Application deadline April 26

The Department of Applied Mechanics is recruiting a PhD student for a project related to vehicle dynamics and controls for active safety of heavy vehicle combinations.

The Department of Applied Mechanics is responsible for Mechanical Engineering research at Chalmers. The seven different research divisions conduct world leading research, usually in close collaboration with national and international industries. Research topics encompass both fundamental and applied research questions.

The aim of the project is to investigate how integrated control systems for braking and steering can improve vehicle safety with respect to yaw- and roll stability for heavy vehicle combinations. Today, ESP (Electronic Stability Program) is only available for single trucks and tractors. Furthermore, only the braking system is activated to maintain stability. In the future other actuators will be available, e.g. active front and rear wheel steering. The results from the project will be used in the development of active safety systems for future generation of trucks.

The project is both theoretical and experimental. As a starting point for the theoretical part a number of relevant accident scenarios are created based on real-life accident data. These scenarios are later used to investigate how active stabilisation with integrated control systems for braking and steering can improve vehicle safety. The investigation is performed using computer simulations. An experimental research activity will also give the possibility to verify how active steering can improve vehicle properties such as yaw- and roll stability at critical manoeuvres.

For more information, please contactProject Manager Mathias Lidberg, tel. 031 - 772 15 35 or email mathias.lidberg@chalmers.se orAssociate Professor Robert Thomson, tel. 031 - 772 36 45 or email robert.thomson@chalmers.se

Qualifications:
We are seeking individuals with experience in Vehicle Dynamics and Automatic Control. A background in simulation of heavy vehicle dynamics is an asset. The candidate must be qualified for direct acceptance to the Graduate School in Machine and Vehicle Systems.

Your application must include:

• a letter (one A4-page) describing your specific qualifications that are relevant for the position
• official copies of your academic records
• your CV

Identify your application with reference number 38/2006. This must be received by the Registrator before April 26, 2006.

Applications shall be sent to:

Registrator
Chalmers University of Technology
SE-412 96 Göteborg
Main Switchboard 031-772 1000
Fax (registrator) 031-772 4922
E-mail registrator@adm.chalmers.se

Union Representatives
SACO Jan Lindér, TCO Monika Orrbacke, ST Ralf Berndtsson