Masters Thesis (30 ECTS) Modeling and Verification of Wear in Dynamic Seals

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. Youll build and validate a wear model for an elastomermetal sealing interface and verify it against data from real measurements and a dedicated test rig.

Why this project

• Realworld 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.
• Datadriven validation: Work with real axialstroke 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 sealshaft 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

• Masters 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 masters 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 30ECTS 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 25500 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 Senior Engineer Ulf Skytte af Sätra mail