Fluidic analysis is a critical aspect of propulsion system design, encompassing calculations of pressure drops, wetted volume initialization, and the modelling of transient behaviours in key flow variables during system commissioning and operation. To increase confidence in the reliability of its analysis workflow, OHB Sweden seeks to validate it against relevant experimental data, supporting the development of robust and safe propulsion systems.

In this context, transient fluid phenomena are particularly important, as they often represent limiting cases that strongly influence system design and are critical to the operational safety and health of the spacecraft. Due to their inherently complex nature, these phenomena are challenging to predict, motivating the need for this master’s thesis.

Job overview:

We are offering a master’s Thesis position focused on the design and execution of experiments to validate OHB Sweden's fluidic analysis workflow for transient phenomena. The project aims to characterize relevant fluid dynamic behaviours occurring in OHB Sweden propulsion systems by designing and constructing representative subsystem sections, instrumenting them to measure key flow parameters, and comparing the results with fluidic analyses performed using EcosimPro.

Important Note : This thesis is a continuation of previous internal work on the topic and aims to bridge existing knowledge gaps while addressing several research sub-questions. The exact scope and focus areas will be refined together with the student, on topics already identified internally as well as new questions identified during the course of the thesis.

Potential topics include :

• Investigating the impact of fluid properties on the validation strategy.

• Identifying, designing, and implementing upgrades to the existing test bench.

• Expanding the characterization dataset to a wider operating domain and additional priming scenarios.

• Generating dedicated calibration data for specific components and features (e.g., valves, filters, flow restrictors).

• Assessing the limitations of the current modelling approach and identifying opportunities for improvement.

It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that the proposed work is compatible with the requirements of their university.

The tasks of the master's thesis topic are as follows:

1. Familiarize yourself with in-orbit chemical propulsion systems, relevant fluidic phenomena, and the analysis work flow as well as previous work conducted on the topic

2. Expand the literature review on analysis tool validations on the subtopics selected.

3. Design, prepare, and conduct a set of representative experiments in OHB Sweden’s Propulsion Laboratory.

4. Perform fluidic analyses and validate them using experimental results.

5. Present findings and limitations of the approach followed as well as, if applicable, propose strategies to improve simulation accuracy.

The required candidate’s skills are:

The position is suitable for Master's students in:

• Aerospace Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering

In addition, preliminary experience (through university courses, extra curriculum activities or autodidact) in the following domains is expected / required:

• Knowledge of fluidic and fluid power system and associated phenomena.

• Previous experiences with experimental methods, data acquisition, and simulation software (e.g., Python, LabVIEW, or similar) will be favored.

• Proficiency in English, both written and spoken.

• Strong problem-solving, attention to details as well as practical engineering skills.

• Self-motivated, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively with a proactive attitude.

• Excellent documentation, communication and presentation skills for sharing results with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

In addition, the following experience is beneficial but not required:

• Familiarity with space systems, particularly in-orbit propulsion systems.

What can we offer the student for them to succeed in their master's thesis?

The student will become part of OHB Sweden's Propulsion team and contribute to the development of in-orbit propulsion system analyses. The work offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience, both analytically and practically, by working with real hardware in our lab!

Your work will directly contribute to future satellite missions developed by OHB Sweden. Throughout the project, you will receive close guidance and technical support from OHB Sweden’s team of propulsion engineers.

Successful thesis work may also open a path towards future employment within the Propulsion team at OHB Sweden.