Thesis work 30hp - Bearing Fault Detection in Gearbox Testing

Introduction
Are you a motivated student passionate about advancing technology and solving real-world engineering challenges? Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience at one of the world's leading manufacturers of heavy-duty vehicles? Look no further! TRATON is offering an exceptional master thesis opportunity for talented individuals like you!

TRATON Group is a global leader in commercial vehicle innovation, uniting brands like Scania, MAN, and International. At TRATON R&D, we develop next-generation transport solutions with a focus on sustainability, digitalization, and electrification. As part of our team, you’ll contribute to cutting-edge projects that shape the future of mobility.

Background 
Bearings are key components in vehicle transmissions, and detecting early defects such as pitting is essential to ensure reliability. Using vibration-based methods like envelope analysis makes it possible to identify these faults at an early stage. A dynamic transmission model and a MATLAB-based analysis tool have been developed to simulate and analyse such faults.

Objective 
This thesis builds on previous work in vibration-based bearing diagnostics. The goal is to compare envelope analysis results from simulated and experimental vibration data to evaluate how accurately simulations reflect real bearing faults.

Job Description 
1.    Simulation Work

•    Use the existing software models to simulate bearings with various pitting defects and generate corresponding vibration signals.
•    Apply envelope analysis to the simulated data.
•    Analyse how signal amplitudes relate to pitting size and surface features.

2.    Experimental Work

•    Conduct vibration measurements and a test bench equipped with bearings containing manufactured pitting.
•    Compare simulation data with real-world measurements using envelope analysis.
•    Use vibration data from test bench bearings to predict pitting size and refine the MATLAB tool.

3.    Application in Real Scenarios (Optional, time-dependent)

•    Perform vibration measurement campaigns on operational gearboxes running on test rigs.
•    Apply the pitting size prediction model to real gearbox vibration data to detect and quantify bearing defects in test conditions.

4.    Outcome

•    Provide conclusions on the predictive capability of envelope analysis for fault size estimation.
•    Suggest improvements to the internal bearing envelope analysis application.
•    Lay the groundwork for future machine learning based diagnostics by labelling and structuring the data.

Education
•    MSc in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, Vehicle Engineering, or similar
•    Specialization or interest in vibration analysis, structural dynamics, or signal processing

Skills
•    MATLAB (or equivalent): signal processing, vibration analysis
•    Python (optional): data handling, exploratory ML
•    Familiarity with vibration data acquisition tools (e.g., LabVIEW, NI)
•    Strong analytical mindset and a passion for mechanical diagnostics
•    Interest in trucks, gearboxes, and R&D prototyping

Number of students: 1
Start date for the thesis work: 2026-01-26
Estimated time required: 24 weeks

Contact persons and supervisors
Thomas Hutin, Test Engineer, thomas.hutin@scania.com

Mats Henriksson, Expert Engineer, mats.henriksson@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.