Title: Robust topology optimisation design of the guiding arm bracket for vehicle suspension

Authors: Xiaokai Chen; Dong Fu; Junbin Fan; Mengqiang Li

Addresses: School of Mechanical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China ' School of Mechanical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China ' Chassis Department, Shanxi Heavy Duty Automobile Co., Ltd., Shanxi, 710200, China ' Lightweight Department, Beijing Electric Vehicle co., Ltd., Beijing 100176, China

Abstract: Based on the theory of stochastic collocation method, the uncertain factors of the guiding arm bracket were simulated, and the optimal design was completed with the aim of minimising the structural flexibility. Firstly, the mathematical description of the uncertain factors was discussed. The sparse grid technique was used to filter the obtained integral nodes to improve the computational efficiency. Then, the optimal value and robustness of the objective function were described by using the mean and variance respectively. Combining with the stochastic collocation method, the mathematical model of the robustness optimisation was established. Finally, the feasibility of the robust topology optimisation (RTO) design method was verified by the suspension guiding arm bracket. The results show that the robust and reliable conceptual model can be obtained by using the sparse grid technique, and choosing the appropriate precision and variables can realise a good compromise between simulation economy and simulation precision.

Keywords: guiding arm bracket; lightweight; topology optimisation; robustness design; size optimisation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2019.109861

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2019 Vol.80 No.2/3/4, pp.137 - 161

Received: 19 Feb 2019
Accepted: 05 Mar 2020
Published online: 28 Sep 2020 *

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