Thesis work - E-steel laminate & adhesive compatibility study

About this opportunity - Background

Join us to explore how adhesive technologies interface with electrical steel laminations inside electric machines. You’ll help us deepen the understanding of adhesive bonds in laminate stacks, connect materials behaviour to manufacturing outcomes, and translate findings into actionable requirements which will directly influence our future electric motors. Your work will directly support our purpose to give people the freedom to move in a personal, sustainable, and safe way whilst also providing you with real world research experience in a fast transforming industry.

Electric machines are built from stacks of insulated esteel laminations that are glued together. The adhesion performance (together with the laminate coating and manufacturing process) drives durability, NVH, and efficiency. This thesis advances our knowledge of adhesive/lamination compatibility, bond performance under representative loads and temperatures, and the implications for industrial assembly of electric machines.

Scope of the thesis work

•    Map the state of the art: Conduct a literature review on electric machine assembly techniques and structural/functional adhesive technologies relevant to esteel laminations.  
•    Design & execute experiments: Plan and run adhesive bond characterization (e.g., shear/peel, wedge/creep, thermalcycling), aligned with basic DoE principles. Lab work will be carried out at Volvo Cars’ facilities in Gothenburg. 
•    Analyze & model: Process results using MATLAB/Python; explore datascience or modeling techniques to explain trends and propose requirements.  
•    Propose requirements: Translate findings into practical recommendations for materials selection and manufacturing.  
•    Document professionally: Deliver project documentation and a final thesis memoir/report.  

What you'll bring

•    You’re in your final year of an MSc/MEng in Mechanical, Electrical, Design Engineering (or equivalent). 
•    Programming skills in at least one highlevel language (preferably MATLAB and/or Python). 
•    Familiarity with datascience/modeling techniques and Design of Experiments. 
•    Basic understanding of EV motors and a proactive, eagertolearn mindset.

Duration

•    The work will start in January 2026
•    The duration for this thesis work is 20 weeks.
•    30 ECTS (Master academic credits) in agreement with your Thesis Advisor in University
•    This thesis is to be conducted by 1 or 2 Students working in pair.