Master thesis: Rear Axle Steering

Job description

Master thesis: Improving Heavy Duty Vehicle Stability During Split-μ Braking Situations with Rear Axle Steering

 

Transport is at the core of modern society. Imagine using your expertise to shape sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions for the future? If you seek to make a difference on a global scale, working with next-gen technologies and the sharpest collaborative teams, then we could be a perfect match

 

What will you do
At Electrohydraulic Steering we are mainly responsible for the rear axle steering and the electric steering pumps. The group is responsible for developing both hardware and software for rear axle steering and electric pumps.
Background and Motivation

Rear axle steering is used to improve the turning radius and to reduce the tire wear of the rear axles. It could further add value by improving the vehicle stability in split-μ braking situation.
Vehicle stability is a critical factor in ensuring safety during various driving conditions, particularly during braking. A split-μ braking situation, where the friction coefficient differs between the left and right wheels, poses a significant challenge for vehicle stability. This condition can lead to vehicle yaw, loss of control, and increased stopping distances, thereby increasing the risk of accidents. While modern vehicles are equipped with electronic stability control (ESC) systems to mitigate these risks, there remains substantial scope for improving their effectiveness with Rear Axle Steering.

 

Objectives/Content
Evaluate different control strategies that could be used to control the rear axle steering to improve the vehicle stability during split-μ braking situation. Volvo GTT has a well-developed vehicle model library (VTM models), the intention is to reuse the vehicle models that are already available.

•    Develop simulation models of the control strategies in Simulink. 
•    The control logic then needs to be simulated with the vehicle model to evaluate and compare the different control strategies.
•    Using simulation models, investigate how much improvement of stability, stopping distance is achieved with and without rear axle steering.
•    Estimate using simulation models the responsiveness that is needed from rear axle steering system to achieve improvements in stability and braking distance in case of split friction braking.

Who are you
This topic is suitable for M.Sc Thesis project (30 ECTS) for 1-2 students(preferably 2 students).
You have background in vehicle dynamics and have knowledge in control theory, mathematical modeling and simulation.
We expect experience of using MATLAB/Simulink.

Questions? Hiring manager: Emma Heiwall (emma.heiwall@volvo.com) - Thesis Mentor: Dawn Joy (dawn.joy.2@volvo.com)

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Who we are and what we believe in 
Our focus on Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity allows each of us the opportunity to bring our full authentic self to work and thrive by providing a safe and supportive environment, free of harassment and discrimination. We are committed to removing the barriers to entry, which is why we ask that even if you feel you may not meet every qualification on the job description, please apply and let us decide.

 

Applying to this job offers you the opportunity to join Volvo Group . Every day, across the globe, our trucks, buses, engines, construction equipment, financial services, and solutions make modern life possible. We are almost 100,000 people empowered to shape the future landscape of efficient, safe and sustainable transport solutions. Fulfilling our mission creates countless career opportunities for talents with sharp minds and passion across the group’s leading brands and entities. 

 

Group Trucks Technology are seeking talents to help design sustainable transportation solutions for the future. As part of our team, you’ll help us by engineering exciting next-gen technologies and contribute to projects that determine new, sustainable solutions. Bring your love of developing systems, working collaboratively, and your advanced skills to a place where you can make an impact. Join our design shift that leaves society in good shape for the next generation.

Job Category:  Technology Engineering

Organization:  Group Trucks Technology

Travel Required:  No Travel Required

Requisition ID:  14878