Student Aerospace Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Mechanical Engineering or similar (f/m/x)

Bachelor's thesis

Enter the fascinating world of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; 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 11,000 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!

For our Responsive Space Cluster Competence Center (RSC³) in Trauen we are looking for

Literature Review: Greener Solid Propellants

What to expect:

The proposed thesis will be conducted in the launch segment of the Responsive Space Cluster Competence Center (RSC³) of the DLR. The RSC³ develops and demonstrates key technologies that make it feasible to equip small satellites with payloads in the shortest possible time, to place them into a Low-Earth Orbit and to use them for internal and external security operations. The launch segment department deals with:

Solid rocket motors of the composite type consist of a binder, metallic additives and an oxygen carrier. The most common oxygen carrier is Ammonium Perchlorate (AP). However, the perchlorate anion is highly toxic and the combustion produces hydrogen chloride (HCl) which leads to toxic rain and ozone depletion. Consequently, in the solid rocket community, alternatives to AP are constantly researched. In the proposed Bachelor’s thesis, an exhaustive overview of alternative propellant combinations in solid propellants are to be reviewed and critically assessed.

The following points will be addressed during the thesis:

1. Introduction to the basic fundamentals of solid propulsion.

2. Description of the problematics of AP as oxygen carrier.

3. Overview over alternatives to AP.

4. Means to reduce HCl in the exhaust through additives.

5. Critical assessment and comparison of alternatives.

What we expect from you:

What 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.

Further information:

Starting date: immediately
Duration of contract: 3-4 Months
Type of employment: Part-time

Remuneration: up to German TVöD 3

Vacancy-ID: 94746

Contact:
Lea Kirsch Kompetenzzentrum für reaktionsschnelle Satellitenverbringung
Tel.: 05055 596 54