Comfort Driven Design Parameters for Shaping the Seatback of Sports Car

Institution: University of Salerno; Laboratory Human Centred Design and Vehicle Design by Simulation

Country: Italy

Duration: 3–6 months (recommended minimum: 3 months)

Contact information at the placement: Rosaria Califano, rocalifano@unisa.it

Contact information at the higher education institution: bbarone@unisa.it 

Description:

This traineeship represents the continuation of the research activities on automotive seat ergonomics and focuses on the development and validation of geometric parametrized models of sports car seats.
The project adopts a data-driven empirical–analytical approach, combining:

• Analysis of existing geometries, also with geometry acquisition through RE systems
• Analysis of homologation constraints and definition of geometries’ archetypes
• Anthropometric percentile clustering
• Verification of the effect of Geometric parameters on Perceived comfort through interaction simulation.

Trainees will:

• Analyze large datasets derived from driving simulator sessions (pressure maps, contact areas, peak pressures, anthropometric data, subjective comfort scores)
• Individuate the geometric parameters that affect the comfort performance
• Perform correlation analysis and statistical validation
• Develop and refine a parametric geometric model of the seatback
• Define a methodology for seatback design

The traineeship aims to strengthen the link between objective measurements (pressure distribution) and subjective comfort perception, enabling more personalized seat design strategies tailored to different user percentiles.

By the end of the traineeship, participants will deliver:

• A parametric model of the seatback
• Statistical analysis reports
• Data interpretation and engineering recommendations
• A final technical presentation of results

Requirements:

• Undergraduate or postgraduate students in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related fields
• Strong interest CAD Modelling, especially in A-class surface modelling and Solid feature-based modelling.
• Ability to analyze and interpret large volumes of heterogeneous data
  Basic knowledge of statistics
• Familiarity with CAD software like Solidworks, Catia, Rhynoceros.
• Interest in ergonomics and human–machine interaction
• English communication skills at B1 level or higher
• Analytical mindset and problem-solving attitude

Language of communication: English

(Internship/Position ID: NSMT_IT0022)