30 hp - Development of Torque Control Strategy for Driveline Backlash Compensation in Heavy Vehicles

Introduction:

This master’s thesis offers an opportunity to contribute to Scania’s ongoing innovation in electric powertrains and control systems. The work focuses on developing advanced torque control strategies that improve drivability and comfort in heavy vehicles by addressing driveline backlash. Through this project, students will gain practical experience in modelling, control design, and embedded system implementation within a real-world automotive engineering environment.

Background:

Driveline backlash refers to the mechanical clearance between mating drivetrain components such as gears, shafts, and couplings. In heavy vehicles, due to high torque transmission and complex architectures, backlash effects become more pronounced. When torque direction changes (for example, during acceleration, braking, or gear shifts), the backlash introduces a dead zone before torque is transmitted again. This leads to issues such as clunking noises, oscillations, reduced drivability, and increased mechanical wear.

Electric powertrains enable rapid torque actuation, providing opportunities for real-time backlash compensation through advanced control algorithms. However, due to the nonlinear and discontinuous nature of backlash dynamics, achieving effective compensation remains a challenge. This thesis aims to develop and validate a control strategy that mitigates backlash effects, thereby improving drivability, comfort, and component durability.

Objective:

The objective of this thesis is to investigate practical methods for measuring and estimating driveline backlash, and to develop and validate torque control strategies for mitigating its effects on heavy vehicles.

Job description:

The thesis work will integrate academic research with industrial application. Some key tasks include:

• Modelling of driveline dynamics to investigate the effects of backlash on driveability and comfort.
• Designing one or more control strategies to reduce driveline jerks caused primarily due to backlash.
• Implementing and evaluating the robustness of the solution through simulations and embedded systems.

Requirements:

We are looking for two master’s students from Vehicle Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent disciplines.

Start date for the thesis work: To be agreed upon with the selected candidates.
Estimated time required per candidate: 30 ECTS

Contact persons and supervisors:

Hjalmar Sventelius, Group Manager, 08-553 814 74, 
hjalmar.sventelius@scania.com
Christopher Jauk, Development Engineer,
christopher.jauk@scania.com
Saurabh Vyas, Development Engineer,
saurabh.vyas@scania.com

Application:

Your application must include a CV, personal letter and transcript of grades

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