Thesis Work - Finite Element Analysis of energy consumption in friction brakes i Göteborg

Thesis Worker at Volvo Cars

Welcome to explore the world of Volvo Cars by writing your thesis with us! As a thesis worker in our organization you are supported by a supervisor who follows you during your project. All thesis projects are arranged in business critical areas and therefore you will be able to contribute to our company purpose – providing freedom to move in a safe, sustainable and personal way – from day one! 

Background

Strong development in battery technology along with increasing sense of environmental responsibility and legal incentives is currently shifting the focus of the automotive industry towards development of battery electric vehicles. Although, as compared to traditional ICE cars, an electric vehicle poses several advantages to the consumer, one concern is typically "range" meaning the distance the vehicle can travel before the battery needs to be recharged.

     Volvo Cars is committed to become a leader in the premium electric car segment and plans to be a fully electric car company by 2030. To fulfill this ambition, energy efficiency (range) is one of the most important factors, requiring both a holistic and detailed technical understanding of all energy dissipating mechanisms within the vehicle. One main contributor (ca 5%) to energy dissipation occurs within the friction brakes. Thus, as pressure is applied to the friction brakes, the pads are pressed against the disc and a major part of the mechanical work carried out is stored as elastic energy in the braking system. Part of the invested work is also lost due to non-conservative forces such as friction and viscous material properties. This means that, potentially, the pads do not fully retract to their original position when brake pressure is released. Therefore, slight contact between pad and disc occurs also in off-braking conditions, leading to energy consumption on the overall vehicle level. Below, the notion of "drag" is used to describe this phenomenon, in analogy to the drag that occurs due to fluid flow around an object.     

     To improve drag in friction brakes, a detailed understanding of the underlaying physical mechanisms is required, as well as a detailed understanding of the influence of different design parameters. The focus of this thesis work is, by means of the Finite Element Method, to gain an increased understanding of brake drag on a qualitative and quantitative level and, in this way, to help Volvo Cars become the leading company in the automotive business with regards to energy efficiency.  

Scope

Do you fit the profile
We believe that you are an analytically oriented person with a genuine interest for numerical methods, FEM in particular. Your educational background is within Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Physics or Civil Engineering with a focus towards solid mechanics and/or the Finite Element Method. Previous experience of the software ANSA and ABAQUS are meritious, as well as programming skills in Python or Matlab. The thesis can be partly carried out remotely relative to the Volvo Cars development center in Torslanda, Gothenburg (the extent of the remote work to be agreed with responsible line manager and supervisor).

Duration

• The work will start in January 2022.
• The duration for this thesis work is 20 weeks.
• 30 ECTS (academic credits) if in agreement with your Thesis Advisor in University.
• This thesis is to be conducted by 1 Student.

How to learn more and apply
Selection will be ongoing during the application period, so do not hesitate to send in your application. Attach your Cv and personal letter stating your interests within the given area and your thoughts and credentials.

Apply as soon as possible but no later than 2021-10-31

Please note that applications via email will not be accepted due to GDPR.

For questions about the thesis work please contact, Per Johan Nylen at: per.johan.nylen@volvocars.com  

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Volvo Cars’ continued success is the result of a collaborative, diverse, and inclusive working environment. The people of Volvo Cars are committed to making a difference in our world. Today, we are one of the most well-known and respected car brands, with over 40,000 employees across the globe. We believe in bringing out the best in each other and harnessing the true power of people. At Volvo Cars your career is designed around your talents and aspirations so you can reach your full potential. Join us on a journey of a lifetime as we create safety, autonomous driving and electrification technologies of tomorrow.