As a result of the immense growth of the EV industry, the importance of welded copper components is growing rapidly. However, the material behaviour and modelling of those is not trivial. Digital image correlation (DIC) can be used to measure displacement and strain fields during material testing. The results can be used to derive or calibrate a suitable material model.

This thesis develops a transient thermal finite element model for self-healing aluminium-based metal-matrix composites in ABAQUS. The work investigates thermal activation strategies of embedded healing particles, focusing on temperature distribution, thermal gradients, and their impact on reliable crack healing in compact tension specimens.

This thesis develops a thermomechanical model for ultrasonic welding based on Cattaneo’s hyperbolic heat conduction law. The framework aims to capture transient temperature evolution, thermal strains, and residual stresses under high-frequency welding conditions and to assess the influence of key process parameters on weld quality.

This thesis develops a thermomechanical model for additive manufacturing based on Cattaneo’s hyperbolic heat conduction law. The framework aims to predict transient temperature fields, thermal strains, and residual stresses arising from rapid heating and cooling during manufacturing processes.

This thesis focuses on modelling shear margins in ice streams using a coupled Eulerian viscoelasticity and phase-field framework. The model aims to capture localized deformation, stress evolution, and damage processes, enabling the analysis of ice-stream stability and parameter-dependent margin dynamics.

This thesis focuses on modelling diffusion-driven ion exchange in chemically strengthened aluminosilicate glass. Based on the Landau–Lifshitz and Gurtin frameworks, physically motivated models will be implemented and validated to predict concentration profiles, residual stresses, and strengthening effects under varying process conditions.

Development and implementation of a numerical model for Vickers indentation in glass using FEniCSx. The work focuses on coupling plasticity, contact mechanics, and phase-field approaches to describe complex crack systems. Tasks include modelling, implementation, and validation of selected mechanical model components.

Real-time life estimation is becoming increasingly important in test benches and condition monitoring. By combining simplified mechanical models with embedded hardware, damage can be assessed directly during operation. The goal is to develop a system that uses sensor data to detect critical conditions early on and plan maintenance efficiently.