Industrial PhD student - System-of-systems

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Research Context
At Volvo Group Trucks Technology (GTT) - Vehicle Engineering - Common Architecture and Shared Technologies (CAST) - Platform Energy, you will contribute to the transformation of our company, the transport industry and society at large. 
For example, the electrification of [road-cargo | freight] transport involves not only the introduction of electric propulsion system and batteries into the truck architecture but also a reconfiguring of that architecture, the introduction of charging infrastructure with sufficient capacity as the vehicles are introduced, a rescaling/reconfiguring of haulage operations, alterations/emergence of associated economic cases, etc. Interdependencies and feedback between these domains will shape the behaviour and the result of this transition. 

Research Aim
The aim of this research is to develop comprehensive models for the system-of-systems in road-cargo transport to enable the transition to sustainable and efficient freight transport. This involves capturing the interactions between vehicle architecture, charging infrastructure, haulage operations, and economic models, providing strategic insights and identifying leverage points for effective intervention, extending model resolution from coarse to detailed while managing uncertainties, understanding emergent phenomena and underlying mechanisms, and ensuring model reliability through robust verification strategies and metric development. The goal is to facilitate the electrification and sustainability of road-cargo transport by optimizing interdependent systems
Research questions:
* How can we model the system-of-systems in road-cargo transport, considering the interdependencies and dynamics among its critical domains (e.g., infrastructure, haulage operations, vehicle manufacturing) across various transport missions and conditions?
* What are the emergent phenomena and behaviours that characterise these systems at different scales (e.g. course and fine) and what are the underlying mechanisms, variables, and connections to be included in a valid model?
* How can the scale resolution be extended from early course indicative simulations to more advanced resolution while retaining domain interfaces, handling increased uncertainties, and maintaining verification and validation capabilities?
* What strategies can we develop for verifying systems of system models and cascading critical metrics to ensure accuracy and reliability across constituent systems.

Research Method
The method involves developing a system-of-systems model that integrates vehicle architecture, charging infrastructure, and haulage operations. Initially, high-level simulations will be conducted to understand the basic interactions and identify key leverage points. These models will then be refined with more detailed data, allowing for the inclusion of specific variables and connections. Advanced simulation techniques and mathematical modeling tools like MATLAB, Simulink, and Python will be employed to ensure accuracy and scalability. Verification and validation processes will be implemented to ensure the reliability of the models, using testing. This aims to balance complexity with practical solutions, providing insights for the sustainable transformation of road-cargo transport.
Your future team
Platform Analysis Energy within CAST, acts as a catalyst for innovation within Volvo GTT, Gothenburg, by streamlining method development and leveraging collective expertise. Aiming to drive early phase development towards energy efficiency and process improvements through simulation advancements, contributing to the creation of superior, sustainable, and cost-efficient products. In the global  team we have experts in aerodynamics, energy optimization, simulation method developers and other expertise. 
The academic supervision will be done at the Centre for ECO2 Vehicle Design, KTH.
Who are you?
To be successful in this position you need to be a team player and have an analytic mindset of a true problem solver. You have understanding about the automotive industry, transport system, logistics, system development, and mathematical modelling with great attitude working cross functional and have a willingness to learn and take more responsibility. You are curious, possess positive energy and have strong ability to learn new technologies.
Required skills and experience:
* MSc in system engineering, or transport and logistics, mathematics, engineering physics, computer science
* Strong foundation in mathematical modelling, control theory, systems engineering, and simulation techniques. Basic knowledge on Model Based development,
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with an ability to handle complex systems and interdependencies.
* Demonstrated ability to think creatively and drive innovative solutions.
* Excellent teamwork skills, with experience working in cross-functional and global teams.
* Proactive attitude with a willingness to take on additional responsibilities and challenges with curiosity and eagerness to learn new technologies and methodologies.
* Excellent communication skills in English, both spoken and written.

 Its a merit if you have basic understanding of the automotive industry, transport systems/logistics and in relevant SW tools and programming languages.
If you have any questions, contact Mohammad El-Alti, mohammad.el-alti@volvo.com.  
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