Master Thesis Integrated Vehicle Motion Control
Göteborg, SE, 417 15
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Master Thesis Proposal
As the transportation industry moves towards electrification, particularly in heavy commercial vehicles, there is a growing demand for advanced control systems that can manage the complex dynamics of these vehicles. Heavy commercial vehicles, especially those configured with various trailer combinations, are now being equipped with various type of motion actuators that allow for highly precise control of vehicle dynamics. For instance, a typical tractor-trailer combination (see Fig. 1) may include steerable axles, mechanical and auxiliary brakes, suspension systems, and powertrain actuators in both tractor and trailer. The combination of these systems provides more actuators than the number of motions to control, a condition known as "over-actuation”. Over-actuation introduces a unique opportunity to enhance vehicle control by enabling the coordination of various actuators to improve safety, stability, and performance across different driving scenarios.
In such vehicles, control can be applied in different dimensions: lateral, longitudinal, and vertical through axle and corner specific actuations. These combined systems enable the coordination of multiple actuators to achieve desired motions such as longitudinal acceleration and deceleration, lateral stability during turning maneuvers, yaw control to have a better directional stability, and roll control to have minimum vehicle body movement and mitigating the rollover risk across each vehicle unit within the vehicle combination.
The objectives of the master's thesis are as follows:
1- Expand the Volvo’s high fidelity vehicle model to incorporate the necessary actuators, including roll and pitch dynamics and powertrain models, ensuring realistic vehicle model is achieved.
2- Identify various use cases and scenarios that highlights the challenges in the vehicle combination to have a desired vehicle motion coordination.
3- Propose an integrated control strategy in the identified use cases and scenarios to effectively coordinate the actuators to achieve desired vehicle motion coordination and stability.
4- As a stretch goal, develop predictive motion coordination strategies.
The thesis work will require control theory, vehicle dynamics and vehicle modelling skills. MATLAB will be used as the primary development environment. The work will be carried out at Volvo Group Trucks Technology. The thesis is recommended for one or two students
As a valued thesis worker in our team, you'll receive dedicated support from experienced supervisors. Your project will contribute to our company's vital goals. Join us to make a real impact and advance both your academic journey and professional growth.
If you find this proposal interesting, send your application with CV and grades through the Volvo Group-Careers website. Thesis start: Jan 2025.
Supervisors:
Maliheh Sadeghi Kati – Volvo GTT
Esteban Gelso– Volvo GTT
Niklas Fröjd– Volvo GTT
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