Technical Areas

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Analysis:

Supports the design and development of engines, transmissions, vehicles and hybrid/battery electric drivetrains. Analysis work includes 0D, 1D and 3D simulations looking at fluid flow, thermal, structural and dynamic performance of components and systems.

EPD:

In the Performance Development department we optimise all aspects of Powertrain Performance, including Power/Torque, Emissions and Fuel Consumption. Typical activities include benchmarking of vehicles and powertrains, performance and emissions upgrades through combustion, boost, aftertreatment and fuel system research and development.

Propulsion Controls:

In the Propulsion Control team we develop, implement and test control algorithms for: engines, hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, and unusual applications. We study in-detail the fundamental behaviours of dynamic systems to be controlled, then use our knowledge to create effective and efficient controllers for them

Mechanical Development:

Mechanical Development leads testing, development and validation of engines,engine systemsand components to meet durability, functional and/or reliability targets, through rig, dynamometer and vehicle testing. This includes leading the application of a wide range of instrumentation and procedures. Mechanical Development also provides failure investigation, issue resolution and solution validation services both during development and in field warranty investigations. The department holds procedures and process documentation to support these activities.

Test:

As a placement student in Test Operations you can expect to be given a very high level of responsibility throughout your placement whilst working on projects across a range of our test facilities including engine, e-machine and vehicle test. You will typically be in direct contact with our customers and will be responsible for ensuring data quality, optimising measurement equipment and ensuring test procedures and processes are adhered to at all times. With experience and hard work you will be given the opportunity to take the lead on many of these projects.

Mechanical Design:

Mechanical Design is responsible for the design of all automotive and propulsion system products including Engines, Driveline and Transmissions, Vehicle Systems, Battery Systems & Electric Motors. We are responsible for full product architecture definition to detailed component design. Typical projects range from multi-phase, clean-sheet product design to design reviews and design solutions to solve specific issues. We create concepts that meet customer requirements and turn them in to volume manufacturable products. We use multiple CAD and PLM systems to create and manage design data from creation to production release.

Simulation:

Focuses on the prediction of vehicle performance, driveability and energy use (fuel or electrical) using 0D, 1D and 3D toolsets. Activities include the simulation of both engine (including combustion modelling) and vehicle performance.

Propulsion Calibration:

In the Propulsion Calibration department we cover everything relating to the settings used in engine, transmission, powertrain and hybrid control units. Typical activities include calibration of powertrain and vehicle software to meet latest emissions legislation e.g. Euro 6d.

NVH:

We develop the Noise, Vibration and Harshness of all of the products that Ricardo design, from target setting (how we want the product to sound or feel), developing in simulation through to finally testing and validating the sound quality or vibration performance

Embedded Software

We develop embedded control software for various types of vehicle management systems. The strong progression of new technologies in the industry such as Electric and Hybrid vehicles, Autonomous driving and increasing interactions with the driver and vehicle environment means that our focus is usually at the forefront of these exciting technologies. Development is both at the model-level using the MATLAB/Simulink toolchain and at a hand-code level with C code. Project involvement is across the full lifecycle including requirements gathering, design, implementation and testing on a Hardware in the Loop system and then support for validation at the dyno and/or vehicle level.

Electronic Design

The Electronics Design team develops power electronic devices like motor inverters and battery chargers, as well as control units for various systems including battery management and transmission control. This covers the full development cycle from initial functional specification, through detailed circuit design to release for production and test.

System Engineering

The Systems Engineering team in Ricardo is responsible for deploying a Systems Engineering approach on complex projects. Typical projects could see you being involved in connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) development, ADAS feature development and vehicle functional architecture definition. You could also be involved in highly complex projects that require an integrated Systems Engineering, Functional Safety and Cyber Security approach.

Electrical Design

The Electrical design team leads the development of electrical components such as batteries and electric machines. This covers the full development cycle from initial technology selection and system sizing through to release of designs for production. This team also develops High-Voltage electrical systems and provides support to clients on improvements to their designs and failure investigation.

Electrical Engineer

As an Electrical Engineer in Ricardo, you could be involved in many areas, mainly working towards the electrification of vehicles and transport solutions. Areas we are active include electric vehicle systems such as high-voltage batteries, electric motors and generators, inverters, vehicle networks, ADAS systems, hybrids and the integration of complex electrical systems.