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

The Institute of Vehicle Concepts (FK) of the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) is internationally recognised for the design of future road and rail vehicles that enable climate and environmentally friendly mobility while being affordable and user-friendly at the same time.

We research and demonstrate the required key technologies and maintain close cooperation with other scientific institutions as well as industrial and political bodies.

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

We look forward to getting to know you!

If you have any questions about this position (Vacancy-ID 4745) please contact:

Mr. Thomas Müller

Phone: 0711/6862 521