CIFRE - Aircraft Braking Dynamic Model Derivation for Nonlinear Robust Control Design

Job description

Job Description:

Take part in aeronautical innovation: shape the aircraft braking systems of tomorrow!

Context: 

The braking system on an aircraft is a critical safety element. It must be available and provide sufficient performance to avoid a possible runway excursion, whatever the runway contamination conditions (rain, snow, type of surface, etc.). To achieve this, an anti-skid system is installed on most commercial aircraft. These performance and availability requirements are defined by the EASA. Although this problem is under control, it suffers from the absence of a systematic procedure . As a result, the possibility of using mathematical modelling of the braking system to reduce costs in the validation process (reduction of the iterative process between ‘advanced’ simulations and in a ‘hardware in the loop’ configuration) is becoming an area of interest.

In this context, a CIFRE thesis entitled ‘ Aircraft Braking Dynamic Model Derivation for Nonlinear Robust Control Design ’ is available at Airbus Commercial's Saint Martin du Touch site in Toulouse, in collaboration with researchers from the IMS laboratory at the University of Bordeaux. You will be joining a team dedicated to R&T (Research and Technology) to develop future landing gear systems, in close collaboration with an Airbus team also based at the Filton (Bristol) site in the UK.

Objective: 

The aim of this PhD project is to be able to provide a modelling of the various components of a braking system in order to enable the optimised design of an aircraft anti-skid system. The PhD student will be able to draw on previous work based on Lagrange equations and tools such as SimMechanics (Simscape Multibody) to create a high-fidelity model of the braking system. The work will lead to a realistic functional engineering simulator (FES), capable to be more reliable for a hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) assessment.

This project offers a stimulating working environment at the intersection of modelling, simulation and the practical challenges of aeronautical engineering . The ideal candidate will have a solid background in control theory, applied mathematics and an interest in mechanics and numerical simulation.

Tasks and methods 

Under the guidance of your supervisors, you will develop your skills according to the following schedule:

· 
Phase 1 : Mathematical modelling

· 
Description and definition of the braking system (from M0 to M6)

· 
Modelling and development of a high-fidelity simulator (M3 to M21)

· 
Phase 2 : Design of a robust control law

· 
Description of the robust control method (M12 to M18)

· 
Synthesis of a robust control law for the Anti-Skid (M15 to M24)

· 
Phase 3 : Validation of Solutions

· 
Stability and robust performance analysis (M24 to M30)

· 
Performance validation in a representative environment (M27 to M36)

A publication will be expected for each of these phases.

Skills & Prerequisites:

You hold an Engineering/M2 Research Master's degree in control engineering or applied mathematics.

You possess the following knowledge and skills:

· 
Strong skills in linear algebra, differential and integral calculus, differential equations, and numerical methods. Knowledge of Lagrange equations is an asset.

· 
Experience in modeling and simulation: Familiarity with modeling software (ideally SimMechanics/Simscape Multibody or similar tools such as MATLAB/Simulink). 

· 
Strong background control engineering: Understanding of the basic principles of control, dynamic systems, and knowledge of robust control methods (PID, LTI, LPV, sliding mode, supervised control).

· 
Basic knowledge in mechanics: Understanding of the fundamental principles of solid mechanics, dynamics, and potentially fluid mechanics (for runway contamination).

· 
 Programming skills: Proficiency in a scientific programming language (MATLAB) for the implementation of models and control algorithms.

· 
Language skills:

· 
English : fluent

· 
French : advanced level

The main location for this thesis will be at the IMS in Bordeaux with at least 10% presence in Airbus Toulouse facilities (Saint-Martin) during the contract and some limited trips/missions to Airbus Filton Facilities (UK).

Our selection process

All applications are reviewed by a recruiter. If your application is validated by the recruiter, you will be invited to complete a delayed video interview. This will be viewed and then shared with the hiring manager if your application is shortlisted. The manager/tutor will organize interviews/exchanges with the shortlisted candidates before selecting the final candidate. 

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

Company:
Airbus Operations SAS

Employment Type:
PHD, Research

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Classe Emploi (France): Classe F11

Experience Level:
Student

Job Family:
Sub-system development

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