Postdoc in Thermal Management for Road Vehicles

The division of Vehicle Engineering and Autonomous Systems (VEAS) is now inviting applicants for a post-doc position in the project "Brake cooling optimization to ensure safety and energy efficiency on battery electric vehicles". The project is a collaborative work between Chalmers and Volvo Cars with financial support from the Swedish Energy Agency.

You will join the Department of Mechanics and Maritime Sciences (M2). We have a multidisciplinary research portfolio, exhibiting strong theoretical and experimental skills within seven research divisions in mechanical engineering and maritime sciences. We are able to implement unique combinations of physical and theoretical modelling, using in-house research facilities and through access to our partners’ infrastructures.

Project description
Most major automotive manufacturers today develop battery electric vehicles (BEVs). This poses new challenges as the conditions for electric drive are completely different compared to conventional vehicles. Since the braking system is directly connected to vehicle safety, it must always have high availability and reliability. With this in mind, the main research objectives in this project are:

- build-up knowledge on aerodynamics and thermal management of the braking system;
- produce physical benchmarks, through field and wind tunnel experiments, for the evaluation of brake cooling numerical procedures;
- enhance CFD methods for increase accuracy of brake cooling simulations;
- propose novel designs to obtain increased range by looking at solutions such as: cooling channels and spoilers (both passive and active), rims and tyre designs that favour brake cooling, reduction of component weight by using smaller and lighter discs designs.

About the research group:
The Vehicle Aerodynamics & Thermal Management research group (RVAD) focuses on fundamental fluid mechanical and thermodynamic problems related to road vehicles. The long-term research goal is to contribute to minimize emissions and optimize energy use. The group has long experience with CFD codes but works also with experimental methods. Several PhD students from the group have graduated in the topic of wheel aerodynamics, which gives us one of the leading research positions in the field. This helps to build a case for a future academic career, alternatively it establishes contacts with potential future employers in the automotive industry.

Major responsibilities
You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing. You will be encouraged to participate in conferences to expose your work and that of the group. You will be required to publish in scientific journals, ocasionally supervise Master students, do paper review work and spend time at Volvo Cars when necessary.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of 2 years.
Host Institution/Division/Research group: M2/VEAS/RVAD
Supervisor name: Dr. Alexey Vdovin

Qualifications
To qualify for this position, you must have a PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering or in an equivalent field and have experience with 3D CFD/FEM codes. The degree should generally not be older than three years. Knowledge of a computer programing language, experience of working in wind tunnels and with measurement techniques are considered an asset.

The position requires good oral and written communication skills in English. Swedish is not required, but you will be encouraged to learn Swedish during employment.

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Our offer to you
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the dynamic city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Application procedure
To apply, please go to: https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/Working-at-Chalmers/Vacancies/Pages/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=9231

Application deadline: 28 February, 2021