstacle for the realization of cost-effective and commercially viable elastocaloric cooling devices.For future elastocaloric systems to be economically competitive, elastocaloric materials must not only exhibit high cooling performance per unit mass and sufficient functional fatigue life, but also be based on inexpensive raw materials and fabrication methods suitable for large-scale production.Melt-spun CuAlMn ribbons have recently emerged as a promising alternative elastocaloric material. While their low material cost and scalable manufacturing process are attractive, a comprehensive experimental characterization is still required to assess their suitability for elastocaloric microcooling applications in comparison to state-of-the-art NiTi alloys.The objective of this master’s thesis is to experimentally evaluate melt-spun CuAlMn ribbons as a potential cost-effective elastocaloric material and to benchmark their performance against NiTi-based alloys.The work will focus on the following tasks:- Mechanical testing of CuAlMn and NiTi specimens using a tensile testing machine with in-situ infrared thermography to characterize elastocaloric temperature changes and mechanical behavior
- Design, construction, and setup of a laboratory-scale elastocaloric cooling device
- Experimental testing of both materials within the device and comparative evaluation of their elastocaloric performance, efficiency, and practical applicability
Voraussetzung
- Voraussetzungen an Studierende
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- Basic experience with CAD software; knowledge of Autodesk Inventor is an advantage
- Experience with data analysis tools such as Excel, MATLAB and OriginLab is an advantage
- Basic knowledge of LabView is an advantage
- Proficiency in English, knowledge of German is an advantage
- Strong interest in experimental research and hands-on laboratory work
- Ability to work independently and in a structured manner
- Studiengangsbereiche
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- Ingenieurwissenschaften
Maschinenbau
Mechatronik & Informationstechnik
Mechanical Engineering
Mechatronics and Information Technology
- Ingenieurwissenschaften
Betreuung
- Titel, Vorname, Name
- M. Sc. Navid, Sistanizadeh-Aghdam
- Organisationseinheit
- IMT
- E-Mail Adresse
- navid.aghdam@kit.edu
- Link zur eigenen Homepage/Personenseite
- Website
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E-Mail Adresse für die Bewerbung
Senden Sie die oben genannten Bewerbungsunterlagen bitte per Mail an navid.aghdam@kit.edu
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