THESIS WORK: ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISATION OF DIFFERENT JOINING TECHNIQUES OF CAR BODY

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.
The automotive industry is currently undergoing an unprecedented paradigm shift towards electric vehicles.
This shift is redefining the entire car development process, offering significant challenges and opportunities.
To stay ahead of the competition, it is of vital importance to reduce the car development cycle time, without compromising safety and reliability.
Consequently, virtual modelling and simulations are crucial for the prediction and optimisation of the performance during early development phases.
To reduce cost and time to market, the CAE & Test team at the department of Electrical Infrastructure, Volvo Cars Engineering, performs electromagnetic and EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) modelling and simulations at component, system, and full vehicle level.
This allows us to predict, analyse, and improve the electrical performance in early development phases.
Scope.
The grounding strategy of a modern car, i.
.
to be able to accurately model and predict return current distribution profile on component and system level, is a very challenging task, due to the numerous joining techniques utilised in realising the car body.
The purpose of this thesis work is to investigate and analyse the impact of different joining techniques in the car body, on the return current distribution profile within the car chassis in the frequency range from DC to 400 kHz.
The general objectives of the work can be summarised as follows.
- Study/investigate different joining techniques such as welding (spot welds), forging (flow drills), and rivets (pop studs), to analyse their role in return current flow via the car chassis, understanding and outlining the performance limiting factors.
- For the selected joining techniques, create models and perform electromagnetic simulations with the goal of achieving equivalent circuit level models as close as possible to reality by estimating performance limiting factors such as parasitics at an early stage to lower the design iteration time.
- Develop prototypes consisting of two rectangular sheets connected via the selected joining techniques and perform measurements in a lab to validate the simulation results and models.
- The work should result in suggesting better than existing simulation workflows to accurately model the selected joining techniques and their equivalent circuit models.
Qualification.
Master of Science programme students with knowledge in Electromagnetics, Electromagnetic compatibility, circuit design.
Knowledge in commercially available electromagnetic simulation tools such as Ansys HFSS, Dassault Systemes CST, Altair FEKO etc., would be an asset but is not a strict requirement.
Duration.
- This thesis work is to be carried out by two students.
- The thesis work is equivalent to 30 ECTS for each student and comprised of 20 weeks duration.
- Ideally work will start in Spring , exact date can be discussed.
What you will get.
- Skills in development in the automotive industry within the electromagnetic domain, notably related to EMC.
- The chance to develop modelling and simulation skills in electromagnetic simulation tools.
- Experience from performing measurements with state-of-the art tools.
- To be part of an awesome team!     Volvo Cars - Driving change together​ Volvo Cars’ success is the outcome of a collaborative, diverse, and inclusive working environment.
Today, we are one of the most well-known and respected car brands, with around employees across the globe.
At Volvo Cars, your career is designed around your skills and aspirations, allowing you to reach your fullest potential.​  By , we aim to sell 1.
million cars annually, with 50 per cent being electric cars and sold directly to customers mainly through digital channels.
Make sure you’re in the front seat on this exciting journey as we pioneer the driving and electrification technologies of the future.