Thesis Project: 30 credits - Real time model for predictive axle load estimation

Scania is now undergoing a transformation from being a supplier of trucks, buses and engines to a supplier of complete and sustainable transport solutions.

This thesis is a chance to be a part of Scania´s transformation from being a supplier of trucks, buses and engines to a supplier of complete and sustainable transport solutions. If this seems interesting, we want you to be a part of the future!

Background

One of Scania’s key priorities is driving the shift to sustainable transport, which we do through innovation. The control for propulsion and braking is a complex combination regarding stability and energy efficiency. In order to control the vehicle in the optimal way information about the current and future state of the vehicle are a key element.

Description

A truck that accelerates, brakes or uses regenerative braking will have a dynamic load transfer in between the axles. In order to apply a correct amount of torque to the wheels without causing too much tire wear or an instable situation the axle load has to be known during dynamic driving.

The complex mechanics and design of a truck with more than 2 axles makes the estimation of the load transfer a non-trivial problem.

The aim of this thesis is to investigate the dynamic load transfer, create a model which can predict the axle load for variance of truck configurations in real time.

The work will include development of a real time dynamic vehicle model, design a method for adapting the model in real time given the estimation error and then use to model to predict axle load onboard. In order to do this you need to combine your knowledge in vehicle dynamic and signal processing.

In a previous study an off-board model was developed that can predict the axle load for a single truck configuration. But as Scania have big variance of truck models and the real time model can’t be tailormade for one truck configuration and instead have a learning aspect.

In order to do this you will have to both study the problem from a theoretical point of view and by real world testing. This will include preparing tests, testing in truck and analyse the collected data.

Goal

The goal of this thesis is to have a real time estimation of the axle load during dynamic driving. The estimation should be validated on measurement data but also by implementing a software prototype in a vehicle. The thesis can also be extended to several vehicle configurations and tractor with trailer.

Your profile

This thesis is suitable for two students studying M.Sc. in engineering or similar with an interest in mechatronics, physical modelling and signal processing. The student should have some familiarity with coding. We expect you to be curious, open minded and likes to take your own initiatives.

Time plan

The project is planned to take 20 weeks with start in January.

Contact person and supervisor

Ivar Rockström, Development Engineer, ivar.rockstrom@scania.com

Henrik Johansson, Development Engineer, henrik.x.johansson@scania.com

Application

Your application should contain a covering letter, CV and transcripts.

Selections will be made throughout the application period.

A background check might be conducted for this position. We are conducting interviews continuously and may close the recruitment earlier than the date specified.     

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