Description
Sweden
Position Description
Background
Volvo Construction Equipment develops premium equipment with the vision of Building the world we want to live in. We are world leading in autonomous and electrified construction machines. Our machines are used during road building, mining, building schools and hospitals. Developing the best machines and having a global presence makes it possible for us to shape the future of construction industry.
A wheel loader is a machine that is very versatile and can be used for many different tasks, but usually handling and moving different materials and objects. In our vehicle simulations it is therefore important to include the interaction between bucket and material to for example extract loads on the structure, optimize energy consumption or to design a bucket that is easy to fill.
The Discrete Element Method (DEM) is a numerical method to simulate the interaction between a finite number of particles which may interact with each other through contact, friction, cohesion etc. The method is very computer intensive but by using GPU the computational times have become acceptable also for a large number of particles of almost arbitrary size and shape. Fraunhofer Chalmers Centre (FCC) has developed an in-house DEM software capable to resolve the interaction between the tools and granular materials. The thesis project will be conducted within the framework of the Vinnova research project DigiRoad coordinated by FCC.
Description
The thesis work is suitable for two students on master level and will focus on developing an interface between a commercial software as e.g. MSC Adams or Simulink and the in-house Fraunhofer DEM software Demify®. The development includes to investigate methods for co-simulation to find an efficient and robust communication between the software's.
The work also includes to develop test procedures to access shapes and sizes of typical crushed materials to be used in the simulations. To be able to describe the material the irregularities and shapes of the virtual gravel needs to be captured together with the typical size distribution.
Scope
The master thesis project will include:
Development of a wheel loader model with MBS/DEM co-simulation interface
Material characterization and calibration of rock particle model
Validation against full scale experimental bucket load/force data
Student Profile
Required: 1-2 students from the master programs in Applied Mechanics, Mechatronics, Engineering Mathematics or similar. Self-motivated, curious and fast learner.
Application
A brief cover letter, CV and academic records from both master and bachelor studies. Good knowledge in mechanics and programming. Familiarity with the Matlab/Simulink and the Python programming language.
Duration
The thesis project will start January 2021 and continue for 20 weeks. The master thesis project is 30 credits/student.
Location
The thesis project is located at Volvo Construction Equipment in Braås or Eskilstuna.
Contact
Torbjörn Ekevid, Volvo Construction Equipment, VPD Braås, +46 470 54 81 87
Elianne Lindmark, Volvo Construction Equipment, Eskilstuna, +46 76 940 98 18
Johannes Quist, Fraunhofer-Chalmers Research Centre for Industrial Mathematics, +46 31 772 42 97
Examiner
Mathias Lidberg, Vehicle and Autonomous Systems, Mechanics and Maritime Sciences
E-mail: mathias.lidberg@chalmers.se
References
Felix Henriksson and Joanna Minta, Bucket-soil interaction for wheel loaders-An application of the Discrete Element Method, Master's Thesis in Mechanical Engineering, Linnaeus University, Växjö, 2016, https://www.divaportal.org/smash/get/diva2:935535/FULLTEXT01.pdf.
Joar Göransson Axås, A coupled multibody and discrete element approach for roller compaction dynamics, Master's Thesis in Applied Mechanics, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, 2020.
Johannes Quist, Franziska Hunger and Klas Jareteg, DEM investigation of segregation of rock materials during unloading. Fraunhofer-Chalmers Centre Report: 2225-191205-629, SBUF Project 13638, Vinnova DigiRoad 2018-00606, Gothenburg, 2020.
About us
The Volvo Group drives prosperity through transport solutions, offering trucks, buses, construction equipment, power solutions for marine and industrial applications, financing and services that increase our customers’ uptime and productivity. Founded in 1927, the Volvo Group is committed to shaping the future landscape of sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions. Countless career opportunities are offered across the group’s leading brands - Volvo, Volvo Penta, UD Trucks, Terex Trucks, SDLG, Renault Trucks, Prevost, Nova Bus, Mack, Eicher, Dongfeng Trucks and Arquus.
Volvo Construction Equipment is a global company driven by passion, curiosity and by our purpose: to build the world we want to live in. We believe that only through imagination and teamwork can we develop a world that is cleaner, smarter and more connected. Our company culture reflects this belief through the care and trust it places in our customers, employees and suppliers. People are at the heart of our business. It is through our strong network of talented, enquiring and innovative minds that we have been able to pave the way towards a more sustainable future. The global construction industry is our arena and our employees are our greatest assets.
We can only continue to stand out as industry leaders through the people driving us forwards. Come be a part of our team and help us build tomorrow.
Auto req ID
107893BR
Entity
Volvo Construction Equipment
State / Province
Västra Götaland
City/Town
Göteborg
Employment/Assignment Type
Thesis
Functional Area
Technology
Flexible locations
Sweden,Braås,Kronoberg, Sweden,Eskilstuna,Södermanland
Last application date
13-Dec-2020