PhD Scholarship on reliable controllers for steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire vehicle

In the section Dynamics and Control of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, research is focussed on the sub-areas nonlinear dynamics, acoustics and noise control, nonlinear control and robotics, structural optimization and vehicle dynamics. The present vacancy plays a key role within the sub-area on vehicle dynamics and control. Besides contributing to the teaching of the master curricula in Mechanical Engineering, also research in the broad area of nonlinear control of mechanical systems and robotics is expected from the successful candidate.

Within the High Tech Automotive Systems (HTAS) project Verified a PhD position is available at the TU/e. Verified is a project which has as partners, besides the TU/e, NXP, TNO, Verum, and ICT. The aim of this project is to demonstrate the viability of FlexRay for safety critical applications in a “by-

wire” vehicle. With the growing potential of adding more electronic and mechatronic systems in a vehicle, a key question becomes the integration of all separate components in a reliable and fault tolerant and safe manner. Typical aspects that need to be considered in this regard are, for instance, functional integration, networked control systems, reliable software, vehicle dynamics and human machine interaction.

TasksThe PhD project focuses on the development of reliable controllers for steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire systems. The controllers first have to be designed and tested using a vehicle simulation model and will be implemented on a real vehicle afterwards. Besides the demonstration of the separate by-wire components also the successful integration and added benefit of combining the various systems has to be shown. In addition, since the components will use the same network a careful analysis regarding time-delay and package drop-out is required.

RequirementsCandidates for this PhD position should have a MSc in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering –or a similar education- and should be familiar with modern control techniques and basics on vehicle dynamics.

Appointment and salary
We offer:

• A challenging job at a dynamic and ambitious University and in an enthusiastic team
• An appointment for four years
• Gross monthly salaries are in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement of the Dutch Universities (CAO NU), increasing from € 2042 per month initially, to € 2612 in the fourth year.
• An attractive package of fringe benefits, including excellent work facilities, end of the year allowance and sport facilities

Information
More information can be obtained from:

• Prof.dr. H. Nijmeijer, h.nijmeijer@tue.nl
• Dr.ir. I.J.M. Besselink, i.j.m.besselink@tue.nl

Apply now