DLR-DAAD Doctoral Fellowship Nr. 648: Development of a methodical approach to the design of modular lightweight crash structures in a small, light, autonomous passenger rail vehicle under consideration of differing vehicle configurations and usage scen

Enter the fascinating world of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) and help shape the future through research and innovation! We offer an exciting and inspiring working environment driven by the expertise and curiosity of our 11,000 employees from 100 nations and our unique infrastructure. Together, we develop sustainable technologies and thus contribute to finding solutions to global challenges. Would you like to join us in addressing this major future challenge? Then this is your place!

Our Institute of Vehicle Conceptss in Stuttgart offers a

Nr. 648: Development of a methodical approach to the design of modular lightweight crash structures in a small, light, autonomous passenger rail vehicle under consideration of differing vehicle configurations and usage scenarios

What to expect:

Light rail vehicles are generally limited to operation on tracks separated from heavy rail traffic, and can therefore be optimized for best crash performance, mass and cost, based on the assumption that collisions will only take place between similar or even identical vehicles. A new approach intends to create a new type of driverless ultra-light rail vehicle which can be configured to operate either in separated or in mixed traffic, with the appropriate structures compliant to the differing crash-safety-requirements in either case. The primary challenge with regard to these requirements is to develop a methodology to systematically design crash structures which are adapted to the relative requirements of crashworthiness in interaction with the vehicle structure. To this end, a modularity has to considered which allows a maximum of common parts between variants while minimizing the variants’ masses and cost. The aim of the PhD work is therefore to examine the crash safety requirements for the usage scenarios and vehicle variants given and focus on the development of a systematically methodical approach for the design and optimization of modular crash energy absorption structures and technologies with special regard to the vehicles in question. The exemplary implementation of the methodical approach will include design of appropriate structures, their integration into the structure of the vehicle, and simulation of the resulting compositions in all configurations and under all relevant crash scenarios.

This project is part of ongoing cooperative research between the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and a major UK University. The scientific work will be conducted at DLR in the institute of vehicle concepts in Stuttgart (Germany). The candidate is required to enroll onto a PhD program with our partner in the UK. The position therefore requires stays in the UK and travelling between the two institutions. DLR is the national center for aerospace, energy and transportation research of Germany and is a member of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres. DLR's research portfolio, which covers the four focus areas Aeronautics, Space, Transportation and Energy, ranges from basic research to innovative applications. The Institute of Vehicle Concepts researches, develops and evaluates new vehicle concepts and technologies in light of future demands on the transportation system. The institute develops and demonstrates innovative, application-based
solutions for road and rail vehicles, thereby contributing to the design of a sustainable and cost-effective, user-oriented and secure mobility concept.

The position includes a tuition waiver for the PhD program at the UK partner.

What we expect from you:

What we offer:

DLR stands for diversity, appreciation and equality for all people. We promote independent work and the individual development of our employees both personally and professionally. To this end, we offer numerous training and development opportunities. Equal opportunities are of particular importance to us, which is why we want to increase the proportion of women in science and management in particular. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are qualified.

Further information:

Starting date: As soon as possible
Type of employment: Full-time

Contact:
David Krüger

E-Mail: david.krueger@dlr.de