Thesis Student - REDUCED ORDER MODELLING OF COMMERCIAL VEHICLE AERODYNAMICS

Transport is at the core of modern society. Imagine using your expertise to shape sustainable transport 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 you will do

At Vehicle Engineering CAST Platform Platform Energy you will contribute to the transformation of our company, the transport industry and society at large.

We use Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in our platform development, which is an indispensable tool for evaluating aerodynamic features in modern vehicle development. The pursuit of sustainable transport solutions and lower emission limits set by authorities are putting more focus on CFD simulations and aerodynamic improvements to reduce emissions. An optimal aerodynamic shape is perhaps even more important for electric vehicles, where it has a major impact on range. There are multiple strategies for shape optimization of a vehicle, but they usually require lots of CFD simulations, which limits the industrial applications due to the high simulation cost for commercial vehicles. Reduced-order modelling aims to solve this problem. It reduces the dimensionality of the optimization problem and can lower the number of simulations needed.

Aim

The aim of the master’s thesis is to evaluate reduced order modelling (ROM) of aerodynamic simulation methods. The thesis should determine the feasibility and performance of an industrial ROM application for commercial vehicles. Specifically, the aim is to evaluate:

• The possibility to perform shape optimization of a component (e.g. bumper spoiler), using a reduced CFD simulation of a subdomain, with boundary conditions from a full-vehicle ROM model
• The performance of ROM model as a simulation database; to evaluate cross-correlations of components and identify their influence on the vehicle performance

Method

You will start with a literature study, define parameter space and create DOE matrix then run CFD simulations of the DOE matrix. When ready, you will create and evaluate ROM model, shape optimizing of component using ROM model and shape optimizing of component using CFD simulations on subdomain with boundary conditions from ROM model. Lastly evaluate performance of ROM model as a simulation database, for instance to evaluate cross-correlations of components

Tools: ANSA, Star-CCM+, ModeFrontier/ROMbox

Your future team

Platform Analysis Energy within Common Architecture and Shared Technologies, acts as a catalyst for innovation within Volvo GTT by streamlining method development and leveraging collective expertise. Aiming to drive early phase development towards energy efficiency and process improvements through simulation advancements, contributing to the creation of superior, sustainable, and cost-efficient products. In the team we have experts in aerodynamics, energy optimization, simulation method developers and other expertise. We work as a global team with the different Volvo sites around the world.

Who are you?

Do you dream big? We do too, and we are excited to grow together. You are a M.Sc. student with a strong mathematical background in the areas of physics, mechanical or automotive engineering. Preferably with experience in Star-CCM+ and/or ModeFrontier. You are curious and have strong ability to learn new technologies. You have positive energy and excellent written and verbal communication skills.

What’s in it for you?

We can offer you the opportunity to work together with highly skilled colleagues in an exciting, global environment which provides opportunities to develop both professionally and personally. Our daily work is performed in an international environment giving the opportunity to interact with highly committed colleagues from different cultures. We trust the individual and act as a team, stay close to the product and provide opportunities for professional and personal growth.

Ready for the next move?

The thesis will be carried out at Volvo’s office in Gothenburg, Sweden, with an optional stay at Optimad’s office in Turin, Italy. It will be a full year master’s thesis performed during the fall of 2024 and spring of 2025 by one student and covers 60 ECTS.

For further information, please contact:
Anton Niklasson, Specialist Simulation & Analysis Engineer, anton.niklasson@volvo.com

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

Last application date: June 17th, 2024.

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.