Thesis Worker - Flow visualization techniques for full-scale test objects in a wind tunnel

Thesis Worker at Volvo Cars

Welcome to explore the world of Volvo Cars by writing your thesis with us! As a thesis worker in our organization, you are supported by a supervisor who follows you during your project. All thesis projects are arranged in business-critical areas and therefore you will be able to contribute to our company purpose – providing freedom to move in a safe, sustainable, and personal way – from day one!
 

Vision and Motivation
Over the past couple of decades, international concerns about energy consumption and its environmental impact have significantly increased, drawing special attention to the energy efficiency of road vehicles and the adoption of more eco-friendly transportation solutions. Road transportation is one of the largest global energy consumption sectors, and the introduction of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) has marked a pivotal shift in this transformation journey. Aerodynamics plays a crucial role in optimizing vehicle energy efficiency and extending the range of electric cars, as the energy used to overcome air resistance cannot be recovered. Consequently, aerodynamic losses are the primary contributors to energy consumption at speeds above 70 km/h, accounting for up to 70 percent of the energy used at high speeds. Traditionally, aerodynamic optimizations have been conducted through global force measurements in wind tunnels. Qualitative flow visualization methods, such as using smoke and tufts, have also been used to identify areas with optimization potential. However, these methods are not sufficiently accurate for efficient product optimization. Therefore, more precise experimental techniques are needed for detailed and quantitative flow visualizations to fine-tune different parts of the vehicle and optimize the aerodynamic interactions between various components. This work aims to evaluate the performance of different experimental techniques for flow visualization around a full-scale test object and optimize specific parts of the test object in a wind tunnel.

Scope

The work can be divided into two packages, 
1.    Evaluation of the performance of different measurement techniques for flow visualization around a test object. This may involve testing various measurement/flow visualization systems in certain areas of a full-scale test object in the wind tunnel and comparing the results acquired and information extracted by various systems.

2.    Use the acquired knowledge in the first part to select the right tool for local optimization of specific parts of the test object, e.g. side mirrors or rims, in the wind tunnel. 

The thesis includes the following steps:

•    Literature study on flow visualization techniques available in fluid dynamics, specifically road vehicle aerodynamics.

•    Plan and perform full-scale wind tunnel tests using various measurement techniques with the goal of evaluating their performance and finding the advantages and disadvantages of each method.

•    Aerodynamic optimization of one or two specific areas of the vehicle using CFD.

•    Experimental optimization of the parts optimized in the previous step and comparing the results with CFD optimization results.
 

What You'll Bring

•    MSc student in Applied Physics, Mechanics, Engineering, or a related field (ready for thesis work in 2025)

•    Background in fluid mechanics and/or vehicle aerodynamics

•    Experience working with CFD or other 1D/2D simulation tools (desirable)

•    Familiarity with aerodynamic measurement systems such as multi-hole pressure probes, hot wire anemometry, and Laser Doppler Anemometry (LDA) (advantageous)

•    Proficient programming skills (advantageous)

•    Experience with wind tunnel testing (advantageous)

•    Collaborative mindset and effective communication skills

•    Fluency in English, both spoken and written

Part of the thesis must be done on-site, at Volvo Cars Corporation, Gothenburg, Sweden.

Duration

•    Start Date: Tentatively scheduled for the second week of January 2025 (exact date to be mutually agreed upon by the student, supervisor, and university)

•    Duration: 20 weeks

•    Academic Credits: 30 ECTS (subject to approval by the university thesis advisor/examiner)

•    This thesis project can be undertaken by either one student or a pair of students working collaboratively

Be part of the change – apply today!

We’d love to receive and review your application. Selection will be ongoing during the application period, so do not hesitate to send in your application. Attach your CV and a personal letter stating your interests within the given area and your thoughts and credentials.
Apply as soon as possible but no later than 2024-11-30.

Please note that applications via email will not be accepted.

If you want more information about the project or simply learn a bit more about the team, please reach out to:

Manager, Johan Sternéus, johan.sterneus@volvocars.com
Supervisor, Ananda Subramani Kannan, ananda.subramani.kannan@volvocars.com