Information for students

Master's theses, Bachelor's theses, work-study programmes

We are open to all kinds of student research projects, bachelor's and master's theses in the field of maritime energy systems. Current calls for Master's thesis topics are listed below.

Please feel free to contact us!

30.04.2025

Master Thesis (m/f/d): Quantitative Risk Analysis of Compressed Hydrogen bunkering, storage and transportation by ship through the Kiel Canal

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This Master's thesis position focuses on conducting a Quantitative Risk Analysis (QRA) for compressed hydrogen bunkering, storage, and transportation aboard a carrier ship transiting the Kiel Canal. The project aims to assess the safety risks associated with hydrogen systems on ships, using probabilistic methods like Bayesian networks to evaluate potential hazards and failure modes. Students with a background in mechanical/naval/renewable energy systems, and an interest in hydrogen technologies and risk analysis, are sought for this research opportunity.

To apply please click here: Studierende (w/m/d) als Masteranden/Bacheloranden oder Werkstudenten Stellendetails | dlrdeutsch

Contact

Alistair Aranha

German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Institute of Maritime Energy Systems
Düneberger Str. 108, Geesthacht
Germany

14.04.2025

Master thesis (m/f/d): Machine Learning based Prediction for Influence Coefficients of Stress Intensity Factors

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The aim of this thesis is to improve the accuracy and efficiency of fatigue crack growth estimations by developing a computational model that considers multi-axial loadings for risk and reliability assessments of structural components. The work involves acquiring theoretical knowledge, developing influence coefficient databases, and creating a machine learning model to predict these coefficients for different cracked geometries under multi-axial loadings. We look forward to your application!

To apply please click here: Studierende (w/m/d) als Masteranden/Bacheloranden oder Werkstudenten Stellendetails | dlrdeutsch

Contact

Phyo Myat Kyaw

German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Institute of Maritime Energy Systems
21502 Geesthacht
Germany

14.04.2025

Master thesis (m/f/d): Elastic-plastic probabilistic fatigue crack propagation assessments of pressure vessels

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This thesis focuses on extending the use of a tool for assessing the remaining fatigue life of damaged pressure vessels and pipelines by incorporating an elastic-plastic fatigue crack propagation model, addressing the uncertainties in parameter assessments. It involves researching fatigue crack growth models, integrating them into a probabilistic tool, and validating the results to enhance structural integrity evaluations for renewable energy infrastructures. We are looking forward to your application!

To apply please click here: Studierende (w/m/d) als Masteranden/Bacheloranden oder Werkstudenten Stellendetails | dlrdeutsch

Contact

Phyo Myat Kyaw

German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Institute of Maritime Energy Systems
21502 Geesthacht
Germany

14.04.2025

Master thesis (m/f/d): Design Optimization of Liquid Hydrogen Tanks with Spring Connections

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Liquid hydrogen is emerging as a potential clean energy source, but its unique properties present challenges in ensuring the safety and structural integrity of storage tanks, especially under multi-axial loading conditions. This thesis topic aims to optimize the design of liquid hydrogen tanks with spring connections, focusing on factors like pressure, temperature, external loads, and material selection to ensure the tanks' safety and functionality for use on ships. Interested? Apply and join the team!

To apply please click here: Studierende (w/m/d) als Masteranden/Bacheloranden oder Werkstudenten Stellendetails | dlrdeutsch

Contact

Mahamudul Hasan Tanvir

German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Institute of Maritime Energy Systems
21502 Geesthacht
Germany

14.04.2025

Master Thesis/ Student Position (m/f/d): Predictive Modelling of Battery Degradation using Data-Driven Machine Learning Methods (July 2025)

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Component degradation impacts the reliability, safety, and efficiency of systems across industries, with batteries being a key area where aging reduces capacity and increases failure risks. This thesis aims to apply machine learning to predict battery degradation using sensor data, while also developing a standardized data pre-processing module to improve model accuracy and support better maintenance strategies. Check out the details and come join our team!

To apply please click here: Studierende (w/m/d) als Masteranden/Bacheloranden oder Werkstudenten Stellendetails | dlrdeutsch

Contact

Kishan Patel

German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Institute of Maritime Energy Systems
Düneberger Str. 108, 21502 Geesthacht
Germany

01.04.2025

Master thesis (m/f/d): Assessment of the energy saving potential by using kites in shipping

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Legislative developments on reducing the total annual GHG emissions from international shipping by at least 50 % have driven ship owners and operators to re-think their propulsion systems by introducing alternative propulsion technology. One green technology which is attracting a lot of attention are wind-assisted propulsion (WASP) devices. Several approaches, including Flettner rotors, sails and kites appear suitable. In order to assess their respective applicability and efficiency, simulations addressing the hydrodynamic behavior of WASP devices, hull and energy system of the vessel with respect to present weather conditions are required. The MS institute maintains the Odyssa Framework, which enables such investigations based on simplifying modelling assumptions. At this point in time, modelling of kites is not incorporated...

To apply please click here: Studierende (w/m/d) als Masteranden/Bacheloranden oder Werkstudenten Stellendetails | dlrdeutsch

Contact

Tobias Lampe

German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Institute of Maritime Energy Systems
Düneberger Str. 108, 21502 Geesthacht
Germany

01.04.2025

Master thesis (m/f/d): Modeling of Hydrogen Releases

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We are looking for a student (m/f/d) in the field of mechanical engineering/ process engineering/ plant engineering/ shipbuilding or comparable for the Energy Infrastructure department. Hydrogen is seen as a sustainable fuel of the future. Before it can be widely used on ships, a number of safety issues still need to be addressed. Hydrogen poses a particular danger when it is released, as flammable or even explosive gas clouds can form. The risk of release is particularly high when bunkering ("refueling") ships. Only very complex CFD models are currently available for modeling these gas clouds, and existing analytical models do not take sufficient account of the specific properties of hydrogen. The results of this master thesis should help to reduce the effort of a risk assessment of hydrogen applications by working on the following tasks.

To apply please click here: Studierende (w/m/d) als Masteranden/Bacheloranden oder Werkstudenten Stellendetails | dlrdeutsch

Contact

Jorgen Depken

German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Institute of Maritime Energy Systems
Düneberger Str. 108, 21502 Geesthacht
Germany

Contact

Hilke Piazza

Human Resources
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Institute of Maritime Energy Systems
Düneberger Str. 108, 21502 Geesthacht