MSc Thesis - Modelling and Control of Vehicle Chassis Systems with Wheel-End Actuation

Transport is at the core of modern society. Imagine using your expertise to shape sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions for the future. If you seek to make a difference on a global scale, working with next-gen technologies and the sharpest collaborative teams, then we could be a perfect match.

Thesis Proposal

As the transportation industry moves towards electrification, particularly in heavy commercial vehicles, there is a growing demand for advanced control systems that can manage the complex dynamics of these vehicles. Heavy commercial vehicles, especially those configured with various trailer combinations, are now being equipped with various types of motion actuators that allow for highly precise control of vehicle dynamics. For instance, a typical tractor-trailer combination may include steerable axles, mechanical and auxiliary brakes, suspension systems, and powertrain actuators in both tractor and trailer. The combination of these systems provides more actuators than the number of motions to control, a condition known as "over-actuation”. Over-actuation introduces a unique opportunity to enhance vehicle control by enabling the coordination of various actuators to improve safety, stability, and performance across different driving scenarios.

In such vehicles, control can be applied in different dimensions: lateral, longitudinal, and vertical through axle and corner specific actuations. These combined systems enable the coordination of multiple actuators to achieve desired motions such as longitudinal acceleration and deceleration, lateral stability during turning maneuvers, yaw control to have a better directional stability, and roll control to have minimum vehicle body movement and mitigating the rollover risk across each vehicle unit within the vehicle combination.

Active and semi-active suspension systems are important enablers of integrated chassis control. They directly influence vertical vehicle dynamics, ride comfort, and load distribution. They can also influence lateral and longitudinal behavior through load transfer, tire-road contact, and the interaction between the vehicle units. To develop and evaluate global chassis-control strategies, accurate and sufficiently detailed vehicle models are required.

The objectives of the master's thesis are as follows:

- Develop and validate vehicle models for global chassis control in IPG Truckmaker.

- Obtain vehicle parameters using measurement data and system identification to enable estimation of un-measurable states.

- Develop semi-active damping actuator models of different technologies.

- Synthesize, test and validate control strategies for the developed semi-active actuators.

The thesis will require control theory, vehicle dynamics and signal processing skills. Interest in mathematical modeling seen as a benefit. MATLAB/Simulink and IPG Truckmaker will be used as the primary development environments. The work will be carried out at Volvo Group Trucks Technology.

The thesis is recommended for two students with control analysis profile with good mathematical skills.

As a valued thesis worker in our team, you'll receive dedicated support from experienced supervisors. Your project will contribute to our company's vital goals. Join us to make a real impact and advance both your academic journey and professional growth.

If you have any questions/clarifications, please reach out to the Supervisor - Nrupathunga Ashok via email [email protected] OR co-supervisor - Esteban Gelso [email protected]

Last Date of Application: 25th Oct 2026

Start time: Jan. 2027

We value your data privacy and therefore do not accept applications via mail.

Who we are and what we believe in
We are committed to shaping the future landscape of efficient, safe, and sustainable transport solutions. Fulfilling our mission creates countless career opportunities for talents across the group’s leading brands and entities.

Applying to this job offers you the opportunity to join Volvo Group . Every day, you will be working with some of the sharpest and most creative brains in our field to be able to leave our society in better shape for the next generation. ​We are passionate about what we do, and we thrive on teamwork. ​We are almost 100,000 people united around the world by a culture of care, inclusiveness, and empowerment.

Trucks Technology & Industrial Division hire team players who are ready to create real customer impact. Our decentralized teams work close to our customers, with speed and autonomy, to build what they truly need.
Join us to collaborate on innovative, sustainable technologies that redefine how we design, build, and deliver value. Bring your curiosity, your expertise, and your collaborative energy, and together, we’ll turn bold ideas into tangible solutions for our customers and contribute to a more sustainable tomorrow.