Are you a student eager to apply your theoretical knowledge and fresh perspectives to real-world challenges? At Saab, we believe that innovation grows from new ideas — and your thesis project could be the spark that ignites our next technological breakthrough.
Help us push the fidelity of simulation tools used from concept through maintenance. You’ll build and validate a wear model for an elastomer–metal sealing interface and verify it against data from real measurements and a dedicated test rig.
Why this project
- Real‑world impact: Improve reliability and service life of hydraulic equipment by understanding and predicting seal wear.
- Full pipeline experience: Combine modeling (Modelica/Python/MATLAB), surface metrology, and controlled testing on a lab rig.
- Data‑driven validation: Work with real axial‑stroke measurements and correlate model predictions with test results.
- Industry relevance: Results can inform design guidelines, verification testing, and maintenance strategies.
What you will do
- Survey and compare wear models for machinery, focusing on dynamic seals.
- Develop a simulation model of the seal–shaft system (materials, roughness, pressure, speed, distance).
- Measure and document the shaft/seal contact surfaces and installation conditions.
- Design a test program for a specific test rig and execute the tests.
- Analyze results and quantify correlation between simulations and experiments.
- Summarize findings and propose design and verification recommendations.
Tools and inputs
- Modeling environment: Modelica, Python, or MATLAB (your choice).
- Inputs: Measured axial reciprocating stroke; operational parameters (surface roughness, seal design/installation, hydrostatic pressure, sliding speed, sliding distance).
- Facilities: Access to a dedicated test rig for executing your test plan.
Deliverables
- Master’s thesis and presentation (background, literature review, modeling approach, comparative analysis, validation, recommendations, and future work).
- Reproducible simulation model.
- Documented test program and raw/processed test data.
- Correlation study between simulations and experiments.
Who you are
- One or two master’s students with interest in hydraulics and maintenance engineering.
- Comfortable with control theory and with electrical, mechanical, and fluid systems.
- Enrolled in (for example) Aerospace Engineering, Engineering Physics, or Mechanical Engineering and ready to start your 30‑ECTS thesis.
What you will be a part of
Explore a wealth of possibilities. Take on challenges, create smart inventions, and grow beyond. This is a place for curious minds, brave pioneers, and everyone in between. Together, we achieve the extraordinary, each bringing our unique perspectives. Your part matters.
Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 25,500 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world.
Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations. Read more about us here
Practicalities and how to apply
- Duration: One semester (30 ECTS).
- Start date/location: To be agreed.
- Apply with: CV, transcript, a short note on your preferred modeling environment and relevant coursework/projects.
- Contacts: Manager Sofia Nestor, mail sofia.nestor@saabgroup.com , Senior Engineer Ulf Skytte af Sätra, mail ulf.skytteafsatra@saabgroup.com