Thesis Worker - Road to Code for Ride Comfort Assessment

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!
 

Background
Ride comfort is the ability of a vehicle to absorb any road undulations while being driven on and is a measure of how comfortable it is to be in the vehicle with regards to body motions and harsh road inputs.
At Volvo Cars we capture the ride comfort through a list of KPIs which make up the Ride DNA. This is evaluated by equipping the vehicle with sensors and collecting data while driving over different tracks with different obstacles inside our test tracks at Hällered Proving Ground. Complementing the Ride DNA are measurements done on our stationary rigs in laboratories. Two such rigs that we have is the four-poster rig and the Suspension Parameter Measurement Machine (SPMM). The four-poster rig is capable of simulating road conditions but only in the vertical axis. The SPMM is a Kinematics and Compliance (K&C) test machine that is used to estimate the geometry and stiffness of the vehicle’s suspension system under quasi static conditions. These rigs are an integral part of our vehicle development process, and we would like to explore how we can use them to set system level targets.

Scope

The aim of the work is to build and validate a combined vertical and longitudinal car model using measurement data.

Below is a suggested approach to the problem:
1.    Gather an understanding of the data that we collect today and that can be collected on the rigs
2.    Build a combined vertical and longitudinal quarter car model 
3.    Lead a measurement campaign to parametrize this model
4.    Run simulations with the parametrized model and validate the results against a set of ride DNA measurements 
5.    Increase model complexity and iterate steps 2 – 4 to improve the correlation between the model and the reference data

Do you fit the profile?
Required: MSc in mechanical engineering, physics or equivalent. Comfortable user of Matlab/Simulink. Good knowledge of automotive. Self-standing, curious and fast learner. Valid B-level driving license.
 

Duration
•    The job will start January 2025 and continue for 20 weeks.
•    30 ECTS (academic credits) / student. If in agreement with your Thesis Advisor in University
•    This thesis is to be conducted by 2 Students working in pair. 

How to learn more and apply
Selection will be ongoing during the application period, so do not hesitate to send in your application. Attach your CV and personal letter stating your interests within the given area and your thoughts and credentials. Apply as soon as possible but no later than  2024-10-31

Please note that applications via email will not be accepted.

If you have any additional questions regarding the thesis work, you are welcome to contact:
Manager, Sofia Kasimi at sofia.kasimi@volvocars.com
Supervisor, Ajay Daniel at ajay.daniel@volvocars.com
 

Who are we?
Everything we do starts with people. Our purpose is to provide freedom to move, in a personal, sustainable and safe way. We are committed to simplifying our customers’ lives by offering better technology solutions that improve their impact on the world and bringing the most advanced mobility innovations to protect them, their loved ones and the people around them. 

Volvo Cars’ continued success is the result of a collaborative, diverse, and inclusive working environment. The people of Volvo Cars are committed to making a difference in our world. Today, we are one of the most well-known and respected car brands, with over 40,000 employees across the globe. We believe in bringing out the best in each other and harnessing the true power of people. At Volvo Cars your career is designed around your talents and aspirations so you can reach your full potential. Join us on a journey of a lifetime as we create safety, autonomous driving and electrification technologies of tomorrow