Electric Vehicle Powertrain & Chassis Control System Optimisation

ICase PhD studentship with a leading Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) Manufacturer in the UK. Read moreRead less

Applications are invited for a funded PhD studentship to work on an exciting collaborative project on powertrain and chassis control of off-road passenger vehicles. Funded by EPSRC and the SUV manufacturer, the project will aim to identify the optimum cross sub-system strategy to deliver improved energy management via integration of the powertrain, suspension, steering, active suspension, braking, battery and motor sizing for a range of driving scenarios.   This could offer potential cost and weight savings by balancing the contribution of each system to the overall performance of the vehicle attributes. The key benefit of this is improved energy efficiency and customer experience at reduced cost, weight and package volume. The project will require mathematical modelling of vehicle dynamics, tyres, powertrain and chassis systems, computer simulations, control system design, implementation and validation. The validation will be conducted using a Hardware-in-the-Loop approach on the Cranfield off-road environment simulator, a multi- million-pound facility designed specifically for this purpose, and off-road vehicle testing in the Cranfield Off road dynamics facility and external proving grounds.

This PhD opportunity includes funding for the successful applicant to present their work in national and international conferences. The successful applicant will also be invited for at least one 3-month placement at Jaguar Land Rover to assist with developing the networking relationships required for this project.

This project will draw upon 25 years of off-road vehicle engineering experience within the Cranfield Advanced Engineering Centre team, and as such the PhD will be supported by a number of highly skilled academic and technical staff experienced in off-road vehicle engineering and control. 

At a glance

• Application deadline31 Oct 2021
• Award type(s)PhD
• Start dateAs soon as possible
• Duration of award4 years (iCASE Award)
• EligibilityUK, EU, Rest of World
• Reference numberSATM240

Entry requirements
Applicants must have a first-class or upper second-class degree in engineering or a related area. An automotive background would be a distinct advantage, as would experience of vehicle dynamics, off-road vehicle performance, powertrain/chassis system, numerical modelling, optimisation and control.
Funding
This studentship is open to UK and overseas students and will provide a bursary of up to £17232 (tax-free) plus tuition fees and Laboratory fees for four years.
About the sponsor
Sponsored by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and a leading SUV manufacturer, this studentship will provide a bursary of up to £17232 (tax-free) plus tuition fees and Laboratory fees for four years.
Cranfield Doctoral Network

Research students at Cranfield benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment and all become valued members of the Cranfield Doctoral Network.  This network brings together both research students and staff, providing a platform for our researchers to share ideas and collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment. It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge. A tailored programme of seminars and events, alongside our Doctoral Researchers Core Development programme (transferable skills training), provide those studying a research degree with a wealth of social and networking opportunities.

How to apply

For further information please contact:

Name: Prof. James Brighton  / Clive Temple
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
T: (0) 1234 752910

If you are eligible to apply for this studentship, please complete the online application form.