Title: Lightweight design of semitrailer based on topology optimisation and response surface methodology

Authors: Shuwen Zhou; Jichao Xu

Addresses: College of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Northeastern University, Shenyang Liaoning 110819, China ' College of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Northeastern University, Shenyang Liaoning 110819, China

Abstract: To improve the fuel economy and transportation efficiency of semitrailers, this paper conducts a lightweight study on semitrailer frame. This paper mainly uses finite element method and combines topology optimisation and response surface method to optimise the suspension and frame. After the optimisation analysis, the best installation size of the suspension is finally obtained, and the weight of the frame is reduced by 507.8 kg to meet the material strength, which achieves a good lightweight effect. The lightweight method of semitrailer proposed in this paper can provide a feasible solution for the lightweight of road transport vehicles.

Keywords: semitrailer; finite element analysis; lightweight; topology optimisation; response surface methodology.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSPM.2021.120842

International Journal of Simulation and Process Modelling, 2021 Vol.17 No.1, pp.31 - 41

Received: 11 Mar 2021
Accepted: 04 May 2021
Published online: 14 Feb 2022 *

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