Postgraduate Diploma in Thermal Runaway Mitigation and Intumescent Materials
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Thermal Runaway Mitigation and Intumescent Materials. 8 modules covering UNECE Regulation No. 100, UN GTR No. 20 and ANSYS Fluent. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Explain the chemical mechanisms of thermal runaway.
Analyse thermal propagation in modules and packs.
Select suitable intumescent and insulating materials.
Design venting systems and protective barriers.
Plan abuse and propagation tests in line with regulations.
Compare homologation requirements across different markets.
Define safe emergency management protocols.
Who it's for
- Battery safety engineer wishing to specialise in Thermal Runaway Mitigation and Intumescent Materials.
- Materials engineer wishing to specialise in Thermal Runaway Mitigation and Intumescent Materials.
- Pack design engineer wishing to specialise in Thermal Runaway Mitigation and Intumescent Materials.
- Abuse testing engineer wishing to specialise in Thermal Runaway Mitigation and Intumescent Materials.
- Homologation engineer wishing to specialise in Thermal Runaway Mitigation and Intumescent Materials.
- Fire protection specialist wishing to specialise in Thermal Runaway Mitigation and Intumescent Materials.
- Graduates in engineering or sciences seeking to enter the electric automotive sector.
What you'll work with
- Reglamento UNECE n.º 100
- UN GTR n.º 20
- GB 38031-2020
- UL 2580
- UL 9540A
- SAE J2464
- ISO 6469-1
- ISO 17840
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Decomposition of the SEI layer1.2Exothermic reactions between lithiated anode and electrolyte1.3Oxygen release from NMC cathodes1.4Collapse and melting of the separator1.5Self-heating and trigger temperatures1.6Composition of vent gases1.7Influence of chemistry and SoC1.8Accelerating rate calorimetry (ARC)1.9Electrical, thermal and mechanical triggers1.10Practical: interpreting ARC curves of NMC cells
2.1Heat transfer between adjacent cells2.2Ejection of particles and electrolyte during venting2.3Propagation by confined hot gases2.4Ignition of gases inside the enclosure2.5Deflagration risk from gas accumulation2.6Influence of cell format on propagation2.7Simulation of cell-to-cell propagation2.8Design factors that accelerate propagation2.9Typical timeline of a thermal event2.10Case study: propagation analysis in a prismatic module
3.1Chemistry of intumescent systems3.2Intumescent coatings on covers and trays3.3Expansion ratio and residue conductivity3.4Mica sheets and ceramic papers3.5Silica aerogels as inter-cell barriers3.6Silicone foams and encapsulants3.7Resistance to direct flame and abrasion3.8Ageing and electrolyte compatibility3.9Selection criteria by mass and cost3.10Laboratory: intumescent barrier test with a blowtorch
4.1Venting channel architecture4.2Relief valves and rupture membranes4.3Tray protection against puncture4.4Fire-retardant barriers on the top cover4.5Protection of busbars and high-voltage lines4.6Integration of materials into the module4.7Trade-off between protection, mass and volume4.8Gas and pressure sensors for early detection4.9Containment strategies versus directed evacuation4.10Workshop: designing the venting system of a pack
5.1Cell triggering with a heater5.2Nail penetration triggering5.3Cell and module overcharge testing5.4Pack thermal propagation test5.5External fire exposure test5.6Gas analysis by FTIR5.7Thermal and pressure instrumentation of the test5.8Acceptance criteria and observation5.9Personnel safety in abuse laboratories5.10Case study: test plan according to GTR No. 20
6.1Requirements of UNECE R100 Part II6.2Thermal propagation in GTR No. 206.3Requirements of the Chinese standard GB 380316.4Safety assessment according to UL 25806.5UL 9540A test method in stationary applications6.6Flammability classification of plastics UL 946.7Five-minute advance warning requirement6.8Technical file for the homologation authority6.9Comparison between European, Chinese and US markets6.10Case study: regulatory compliance matrix
7.1Firefighter response to electric vehicle fires7.2Rescue sheets according to ISO 178407.3Use of water and specific extinguishing agents7.4Risk of delayed re-ignition7.5Quarantine storage after an incident7.6Transport of damaged or defective batteries7.7Safety in repair workshops7.8Analysis of documented real incidents7.9Risk communication to users and services7.10Case study: quarantine protocol at a dealership
8.1Risk analysis of the target pack8.2Thermal characterisation of the cell8.3Overall mitigation strategy8.4Justified selection of barriers and insulators8.5Venting system design8.6Simulation of the propagation scenario8.7Validation test plan8.8Assessment of regulatory compliance8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and assigned technical tutor. No fixed schedules: the student advances at his own pace within the call, which allows him to make it compatible with the work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original norm and applied exercises. The work software is ANSYS Fluent, COMSOL Multiphysics, Quarry, LS-DYNA, in free, academic or evaluation versions. The tests are studied on actual procedures for designing thermal barriers between cells, propagation tests according to GTR No. 20, selection of intumescent materials for packs. The evaluation is continuous by module plus the final integrator project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Explain the chemical mechanisms of thermal runaway.
Analyse thermal propagation in modules and packs.
Select suitable intumescent and insulating materials.
Design venting systems and protective barriers.
Plan abuse and propagation tests in line with regulations.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient level of Spanish to follow technical regulatory texts.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme consists of 800 hours in total, spread over 6 to 8 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours per week on average, compatible with a full-time job.
The programme uses ANSYS Fluent, COMSOL Multiphysics, Cantera, LS-DYNA. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
An own SEIUM diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. It is in-house training, not an official title from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or diploma in the same area are credited towards the higher programme. Check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.
Related programmes
Postgraduate Diploma in Change Management and Operations Training
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Change Management and Operations Training. 8 modules covering Real Decreto 614/2001, Law 31/1995 on Occupational Risk Prevention and Moodle. Assigned tutor…
Postgraduate Diploma in Vehicle EMC Design and Earthing
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Vehicle EMC Design and Earthing. 8 modules covering UN Regulation No. 10, CISPR 25:2021 and CST Studio Suite. Dedicated tutor and…
Postgraduate Diploma in Gigafactory Plant Scaling and Lean
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Plant Scaling and Lean for Gigafactories. 8 modules with IATF 16949, ISO 9001 and Siemens Plant Simulation. Assigned tutor and open…
More in Electromobility, Batteries & Hydrogen
All Electromobility, Batteries & Hydrogen programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships