MSc Thesis: Simulation-based ABB Dynafin Blade Profile Optimization

About the role

ABB Corporate Research in Västerås, Sweden, is offering an MSc thesis project (Jan–June 2027, 30 ECTS, one student) reporting to the R&D Team Lead. You will join the Materials Technology & Electromagnetics team, which develops and tests new concepts and prototypes of powertrains and electrical devices together with business areas Motion, Automation and Electrification and academic and industrial partners. The project focuses on improving the Dynafin blade profiles through CFD and fluid structure interaction (FSI) simulations.

Key responsibilities

• Carry out a literature study on the hydrodynamic forces acting on the blades and on state-of-the-art propeller blade design.
• Perform CFD and FSI simulations of different blade profiles.
• Optimize blade profiles to increase efficiency and structural durability.
• Identify critical design features of the blades, focusing on hydrodynamic interactions.

Required profile

• MSc student in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Physics or a related field.
• Knowledge of fluid mechanics and fluid structure interaction.
• Good knowledge of CFD and FSI simulations.
• Background knowledge of blade design is beneficial.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.

Required skills

• CFD and FSI simulations.
• Experience with tools such as ANSYS Fluent, COMSOL or OpenFOAM is beneficial.
• Reduced order models, cavitation modelling and parametric geometry modelling are additional benefits.

The position is part of a talent pipeline and is not currently open; interested candidates can apply by sending their CV, academic transcripts and an English cover letter. ABB may support with accommodation during the period.