Master Thesis 2027, Co-Simulation of Hydraulic Rock Drill Systems Using Hopsan and Ansys Fluent

Master Thesis spring 2027, Co-Simulation of Hydraulic Rock Drill Systems Using Hopsan and ANSYS Fluent

Want to accelerate the transformation towards a more sustainable future?

At Epiroc, your thesis is more than an academic project. It's an opportunity to contribute to innovations that help make mining and construction safer, more productive, and more sustainable.

Working alongside experienced colleagues, you'll be part of a collaborative and inclusive environment where ideas are encouraged, and learning never stops. This is your chance to turn knowledge into impact while growing both professionally and personally.

Functional area: Epiroc Rock Drills AB

Recruiting manager: Hanna Kristoffersson, Group Manager Rock Drills System and Simulation

Email: hanna.kristoffersson@epiroc.com

Supervisors: marcus.wehlin@epiroc.com, maria.pettersson@epiroc.com

Education background:

Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Applied Mechanics, Fluid

Mechanics, Mechatronics or similar.

Level of thesis project:

Master Thesis

Number of students in the project:

Two students

Target:

The aim of this thesis project is to develop and evaluate a co-simulation framework that combines

system-level simulations in Hopsan with detailed Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations in

ANSYS Fluent. The framework should enable improved modelling of hydraulic components and

transient system behavior in hydraulic rock drills while keeping computational cost at a manageable

level.

Background:

Simulation plays an important role in the development of hydraulic rock drills and drilling equipment.

Today, different simulation tools are used to study different aspects of product performance. System

simulation tools are used to model complete machines and hydraulic systems, while CFD tools are

used to investigate detailed flow phenomena inside individual components.

Both approaches have strengths and limitations. System simulation models can efficiently represent

complete machines but rely on simplified component descriptions. CFD models capture local flow

behavior in much greater detail but are computationally expensive and therefore difficult to apply at

the full machine level.

Recent developments in co-simulation technology make it possible to connect different simulation

environments and allow them to exchange information during runtime. Such methods have the

potential to combine the strengths of both approaches and provide engineers with more accurate

simulation tools during product development.

Mission:

The thesis work may include:

• Literature review of co-simulation methodologies and coupling techniques.
• Development of a representative Hopsan model of a rock drill subsystem.
• Development of a detailed CFD model in ANSYS Fluent for a selected hydraulic component.
• Implementation of a co-simulation interface between the two environments.
• Investigation of numerical stability, computational performance and accuracy.
• Comparison with conventional system simulation approaches.
• Recommendations regarding future industrial use of co-simulation technology at Epiroc.

The exact scope may be adjusted depending on the background and interests of the student.

Expected Outcome

The project is expected to provide:

• A demonstrator showing co-simulation between Hopsan and Fluent.
• Increased understanding of when detailed CFD models add value in system-level analyses.
• Guidelines for future use of coupled simulation environments in the development of hydraulic rock drilling products.
• A foundation for further work within simulation-driven product development at Epiroc.

Qualification:

Knowledge in one or several of the following areas is beneficial:

• Fluid mechanics
• Hydraulics
• Numerical simulation
• CFD
• Programming
• Dynamic systems modelling

Experience with Hopsan, ANSYS Fluent, Modelica, MATLAB or Python is considered an advantage.

We are looking for students who are analytical, curious, structured and interested in solving

challenging engineering problems in close collaboration with industry

How to apply:

Does this sound interesting, and do you feel this is a match?

Log in to the recruitment system. If you are new to the system, you need to start by making a profile. Do not forget to attach your CV and a short letter about your-self, describing why you are applying for this thesis. Please note that we do not accept applications via email.

In this process, we review applications continuously and the project can be filled before last day of application. We recommend sending your application in as soon possible, but no later than November  8th.

Company presentation:

Epiroc is a vital part of a sustainable society and a global productivity partner for mining and infrastructure customers. With cutting-edge technology, Epiroc develops and produces innovative drill rigs, rock excavation and construction equipment, and provides world-class service and consumables solutions for automation, digitalization and electrification.