Thesis Worker 30 hp - Can foam predict lubricant ageing?

Introduction

Thesis work is an excellent way to get closer to TRATON AB and build relationships for the future. Many of today's employees began their TRATON AB career with their degree project. This thesis offers the opportunity to contribute to the sustainable mobility by investigating how lubricants age during operation and how their changing properties can influence system performance. Through a combination of laboratory experimentation and data analysis, you will help improve our understanding of lubricant condition monitoring and support more sustainable maintenance strategies.

Background

TRATON AB is undergoing a major transformation, evolving from a supplier of trucks, buses to a provider of complete and sustainable transportation solutions. As a part of this shift, we are exploring new technologies and materials that support long-term environmental goals

Lubricants play a critical role in ensuring the reliability and efficiency of engines, drivelines, electric vehicles (EVs) and other vehicle systems. During service, lubricants are exposed to thermal, chemical and mechanical stress that gradually alter their properties. These changes may influence important performance characteristic, including oxidation stability, additive effectiveness, and air release behaviour. One phenomenon that remains insufficiently understood is the development of foam in lubricants. As the transportation industry moves towards more sustainable solutions, there is a growing need to maximize lubricant lifetime without compromising equipment durability. Improved understanding of lubricant ageing mechanisms may support condition-based maintenance strategies, reduce unnecessary oil changes and contribute to lower environmental impact. This thesis project offers the opportunity to  investigate how lubricant ageing influences foaming behaviour and explore whether foam-related properties can provide additional insight into lubricant condition throughout its service life.

Objective

 The objective of this thesis is to improve the understanding of the relationship between lubricant ageing and foam behaviour in different lubricant types. The work will involve designing and conducting laboratory experiments to evaluate how controlled ageing affect lubricant properties. You will work closely with experts from TRATON’s engine development, design, and materials technology teams to:

• Conduct a literature review on lubricant ageing, oxidation processes, additives performance and foam formation.
• Develop an experimental plan for accelerated lubricant ageing.
• Perform laboratory testing and lubricant characterization.
• Evaluate foaming behaviour using both standardized and alternative testing approaches.
• Analyse and correlate results from different lubricant analyses.
• Assess the potential of foam-related parameters as indicators of lubricant condition.
• Document your findings in a written report and present results to relevant stakeholders within TRATON.

Job description

This thesis combines practical experimentation with theoretical analysis and interpretation of results. The project will focus on understanding how lubricants properties evolve during ageing and how these changes influence foaming behaviour.

You will:

• Plan and perform accelerated ageing experiments on selected lubricants.
• Use laboratory instruments to characterize lubricant properties before and after ageing.
• Investigate how foaming behaviour changes under different ageing conditions.
• Compile and compare results obtained from different test methods.
• Analyse relationship between foaming characteristics and lubricant condition indicators.
• Evaluate the potential for improved condition monitoring and extended lubricant service intervals.
• Present conclusion and recommendations based on experimental findings.

Education

We are looking for a motivated student who enjoys hands-on experimental work, is eager to explore new technologies, and thrives in collaborative environments. The ideal candidate should be comfortable working independently while collaborating with experts from different technical areas.

Education: M.Sc. student in Chemical Engineering, Material Science, or Engineering Physics.
Number of students: 1
Time: 20 weeks, full-time (40 hours/week)
Start: January 2027

Credits: 30hp

Contact persons and supervisors

Mayte Pach, Ph.D., Senior Engineer,  Materials Technology for Propulsion System Chemistry, TRATON AB  + 46 8 553 862 49, Mayte.Pach@se.traton.com
Rocio Farias, MSc., Development engineer, Materials Technology for Propulsion System Chemistry, TRATON AB, +46 8 553 744 11, Rocio.Farias@se.traton.com
Ragna Elger, Ph.D., Group Manager, Materials Technology for Propulsion System Chemistry, TRATON AB +46 8 553 854 12, Ragna.Elger@se.traton.com

Application

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