Automotive tyre and soil interaction (terramechanics) for real time simulation

Loughborough University is one of the largest and most successful centres for Engineering research in the UK. Following the Programme for Simulation Innovation (PSi), a major collaborative research project funded by the EPSRC and Jaguar Land Rover, the Dynamics research group of Dept. Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering offers this exciting opportunity to study for PhD while supported by a generous bursary. This Case award project is also a collaboration with Jaguar Land Rover and is funded by Jaguar Land Rover and the EPSRC.

Project Detail:
We are recruiting a PhD student to work in vehicle dynamics, on the interaction of automotive tyres and loose soil. You will be part of a team working on multi-physics simulation tools for the automotive industry.

The selection of automotive tyres is often performed experimentally on different terrains around the world, requiring prototype vehicles, test drivers and physical tyres. This can often be too late in the design process to effect significant and measureable change, hence the interest in simulation.

The tyres are the only point of contact with the road and significant research has been undertaken to fully understand the tyre performance when driving on rigid roads, with far less attention focused on the vehicle interaction with an off-road tyre. Our two existing models include a finite element tyre rolling on sand and clay, and a one for a real time vehicle simulator. A scale test rig can take experimental measurements of how the tyre rolls on the soil.

This research will understand how the tyres can be selected. Improvements in accuracy will be sought for the real time model, to understand what the test drivers are optimising through changes to tyre specifications.

You will develop Simulink skills, with vehicle simulators, tyre modelling and experimental measurements. Ideally, the student should have a general knowledge of dynamics and structural mechanics and some programming experience with Matlab and / or Simulink.

Successful candidates will be expected to work with the Industrial partner and make presentations, including at international conferences.

Find out more:
For an informal chat, contact Dr Dan O’Boy [Email Address Removed] Tel +44 (0)1509 227268.

Details of the Department of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering can be found at: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/aae/

Entry requirements:
Candidates must be expecting, or have already obtained, a first degree (1st class, 2:1 honours or equivalent) in engineering, physics or mathematical sciences. Good communication skills are essential.

Funding information:
The studentship is for 4 years and provides a tax free stipend of £18,000 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus tuition fees at the UK/EU rate. The project will also have generous funding for a computer, use of test vehicle and travel, including attendance at international conferences.

Due to funding restrictions, this is only available to those who are eligible to pay UK/EU fees. To qualify for a full award, all applicants must meet the EPSRC eligibility criteria including the minimum UK residency requirement (https://www.epsrc.ac.uk/skills/students/help/eligibility/).

How to apply:
All applications should be made online at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research/. Under programme name, select ‘Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering’. Please quote reference number: AAE-DJO-1714

Reference number: AAE-DJO-1714
Start date: October 2017
Closing date: 30 June 2017
Interview date: July 10th – 14th

Primary supervisor: Dr Dan O’Boy
Secondary supervisor: Dr George Mavros