Sensitivity study of a truck chassis.

摘要

In response to an increasing demand for fuel-economy, more weight reduction techniques have been proposed to create an optimum vehicle frame. The research aims to maximize weight savings in a truck frame, without sacrificing structural performances such as bending strength, buckling strength, and torsional stiffness. Design variations are introduced in the structural optimization process, with the aid of Finite Element Modeling software.; The design variations include packaging volume, material selection, and geometrical modification. Variations in packaging volume and material type are performed on the frame's side rails, in the quest to reduce the rail weight under a bending stiffness constraint. Thereafter, the research progresses towards a full-frame analysis, which desires to reduce the frame weight under a torsional-stiffness constraint. The full-frame analysis attempts to enclose the side rails, and vary the cross-members' material and design. Results from side rail and full-frame analyses will determine the types of design variations that are most sensitive in reducing the frame weight.