Thermal modelling of the vehicle under-hood region

Introduction

Modeling and simulation of vehicle systems is an important and integrated part of the development process for vehicles. The vehicle under-hood region is a complex thermal environment involving all modes of heat transfer viz. conduction, convection and radiation. Thermal modelling of the vehicle under-hood region in a computationally efficient manner is an interesting and challenging task. The focus of this thesis will be to develop a simulation methodology for coupling the surface-to-surface radiation simulations with air flow CFD simulations in the under-hood region for different engine/vehicle operating conditions.

Who we are :

The Thermal Management department within Vehicle Technology is responsible for developing, delivering, and maintaining an optimized Cab Climate and Thermal Supply systems for all types of propulsion installations to all truck brands within the Volvo Group. We are responsible for leading the work with strategies and advanced engineering globally. We are located at Gothenburg and Bangalore and we have close cooperation with the engineering sites located in Greensboro and Lyon. We understand the final customer needs and apply our knowledge to develop technical concepts and solutions that satisfy customer and business needs. The work is based on innovation, shared technology, common architecture and brand uniqueness. We want to make a difference by being there for our customers and by providing uptime and reliable products.

As a master thesis student in the Thermal Management Verification and Validation team you will be a valued contributor to our deliveries and continuous learning. You will be surrounded by a global and diverse team of highly skilled and engaged colleagues who will be interested in the progress of your work and eager to help and support along the way.

Description of tasks and expected outcome

• Literature search about thermal modeling of the under-hood region, with focus on radiation heat transfer
• Explore the radiation modelling in Star-CCM+ in complete detail.
• Explore the data mappers and simulation operations functionalities for coupled simulations in Star-CCM+
• Adapting the available complete vehicle model for coupled CFD and radiation simulations
• Developing simulation methodology for different engine/vehicle operating conditions
• Documentation of best-practice methodology for under-hood thermal simulations

Suitable background

This master thesis is a complex task that requires analytical skills and a deep understanding of CFD tools, preferably Starccm+. To be successful in this master thesis project we believe that it is important that you recognize yourself in the following description.

• Final year student in Master program for Automotive, Physics, Mechanical Engineering or similar
• Experience of using CFD tool Starccm+
• Experience of using ANSA for preprocessing is a merit
• Programming skills in Python, Matlab or similar
• Fundamental understanding of thermodynamics, with emphasis on fluid mechanics and heat transfer
• Fundamental knowledge of vehicle technology
• Analytical mindset and problem-solving skills
• Fluent in English

Thesis level: Master, 30 ECTS credits

Number of students: 2

Start date: Second half of January 2024, or upon agreement

Industrial supervisors: Sudharsan Vasudevan and Torbjörn Wiklund

Location: Volvo Lundby site, Gothenburg, Sweden

We look forward to receiving your application!