MASTER Thesis (d/m/f) Experimental Investigation and Statistical Analysis and Modeling of ice accretion on aerodynamic surfaces

Job Description:

Are you looking for a master thesis in the field of ice accretion?

Master Thesis Experimental Investigation and Statistical Analysis and Modeling of Ice Accretion on rotating aerodynamic surfaces

Then apply now!

We look forward to you joining us as master student (d/f/m) at Airbus Central Research &  Technology.

Location : Ottobrunn, Munich

Start : May 2026

Duration : 6 months

Vehicles operating in cold climates can be significantly affected by icing. Ice accumulation on lift- or propulsion-generating surfaces disrupts the aerodynamic flow, reduces lift, and can lead to catastrophic failure. Understanding the physics of ice accretion and shedding is critical for developing safety systems and de-icing strategies. Ice accretion on rotating aerodynamic surfaces is inherently different from ice accretion on wings or tailplanes. As easy-to-study but still representative rotating surfaces we want to investigate ice accretion on small-scale propellers used in drones and multirotor UAVs. ..

For this task, we are looking for a motivated Master student to conduct extensive experiments in our icing wind tunnel (IWT) facility. The goal of this thesis is to quantify how ice builds up and sheds from propellers up to 300 mm in length under varying environmental conditions and to translate these findings into a predictive icing model.

Key Responsibilities:

• Experimental Design: Define test matrices covering various environmental parameters (Temperature, Wind Speed, Humidity/Liquid Water Content).

• Wind Tunnel Testing: Operate the icing tunnel to run experiments on specific propeller profiles.

• Data Acquisition: Record ice accretion using high-speed imaging or load cells to measure performance degradation.

• Statistical Modeling: Develop a data-driven model to predict the evolution of icing.

Your Profile:

• Student in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or Data Science.

• Interest in experimental aerodynamics and fluid dynamics.

• Basic understanding of thermodynamics or icing physics is a plus.

• Experience with data analysis and programming (Python, MATLAB, or R).

• Knowledge of statistical modeling (e.g., Time Series Analysis, Markov Chains, or Regression models).

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What We Offer:

• Access to a professional icing wind tunnel

• Hands-on experience with measurement hardware and high-speed camera systems.

• Supervision by experienced icing experts and data scientists.

During your master thesis you will be guided by experienced Airbus researchers and gain invaluable industry exposure at the forefront of aerospace innovation. As a student at Airbus CRT you will be a member of the materials team and participate in technical project meetings and meetings with our customers.

We kindly ask you to reference and briefly describe your relevant project(s) in your application.

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

Company:

Airbus Defence and Space GmbH

Employment Type:

Final-year Thesis

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Experience Level:

Student

Job Family:

Support to Management <JF-FA-ES>

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