Background
The global transition towards renewable energy and electrification is driving an unprecedented demand for reliable power transmission systems. High-voltage power cables are a critical part of this transformation, enabling the delivery of electricity from renewable energy sources to industries, cities, and communities.

Reliable power transmission infrastructure is essential for supporting the ongoing energy transition. Many critical components within high-voltage power transmission systems rely on interference-fit interfaces between insulating materials. 

Lubricants are often used during manufacturing and assembly processes to facilitate handling and installation. Once the interference-fit assembly is created, contact pressure develops at the interface due to the geometric interference between the components. This pressure acts on the lubricant layer trapped within the interface, causing the lubricant to flow and redistribute. Depending on the lubricant properties, interface geometry, assembly conditions, and material deformation, the lubricant may be displaced, retained, or concentrated in localized regions.

The resulting lubricant film thickness distribution after assembly is expected to influence the final interface condition and may affect the long-term mechanical and electrical performance of the assembled system. 
Understanding how assembly conditions impact interface behavior can help improve the design, manufacturing, and reliability of insulation systems.

Thesis Description
The objective of this thesis is to develop a numerical modelling framework for predicting pressure-driven lubricant redistribution in elastomer-polymer interference-fit assemblies.

The work will focus on the lubricant layer confined between contacting materials during installation. As contact pressure develops due to the interference fit, the lubricant will be subjected to squeeze-flow and pressure-driven transport mechanisms that alter its spatial distribution within the interface.

The thesis will investigate how lubricant properties, assembly conditions, material deformation, and interface geometry influence lubricant migration and retention. Particular emphasis will be placed on predicting the lubricant film thickness remaining at the interface after assembly and identifying the governing mechanisms responsible for its evolution.

The developed modelling framework will be evaluated against available experimental observations and engineering data, with the aim of improving the understanding of lubricant behavior in practical assembly situations.

Main Activities
•    Review lubrication theory, squeeze-film flow, thin-film flow modelling, and interference-fit assembly mechanics.
•    Investigate numerical approaches for modelling pressure-driven lubricant flow within thin confined interfaces.
•    Develop multiphysics models representing the assembly of lubricated interference fit components.
•    Simulate lubricant redistribution resulting from the interface pressure generated by the interference fit.
•    Study the influence of lubricant viscosity, initial lubricant quantity, assembly speed, interference level, and material properties on lubricant migration.
•    Predict the final lubricant film thickness distribution after assembly.
•    Compare modelling results with available measurements and engineering observations.

Expected Outcomes
•    A numerical methodology for modelling pressure-driven lubricant redistribution in interference-fit assemblies.
•    Improved understanding of squeeze-flow and lubricant transport mechanisms in confined elastomer-polymer interfaces.
•    Predictions of lubricant film thickness and spatial distribution following assembly.
•    Quantitative relationships between assembly pressure, lubricant properties, installation conditions, and lubricant retention.
•    Engineering recommendations for assembly conditions that achieve controlled lubricant film distributions.

Qualifications and Requirements
The required qualifications are:
•    Master student in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, Applied Mechanics, Engineering Physics, Materials Science, Computational Engineering, or a related field.
•    Good knowledge of continuum mechanics, fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, and numerical methods, with an interest in lubrication phenomena and multiphysics modelling.
•    Basic understanding of finite element analysis (FEA) and/or computational modelling techniques. Experience in using commercial FEA software, e.g., Abaqus, COMSOL Multiphysics, ANSYS, or similar, is considered beneficial.
•    Interest in modelling coupled physical phenomena involving material deformation, contact mechanics, and lubricant flow in confined interfaces.
•    Familiarity with programming or scripting languages such as Python, MATLAB, or similar for data processing, automation, and model development is advantageous.
•    Advanced skills in spoken and written English are required.

Contact and application 
NKT is committed to fostering a diverse organization and a culture where people from different backgrounds can thrive and are inspired to perform at their best. We believe that a diverse organization enables sustainable performance, and that an inclusive and welcoming culture makes for a better place to work. 

This thesis will be done at NKT HV Cables AB, Technology Consulting in Västerås, Sweden. The thesis correspond to 30 hp at full speed and is expected to be run from January 2027. 

Please submit your application, including your CV and cover letter, by November 30, 2026.

If you have any questions regarding the position, you are very welcome to contact Vinit Nagda, Vinit.Nagda@nkt.com. In case you have any inquiries about the recruitment process please reach out to Recruiting Manager, Giampaolo Martufi, Giampaolo.Martufi@nkt.com.

Please note that due to the GDPR regulations we cannot accept any applications via e-mail.

Welcome with your application!

About NKT
Join a diverse and international team of experts developing the power cable technology of the future, focusing on deeper seas, lower losses and higher performance. The technology department leads the company's R&D programme, including materials development, and operates some of the most advanced high-voltage testing centres in the industry. NKT also operates a technology consulting centre in Sweden, where technical experts and scientists support the industry worldwide with cross-disciplinary R&D projects and technical investigations.

At NKT, we are all Connectors. We connect to develop leading power cable technologies that enable the world’s transition to renewable energy - and we stay connected to grow as people and professionals. As a company, NKT connects a greener world with high-quality power cable technology and plays a key role as the world moves towards clean energy. NKT designs, manufactures and installs low-, medium- and high-voltage power cable solutions enabling reliable energy transmission. Since 1891, NKT has innovated the power cable technology, building the infrastructure from the first light bulbs to the megawatts created by renewable energy today.
NKT is headquartered in Denmark, operates from more than 30 countries worldwide, and employs 6,500 people globally. NKT is listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen and realised a revenue of EUR 3.6 billion in 2025. NKT - We connect a greener world. www.nkt.com