Finite Element Analysis And Optimization Of Light Truck's Frame

The frame, as a most important part of carrier car, supports some accessories such as engine, drive line,running gear,body, and withstands all kinds of force. In addition, the work condition of carrier car is extremely bad, and stress condition is also complex,it is unable to use simple mathematical method for accurate analysis of the calculation, and the finite element method can be used to analyse the static and dynamic performance of the frame more accurately, so that the design of frame will go from the experience design into the scientific design stage.In this paper, the finite element method is used to analyse the stress level and distribution on the frame in typical conditions. Under the guidance of the analyzed results, the design of the frame is optimized and the suggestions for design improvement are presented.In order to analyse the frame structure accurately, the finite element model is set up with shell element, mainly using QUAD4 elements and a small portion of the CTRIA3 elements. In faithful of the structure's mechanical characteristics,it is necessary to simplify the geometry. The considerable issues of the establishment of finite element model is analysed, such as the processing of simplifying the structure, the selection of the element, controling the quality of the element and linking part's simulation, also the influential factors of the result is analysed , such as element size,components connected simulation methods. The frame stiffness and strength is analysed,the weak structure of the frame is identifid. The optimization and the suggestions for design improvement are presented.At last the paper introduced the elementary concept, method and principle of optimization. The optimization model is established based on shell elements in the torsion condition. With the objection that minimizing the mass of the frame and analyzed the results of optimization. We can adjust the design variables, state variables and objective functions to meet the actual needs. The optimization suggestions are presented.