HBO Thesis: Automotive part optimization guidelines using Tosca

DAF Trucks NV; Eindhoven; On-site; EUR 4,200 - 5,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Internship allowance €375 gross (HBO)

Internship allowance €450 gross (WO)

Travel allowance

Housing allowance

Job summary

DAF Trucks NV's PACCAR Engine Development centre in the Netherlands offers an internship in the CAE engines department for HBO/WO students. The role focuses on FEM modelling, weight reduction with attention to structural integrity, and documenting guidelines for optimization workflows.

Interns perform analytical calculations, numerical modelling and optimization, define load cases, evaluate results, and draft guidelines.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor's or HBO/WO student status in a relevant engineering field.
• Interest in structural mechanics, finite element analysis and design optimisation.
• Willingness to learn numerical simulation techniques and optimization methodologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; able to work independently and in a team.
• Structured approach to technical research and reporting; fluent in English.

Responsibilities

• Analytical calculations as introduction to FEM.
• Numerical modelling introduction.
• Numerical optimization introduction.
• Part optimization including loadcase definition.
• Result evaluation.
• Writing the design guidelines for optimization scheme usage.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering or similar direction

Tools

Abaqus

Tosca

Job description

Job Description The CAE-engines department is responsible for creation and validation of models that can describe and predict the behaviour of the new and current engines. Due to more increasing requirements on emissions modern diesel engines have become complex systems. These emission legislations cause the need to add additional sub-systems to the base engine. All of these systems and sub-systems with pipes, lines and wiring need to be mounted to the base engine. To ensure all these systems can be accommodated on the engine supports are being used. The majority of the parts used on am engine are made out of metals to assure lifetime capabilities. Since weight is a key aspect in the current market optimization of parts to save weight is key.

Job Description The CAE-engines department is responsible for creation and validation of models that can describe and predict the behaviour of the new and current engines. Due to more increasing requirements on emissions modern diesel engines have become complex systems. These emission legislations cause the need to add additional sub-systems to the base engine. All of these systems and sub-systems with pipes, lines and wiring need to be mounted to the base engine. To ensure all these systems can be accommodated on the engine supports are being used. The majority of the parts used on am engine are made out of metals to assure lifetime capabilities. Since weight is a key aspect in the current market optimization of parts to save weight is key. Within DAF the need to determine guidelines for optimization methods has risen. The focus will be on weight reduction without the loss of structural integrity of parts. This includes predicting the Eigenfrequencies, stress levels, strains (elastic and inelastic) and deformations in the parts . Based on current designs, optimization schemes and calculations using FEM optimization software will be done. Finally a document containing guidelines should be written to show the correct use of the optimization schemes with the current software to create the maximum weight loss of automotive parts.

Your internship will consist of:

• Analytical calculations as introduction to FEM;
• Numerical modelling introduction;
• Numerical optimization introduction;
• Part optimization including loadcase definition;
• Result evaluation;
• Writing the design guidelines for optimization scheme usage.

Please Note: The assignment will be mainly theoretical using Abaqus CAE/ Tosca as FEM software.

Your profile

We are looking for a motivated and analytical HBO student with a strong interest in simulation and engineering design.

Requirements

• You are currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering or a similar direction;
• You have an interest in structural mechanics, finite element analysis and design optimisation;
• You are eager to learn numerical simulation techniques and optimization methodologies;
• You possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
• You are able to work independently while also collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary engineering environment;
• You have a structured approach to technical research and reporting;
• You are proficient in written and spoken English;

Additional Information

• All communication and reporting will be conducted in English.
• Only HBO graduation (thesis) students will be considered.
• Experience with FEM software is considered an advantage but is not required.

Department

Within the PACCAR Inc. DAF Engine Development is the centre of competence for engine development. In our state-of-the-art engine development centre we develop engine families for the future regulations. Our engines and trucks are best in class products in the transportation world being always driven by providing environmentally friendly products with best cost-effectiveness and highest reliability for our customers. The department Engine Hardware & Design is responsible for the development of new engine hardware concepts and maintaining the in‑production engine families. The department is divided in 4 groups: CAE, Injection & Turbo, Base Engine and Engine Auxiliaries.

We offer

• A look behind the scenes at a large, international organization;
• You get a lot of freedom and responsibility. We are open to your initiatives and depending on the assignment, you will see your results on the work floor;
• An experienced coach and mentor, from whom you can learn a lot and who is ready to help you further;
• An internship allowance of € 375 gross (HBO) or € 450 gross (WO) per month on a full‑time basis;
• A travel allowance, if you do not possess a student travel product;
• A housing allowance, if you temporarily rent a room near DAF.

Every intern gets the chance to participate in the Student Event. During this event, you get to meet other interns and find out more about DAF/PACCAR! Curious about how students experience their internship at DAF? Read stories from our former interns here.

Please note: for non-EU students, the internship or graduation project must be part of your study program, and a tripartite agreement signed by the student, employer, and educational institution is required. A government‑approved template can be found on the Nuffic website.

Standard internship agreement for non-eu-eea students

Interested?