Master Thesis Spring 2027 (Drill Rig Cabin Lightning Performance)

Assessment of Lightning Protection Performance of a Drill Rig Operator Cabin as a Faraday Cage

Do you want to help us speed up the shift towards a more sustainable mining and construction industry? By doing your thesis in collaboration with Epiroc you will get the chance to be a part of this journey. 

You will work together with experienced and helpful colleagues in an atmosphere characterized by creativity, innovation, and workplace diversity. In your specific project you have the chance to be a part of a challenging and educational experience while growing both professionally and personally.

Recruiting manager: Jörgen Albrektsson Group Manager Power Systems,
Email: jorgen.albrektsson@epiroc.com
Other contacts: Enock Mulenga, Power Distribution Engineer – Electric Vehicles
Email: enock.mulenga@epiroc.com

Education background: 
Electric Power Engineering/Engineering Physics/Electrical Engineering – High Voltage Engineering and Technology

Level of thesis project: Master thesis.

Number of students in the project: 1-2 students 

Target:

The project is intended to assess and evaluate the lightning protection capability of the drill rig operator cabin under realistic lightning strikes through simulations, for example in COMSOL Multiphysics environment. In the second step, improvements suggestions are to be given for the potential cabin improvements to enhance protection and performance under lightning strikes.

Background:
Drill rigs are deployed in mining, quarrying, and construction environments where equipment frequently operates in the open terrain. It is exposed to severe weather conditions. Lightning represents a potentially critical external hazard to both the machine operators and onboard drill rig systems. 

The latest developments within ISO 18758 (Mining and Earth-moving Machinery – Rock drill rigs and rock reinforcement rigs – Part 1 & 2) identify lightning as a relevant hazard requiring consideration during the machine design and risk assessment for drill rigs in mining, quarrying and construction sites. The metallic drill rig cabin can be used to protect the operator through the Faraday cage concept.

This project aims to establish and evaluate the effectiveness of a drill rig cabin as a Faraday cage. Furthermore, it will also help in identifying potential design improvements based on the Faraday cage concept.

Mission:
Your mission in this project will be to build models for drill rig cabins. For certain drill rig types without cabins, your mission will be to provide insights into risk assessment and suggestions around Lightning Protection. Your inventive ideas within high voltage engineering and technology will be used to assess the performance of the models built against varying lightning strike scenarios.

This project will be considered a success when models have been built, lightning performance assessments have been conducted and suggestions, based on simulations, have been given for possible improvements against the provisions of ISO 18758. 

Qualification:
We are looking for applicants with high level knowledge of High Voltage Engineering & Technology knowledge (Courses) and who are interested in High Voltage Engineering and Technology Computer Simulations. Knowledge in COMSOL Multiphysics software or other software for High Voltage Engineering and Technology for studying Lightning Phenomena and Protection is an advantage.

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, study programme/courses transcript 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 to send your application in as soon possible, but no later than December 8 2026. 

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.