HBO Internship: Definition center of gravity height levels for vehicle testing

Internship assignment within DAF Trucks N.V.: Definition center of gravity height levels for vehicle testing

Define the next standard for center‑of‑gravity heights in heavy‑duty truck testing

Functiebeschrijving

Within the Testing department of DAF Trucks N.V., it is essential to accurately determine and apply different center of gravity (COG) heights for heavy-duty trucks and their combinations (rigid trucks with trailers and tractors with semi-trailers). This is crucial for safely and correctly performing stability and handling tests.

This internship assignment focuses on defining these COG heights, implementing the definitions into the existing DAF TEST Standard (test protocol), and integrating this data into the tool used to prepare vehicles with test ballast weights. This will optimize the preparation of test vehicles.

Assignment

1. Create definition of center of gravity heights for heavy duty trucks

• Explore the world of applications for heavy duty trucks
• Take into account rigid vehicle combinations as well tractor-trailer combinations
• Define the different center of gravity height levels (e.g., low, nominal, high) based on this literature study
• Align with stakeholder departments like PD Technical Analysis.

1. Update current DAF TEST Standard ‘Zwaartepuntbepaling compleet voertuig’ with implementing the definition of center of gravity heights for vehicle testing

• Create correlation to the current vehicle preparation methods for loading vehicles
• Develop an easy way of defining a center of gravity height of a test vehicle

1. Update all relevant DAF TEST Standards by referencing the DAF TEST Standard ‘Zwaartepuntbepaling compleet voertuig’, creating a single point of information concerning center of gravity height data.
2. Update and implement the current tool ‘belading blokkenrek’ according to the mentioned DAF TEST Standard.
3. Update the risk assessment form required to perform vehicle tests as outlined in DAF procedure QO-2-Bepr-2-04.

Expected Result

• A clear and applicable definition of center of gravity heights for the heavy truck segment.
• An updated DAF TEST Standard including the new COG height definitions for vehicle testing.
• An improved tool that supports test preparation with accurate COG height data.
• An aligned COG height definition consistent with the risk assessment form for vehicle testing.

Jouw profiel

• Automotive / Mechanical Engineering
• Organized and structural working method
• Hands-on mentality
• Fluent in English
• Good MS Office skills

Afdeling

The Testing department within DAF executes tests in the areas of functionality, durability, and reliability. The chassis group within the Vehicle Testing department focuses on functional testing of chassis-mounted components, constructions, and systems such as the steering system and brake system. Furthermore, it also performs tests related to the handling and stability of heavy-duty trucks.

Wij bieden

• A view behind the scenes at a large international corporation; you will get a lot of freedom and responsibility.
• Openness to your initiatives; depending on the assignment, you will see your results back in the workplace.
• An experienced coach and supervisor who can teach you a lot and is willing to help you with your assignment.
• After your graduation, the opportunity to start your career at DAF.