Magisterprogram i maskinteknik på Utexpo

Conceptual Development of Joining Methods for Hoods and Tailgates

• Participants: Emma Badak and Sofia Gustavsson.
  
• Collaborator: Volvo Cars.

The hoods and tailgates consist of two panels, one inner and one outer. The current process for all Volvo cars to join the inner and outer panels of the hoods and tailgates consists of a hem-flange bonding process. Today, Volvo uses ovens to pre-cure the adhesive. To fulfill the curing demands, dedicated ovens are used. With the pre-curing of the panels, the main issue is that ovens run on either biogas or electricity, impacting the sustainability targets at Volvo. However, since the pre-curing adds additional time, it will increase the lead time of parts, tying up more parts than needed, and removing the pre-curing will amount to a substantial cost saving.

The scope of the thesis has been to investigate and evaluate new concepts for joining or setting the geometry of the panels without the need for pre-curing to eliminate the requirement for additional ovens in the manufacturing process.

Test Track Development for a Solar Car

• Participants: Loes De Gendt and Kasper Verhoeven.
  
• Collaborator: HUST.

In a world seeking sustainable transportation solutions, solar cars offer a glimpse into a cleaner future. But how do we test such vehicles when road regulations prevent their use on public streets?

This exposition presents the innovative work of mechanical engineering students Loes De Gendt and Kasper Verhoeven, who developed a fully functional indoor test rig for the Halmstad University Solar Team. Our thesis addresses a unique challenge: designing a system to test a solar-powered car in a controlled environment – simulating real-world driving without ever leaving
the lab.

Our research covers the entire engineering process, from concept sketches to final design. Key elements include finite element analysis to ensure structural integrity, bearing and braking system calculations, and the use of eddy current brakes to simulate road resistance. The result is a modular, steel-framed rig that allows the car’s rear wheel to spin on rollers while the front wheels
remain secured – enabling performance testing, data collection, and optimization.

More than a technical achievement, the project embodies interdisciplinary thinking, sustainability and adaptability. Visitors can explore interactive visualizations of the rig’s development and learn how future students can expand this platform for advanced simulations and sensor integration.

This is more than a test track – it’s a launchpad for innovation in solar mobility.