Master Thesis (d/f/m) Investigation of Flammability Indices Correlations between Microscale Combustion Calorimeter and Standardized Aircraft Test Methods

Job Description:

In order to support the Fire Safety Engineering & Testing department, Airbus Defence and Space is looking for a

Master Student (d/f/m) Investigation of Flammability Indices Correlations between Microscale Combustion Calorimeter (MCC) and Standardized Aircraft Test Methods

You are looking for a master thesis and want to get to know the work of Airbus? Then apply now! We look forward to you supporting us in the Fire Safety Engineering & Testing department as a Master thesis student (d/f/m)!

• Location: Bremen
• Start: October 2026
• Duration: 6 months
  
  

Background

Evaluating material flammability and heat release in the aviation industry traditionally relies on established, macroscopic standardized test methods. However, addressing material obsolescence or minor formulation changes using these methods can be highly resource-intensive and logistically challenging. To address this, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and aviation research groups have been actively investigating the use of the Microscale Combustion Calorimeter (MCC). Operating at the milligram scale, the MCC is envisioned as a potential screening tool to streamline material obsolescence evaluations.

A key hurdle in implementing the MCC for these scenarios is understanding how small-scale thermal decomposition data relates to standard macroscopic flammability benchmarks. It is critical to determine under what combustion regimes and for what material types these methods correlate, as well as where the physical limitations of the small-scale tool lie. This project focuses on evaluating the feasibility of establishing these correlations to understand how and if such a methodology can be effectively implemented for future material screening.

Aim

The main objective of this project is to explore and define empirical and physical correlations between test data obtained from the MCC and classical standardized aerospace flammability methods. Bridging fundamental fire science with actual laboratory data, the student will aim to:

Identify specific material families and combustion regimes where MCC indices correlate with full-scale standard metrics.

Map out the limitations of these correlations, defining when macroscopic scale-effects or complex physical interactions cause the relationships to diverge.

Support the definition of a structured methodology and baseline evaluation framework for small-scale screening tools.

Methodology

The project merges experimental laboratory work with analytical and data science approaches:

• Experimental Testing: The student will perform flammability characterizations on a designated selection of aerospace materials using the MCC. Where deeper insight into macroscopic burning behavior or fundamental mass loss rates is needed, complementary tests using the Mass Loss Calorimeter (MLC) will be integrated.
• Data Science & Statistics: Utilizing MATLAB or Python, the student will manage, aggregate, and analyze test indices, applying statistical methods to discover mathematical correlations.
• Fire Science Integration: Numerical and statistical conclusions will be cross-analyzed using core principles of fire science (e.g., pyrolysis kinetics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer) to ensure that the correlations found are physically meaningful and scientifically sound.
  
  

Your location

Bremen is a charming city full of history in the northwest of Germany. In addition to being one of the country’s greenest cities, it offers wonderful sights, a rich culture, urban flair and culinary delights. It’s also a great place for seaside lovers, being located just an hour’s drive from the North Sea coast.

Your Benefits

• Attractive salary and work-life balance with a 35-hour week (flexitime).
• International environment with the opportunity to network globally.
• Work with modern/diversified technologies.
• At Airbus, we see you as a valuable team member and you are not hired to brew coffee, instead you are in close contact with the interfaces and are part of our weekly team meetings.
• Opportunity to participate in the Generation Airbus Community to expand your own network.
  
  

Your Tasks And Responsibilities

• Formulating test plans for small-scale material screening.
• Executing flammability tests (MCC & MLC) in the Airbus Fire Test Lab.
• Analyzing experimental data using Python or MATLAB.
• Developing correlations between microscale and standard flammability metrics.
• Documenting and reporting results in technical reports and your thesis.
  
  

Desired Skills And Qualifications

• Enrolled full-time student (d/f/m) in Materials Science, Aerospace, Chemical/Process, Combustion, Mechanical Engineering or Fire Safety Engineering.
• Initial practical experience in fire testing, thermal characterization, or lab work.
• Basic programming knowledge in Python or MATLAB.
• Basic understanding of thermodynamics, combustion or material science.
• Fluency in English (German language skills are a plus).
  
  

Please upload the following documents: cover letter, CV, relevant transcripts, enrolment certificate.

Not a 100% match? No worries! Airbus supports your personal growth.

Take your career to a new level and apply online now!

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 Operations GmbH

Employment Type:

Final-year Thesis

Experience Level:

Student

Job Family:

Support to Management

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Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.

Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to [email protected] .

At Airbus, we support you to work, connect and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we foster flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking.

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