Hydraulic system modelling and analysis
Sandvik Rock Processing Solutions, a business area within the Sandvik Group, offers a thesis project in the area of future hydraulic solutions.
Background and purpose
Sandvik is a leading supplier of equipment and tools, service and technical solutions for the mining and infrastructure industries. The site in Svedala, Sweden, is Sandvik's global competence center for stone crushing and screening equipment. The site has about 600 employees and covers the whole business, from management, R&D and production to marketing, sales and aftermarket services.
The hydraulic systems of Sandvik cone crushers are used to control the crushing force and lubricate moving parts. To understand how different hydraulic components behave together and what sets the performance of the crushers are of importance to Sandvik and our customers. The work starts with a creating a detailed simulation model that can be used for analysis and design.
Work description
The overall objective of the thesis is to create physics-based system simulation models (1D models) and perform analysis of various parameters and physical phenomena of the hydraulic system of Sandvik cone crushers.
The systems to be modelled in the Modelica simulation language and interfaced with each other are:
- Hydraulic systems
- hydroset system (system for controlling crushing force)
- lubrication systems
- electric dump valve system
- Mechanical system, mainly crushing force dynamics (1D planar)
Suggested physics-based analysis to be performed (not exhaustive list)
- Investigate pressure wave propagation in hose between hydroset system and tank unit to understand pressure interference and water hammer effects and creating guidelines for hose lengths.
- Model and investigate effects of hydraulic dampers on pressure wave propagation and interference in hose between hydroset system and tank unit.
- Investigate the effect of motor inertia and pressure build-up of hydraulic pump (start ramp-up) on control.
- Investigate pressure loss in hoses, lines, and bends in lubrication system and providing guidelines based on pump capacity.
- Investigate slope and sizing of return line of lubrication system to be able to handle return flow without overflowing crusher.
- Investigate lubrication system regarding the time between onset of pump until return flow box indicate return flow and optimizing leakage indicator delay time.
Duration of project
The thesis project lasts 20 weeks, starting in the spring 2023. The location for this position is Svedala, Sweden.
Student background
We are looking for a highly motivated student in engineering physics, engineering mechanics, or similar, at an advanced level with an interest in physics-based system simulations and fluid dynamics. Previous experience within simulation using e.g., Modelica or Matlab, as well as an interest in programming, is advantageous.
We actively work to create a workplace that is characterized by diversity and inclusion.
Application and contact person
For more information about the thesis or to apply, please contact:
Per-Ola Larsson, phone: +46 790 67 73 21
Email: per-ola.larsson@sandvik.com
The selection is done continuously. Please send your application as soon as possible, July 31, 2023 at the latest.