Thesis work: Influence of propeller pressure pulsations on hull vibrations and structure-borne noise

Volvo Penta AB; Göteborgs kommun; On-site; SEK 234,000 - 279,000; Full time

Job summary

Volvo Penta in Gothenburg, Sweden seeks a Master’s thesis student to investigate how propeller pressure pulsations transfer into the boat and contribute to hull vibration and structure-borne noise, using CFD inputs provided by Volvo Penta specialists.

The work focuses on structural dynamics, vibrations and acoustics, with CFD data supplied by experts and applied to a model hull. Starting January 2027, 1–2 students are welcome to apply.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of solid and fluid mechanics.
• Experience with finite element methods.
• Understanding of structural dynamics and vibrations.
• Acoustics knowledge helpful.
• Hydrodynamics familiarity.

Responsibilities

• Literature study of propeller pressure pulsations, hull vibration and noise, including added-mass effects of surrounding water.
• FE modelling of an example hull and mapping CFD pressure results onto the structure.
• Compare vibration contributions from pressure pulsations vs gearbox path.
• Develop, if feasible, a simplified method for accounting for the phenomenon.
• Conduct acoustic simulation of the engine room.

Skills

Solid and fluid mechanics

Finite element method

Structural dynamics and vibrations

Acoustics

Hydrodynamics

Education

Applied Mechanics

Master's Thesis (30 ECTS)

Languages Swedish or English

Job description

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.

About Us

Volvo Penta is a world-leading supplier of engines and complete power systems for marine and industrial applications. Volvo Penta has developed a global leadership and one of the industry’s strongest brands.

At Volvo Penta the CAE department work with simulation models (FEA, MBD, CFD, 1D, etc.) in close cooperation with the NVH department which work with measurements (vibration, strain, sound, etc.) in test environment (especially at the Volvo Penta Marine Test Center) and in the field.

Background

Propellers are a dominant source of onboard noise and vibration. A major contribution comes from the pressure pulsations generated as the loaded, often cavitating, propeller blades pass the hull. These fluctuating pressures excite the hull plating and radiate as structure-borne noise.

This is one of two main transfer paths for propeller-induced vibration:

Fluid-borne: pressure pulsations and cavitation acting on the hull surface.

Structure-borne: forces transmitted through the shaft line and gearbox into the mounting points.

It is currently unclear which path dominates, and there is no established method for accounting for the propeller pressure-pulsation contribution.

Thesis Work Objective

Investigate how propeller pressure pulsations transfer into the boat and contribute to hull vibration and structure-borne noise, compared with the gearbox path.

The work focuses on structural dynamics, vibrations and acoustics. CFD data is provided by Volvo Penta specialists and used as input.

Activities

• Literature study of propeller pressure pulsations, hull vibration and noise, including the added-mass effect of the surrounding water.
• FE modelling of an example hull and mapping of CFD pressure results onto the structure.
• Comparison of the vibration contribution from pressure pulsations versus the gearbox path.
• Development, if feasible, of a simplified method for accounting for the phenomenon.
• Acoustic simulation of the engine room.

Qualifications And Personal Profile

You should have knowledge of

• Solid and fluid mechanics
• Finite element method
• Structural dynamics and vibrations
• Acoustics
• Hydrodynamics

Preferred Masters Program

Applied Mechanics

Thesis Level: Master (30 ECTS points)

Language: Swedish or English

Starting date: January 2027

Number of students: 1-2 students

Last application date: 30 October 2027

Examiner proposal: if available

Entity: AB Volvo Penta, Gothenburg, Sweden

Contact

Jakob Alm, Simulation Engineer, [e-mail]

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.

Volvo Penta, a world-leading supplier of engines and complete drive systems for marine and industrial applications, you will be part of a global and diverse team of highly skilled professionals who works with passion, trust each other and embraces change to stay ahead. We make our customers win.