Thesis work - Aerodynamic force modeling for driving simulator
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. Through your thesis work you will be able to contribute to our company purpose – providing freedom to move in a safe, sustainable and personal way – from day one!
About this opportunity - Background
Aerodynamic forces significantly influence vehicle stability, particularly at high speeds. Traditionally, these effects are assessed in the later stages of development, once physical prototypes are available. By leveraging Volvo Cars driving simulator, part of this evaluation can be conducted earlier in the process, helping to mitigate the risk of late-stage design changes. Previous research has shown that both the mean and the fluctuating parts of aerodynamic forces influence vehicle stability. For the fluctuations, there are certain frequency ranges that are critical for stability.
The goal of this work is to investigate how a continuous, unsteady force signal with the correct frequency content and temporal correlation between components can be generated for the driving simulator in real time.
Keywords: Aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics, vehicle stability, signal processing
What You'll Get
• The opportunity to work with a challenge that is of high relevance for Volvo Cars
• Access to and experience working with a state-of-the-art driving simulator
• Knowledge of the tools used for aerodynamic development, computational fluid dynamics and Volvo Cars aerodynamic wind tunnel
• Get to know, and be part of, both the aerodynamic and vehicle dynamic teams
Scope of the thesis work
The objective is to use data from computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and wind tunnel measurements to develop a model that generates signals for the driving simulator. The work can be divided into the following subtasks:
i Identify relevant signal attributes that should be preserved in the generated signals.
ii Develop a model that can generate relevant signals for the driving simulator in real time.
iii Evaluate the model in the driving simulator together with an experienced test driver.
What you'll bring
• MSc student in Applied Physics, Mathematics, Mechanics, Engineering, or a related field (ready for thesis work in 2025)
• Proficient programming skills
• Experience with signal processing
• Experience working with CFD or other 1D/2D simulation tools (advantageous)
• Strong background in fluid mechanics and/or vehicle aerodynamics (advantageous)
• Familiarity with vehicle dynamic concepts (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.
Volvo Cars. For Life.
For nearly a century, Volvo Cars has empowered people to move freely in a personal, sustainable and safe way. Today, we are driving bold advancements in electrification, sustainability and automotive safety. To realize our ambitious vision, we are seeking innovative minds who are ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow – today.
In our company, we believe extraordinary things are achieved by ordinary people with the drive to make a difference.
Ready to take the next step?
Applications should include your CV and a brief personal letter stating your interests within the given area and your thoughts and credentials. Submit your CV in English
Applications must be received no later than 31st of October 2025. We are prioritising direct applications to ensure a fair and efficient application process.
For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Recruiter Radoslaw Piela at radoslaw.piela@volvocars.com.
For specific questions about the position, please reach out to Hiring Manager Johan Sterneus at JOHAN.STERNEUS@VOLVOCARS.COM.
Welcome with your application!
Gothenburg, SE, 40531