Thesis (f/m/d) - Designing a Next-Gen Suspension System for Lightweight Autonomous Rail Vehicles

What to expect

The Institute for Vehicle Concepts at DLR is internationally renowned for designing future-oriented road and rail vehicles that support sustainable, climate-friendly, and user-centered mobility—while also being economically viable. We conduct cutting-edge research, develop innovative technologies, and demonstrate their real-world potential. As part of our work, we collaborate closely with leading research institutions, industry partners, and policymakers.
For a small, lightweight, autonomous, battery-electric rail vehicle tailored to improve public transport in rural areas, we are designing a type of innovative, lightweight and highly compact single axle, independently rotating wheel running gear. To reduce wear and improve comfort, a novel hydropneumatic suspension system is being developed, that now needs to be integrated into the running gear frame.

Your tasks

• Literature review on rail vehicle running gear suspension
• Get familiar with the rail vehicle project
• Calculate and simulate the spring and damper parameters
• Design and integrate a secondary spring system into the running gear using CATIA V5
• If needed, static and dynamic simulations of the resulting spring and running gear systems

Your profile

• Ongoing or completed university-level academic or technical degree in Mechanical Engineering, Vehicle Engineering, Energy Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a similar field.
• Self-reliance, creative thinking, and commitment
• Experienced with CATIA V5
• Optional experienced with vehicle dynamics
• Optional experienced with SIMPACK, MATLAB, or similar