MECAL High-tech / Systems:
MECAL High-tech / Systems is an independent global high end contracting engineering company that works for all the top tier technology companies, focusing on semiconductor, nanotechnologies and integrated medical applications. MECAL High-tech/Systems is in control of critical conditions, in and around high end equipment, co-developing with our customers and with our own IP and OEM base. One of our own products is a Machine Support Frame (MSF) which is developed based on the specification of the machine on top. These are production machines for the current but also for the next generation chip manufacturing processes. We sell and install these frames to the largest international chip manufacturing companies all over the world.
We are headquartered in the Netherland. Serving a vast growing and demanding global client base, and have local presence in all the major technology hubs in Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Germany, Sweden, the UK and the US.
Background assignment:
Machine Support Frames (MSF) for semiconductor machines will be installed in production fabs. The MSFs are attached to concrete floors with different methods, including epoxy cement like glue. The epoxy cement is needed for the stiffness and strength of the MSF. In normal operation of the production machine, the epoxy layer is loaded by relative small horizontal forces and in vertical direction on compression due to the weight of the total construction. During an earthquake (seismic event), the loads are completely different. Horizontal accelerations of the complete construction result in high shear stresses and in high vertical stresses in the epoxy. The vertical stresses occur due to the bending moments as a result of the horizontal forces in combination with the vertical distance to the epoxy connection. Vertical accelerations change the vertical compression stresses due to gravity. The combination of vertical compressive stresses (“reduced” gravity) and the tensile stresses (bending moments) can lead to tensile stresses in epoxy. These tensile stresses can be higher than the allowable bond stress of the epoxy in combination with concrete or steel so failure can occur. The behaviour and loads of the epoxy in this kind of situations is not known in detail. This is the main goal of this assignment: Behaviour MSF floor connection due to dynamic loads.
Assignment overview:
This assignment is split into two phases, which can be carried out in parallel.
Phase 1: Definition of earthquake loads, how to implement it in a FEM analysis
Earthquakes or seismic events occur at different locations and at different load levels. These are typically described by means of international standards. Interpretation and translation of these standards to gain more insight in the type of load, the amplitudes and frequencies are needed to describe the load. Once the dynamic load is known, it should be included into a FEM model (ANSYS program) so numerical analyses can be made to judge the strength of the MSF construction in detail.
Phase 2: Design a test setup for seismic loads
Static tests of one epoxy dot have already been carried out in the past. Can we design a dynamic test setup with epoxy applied in the same way as during an install to preform representative tests and to use the test results to validate a FEM model.
The activities/deliverables are:
1.1 Literature study earthquake loads
1.2 Compare earthquake loads to existing seismic standards
1.3 Which dynamic loads mode can be used in ANSYS WB
2.1 Determine the requirements for the test setup
2.2 Concept design of the test setup
2.3 Analyse test setup with FEM and improve if needed
2.4 Carry out tests setup and validate FEM model
2.5 Report and presenting the results
Type of project:
Traineeship, bachelor or master level or graduation
Planning:
As soon as possible
Coordination / for more information on the subject:
Ir. Peter Ros, Senior Project Manager, +31850841448, +31653618543, Peter.Ros@MECAL-HTS.COM
Product group and location:
MECAL-High-tech / Systems, Enschede (Technology Base, Vliegveldstraat 100-B518)
To apply for the project:
Ms. Yvonne Vetketel, Recruitment, +31850841410 / +31627165945, Yvonne.Vetketel@MECAL-HTS.COM
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