Master Thesis - Reverse assist steering control for long combination vehicles

Job description

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. 

ABOUT US 

 

The Vehicle Motion & Thermal Management Technology stream leads and develops complete vehicle motion- and thermal control solutions for Safe, Sustainable and Efficient transportation. 

Our technology scope is broad and involves advanced mechatronic systems related to the motion and optimization of energy in our vehicles. 

We are an agile and high performing team, consisting of people with diverse backgrounds and nationalities. We deliver in-house Motion Control and advanced actuator coordination software that is used to enhance vehicle stability, performance, and energy efficiency for various vehicle configurations in different driving situations. 

As a team we have fun at work, and it is important for us to stay connected by working closely together, arranging group activities etc. 

 

Master Thesis proposal: Reverse assist steering control for long combination vehicles

 

Long vehicle combinations consist of a truck or tractor coupled with two or more trailers or semitrailers. These combinations provide benefits through reduced fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions per ton-kilometer, improving overall transport efficiency. However, they also present challenges, particularly when it comes to maneuvering on standard roads and shunting, e.g. reversing .  

Now-a-days, some trailers and dollies are also equipped with steered axles (actively steered or self-steered). Actively controlled steered axles can also be used to assist drivers while reversing.  

The aim of the thesis is to develop a reverse assist function that controls all steered axles throughout the combination to reach a desired direction. The desired direction of last unit should be set by the driver and will be the input to the function. 
The function shall monitor the articulation angle using sensors and calculate required steering angle without jackknife. The combination that will be used in this thesis is A-double combination, where a tractor is connected to two semitrailers via a dolly 

 

The objective of this master thesis are as follows: 

·  Information review on existing products and near-to-market ideas of driver assist for reversing articulated heavy vehicles
·  Research the work done on A-double reversing and gather feedback from drivers
·  Develop control algorithm to automate steering wheel on all axles with active steering throughout the combination to reverse the combination
·  Investigate how trailers with steerable last axles can be used, without utilizing any other axle for steering. Assume other axles’ steering can be locked at zero steering. 
·  Investigate the effect of laden and unladen last trailer while reversing 
·  Test the algorithm on real vehicle 
·  Integrate an already developed function for output with HMI display to provide feedback to driver 

 

 The thesis is recommended for one or two students pursuing Master’s degree with a background in vehicle dynamics, control theory and/or signal processing. The work will be carried out at Volvo Group Trucks Technology. The duration of the thesis is 20 weeks (30ECTS). 

 

Last Date for Application - 24-Nov-2024

Start date: January 2025 

Location: Volvo GTT, Lundby 

Contact person: Mukesh Choudhary (mukesh.choudhary@consultant.volvo.com)

We value your data privacy and therefore do not accept applications via mail. 

 

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:  15601