Thesis work - Test Method Development for Wire Spring Force Measurement

Do you have a strong interest in automotive technology and a desire to help improve future vehicle dynamics? Our gear shifting development team is offering an exciting opportunity for a master's thesis project that dives deep into the heart of gear shifting and synchronisation. As a Test Engineer, you'll work hands-on with test rigs and parts, contribute to real-world problem solving, and help refine the driving experience of tomorrow’s vehicles.

Position: Master thesis internship at TGRPDTI
Duration: 24 weeks
Location: Scania Tekniskt Centrum, Södertälje, Sweden

Company Overview:

With our four leading brands – Scania, MAN, International, and Volkswagen Truck & Bus – the TRATON GROUP is a transportation powerhouse and one of the world’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers. 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 projects that shape the future of mobility.

Thesis Description:

Synchronizers are employed in gearboxes to equalize the rotational speeds of gearwheels and shafts during gear shifts, enabling seamless engagement. An integral component of the synchronizer is the wire spring, which provides a preload force on the latch cone, pressing it against the inner cone surface. This preload generates the necessary frictional contact to synchronize gear speeds prior to engagement. As a result, gear shifts occur more smoothly, efficiently, and with reduced wear on transmission components.

• Use the existing test rig infrastructure and available test programs to establish a comprehensive baseline dataset for further analysis.
• Develop a custom MATLAB-based tool to perform statistical analysis of the collected test data, enabling in-depth evaluation of system behaviour.
• Identify and analyse weaknesses, influencing factors, and interdependencies within the current test setup and methodology.
• Develop and implement improvements for the overall testing process including (but not limited to) Test programs, Test rig adapters and Test rig hardware.
• Validate the improved test methodology through correlation with simulation results and historical test data, ensuring consistency and accuracy of the revised approach.
• Prepare detailed technical documentation of the enhanced testing process, including a step-by-step instruction manual to support reproducibility and future use.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Master student in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, Vehicle Engineering, or similar

Skills:

• Strong motivation to actively participate in practical engineering activities, such as building and modifying prototypes, conducting structured experimental tests, and performing systematic troubleshooting.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to adapt and refine methodologies based on test data.
• Fundamental proficiency in MATLAB, particularly for data analysis and statistical evaluation of test results.
• Basic knowledge of CAD software (e.g., CATIA) for the design and modification of mechanical components.

Benefits:

• Work on real-world problem solving.
• Gain hands-on experience in testing and design.
• Collaborate with experts at TRATON R&D in an international research environment.
• Build strong career prospects within TRATON Group and the commercial vehicle industry.

Contact:

Lars Grunwald (TGRPDTI) – lars.grunwald@scania.com

A background check might be conducted for this position.