Title: Simulation studies for determining the response characteristics of a hydraulic hybrid powertrain subframe

Authors: Glen Prater Jr., Ali M. Shahhosseini, Gary M. Osborne, Shengyong Zhang

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA. ' Department of Electronics, Computer, and Mechanical Engineering Technology, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN 47809, USA. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA

Abstract: H34978 are inherently heavy, and when such systems are combined with an internal combustion engine in a hybrid powertrain, the need to reduce mass becomes acute. This paper presents finite element models supporting weight reduction studies on a Hydraulic Power Assist (HPA) unit designed for use in a light-duty truck. Specifically, we determined the modal parameters and frequency response characteristics associated with critical structural components used to mount the HPA unit. Stress distributions, deformations, and strain energy distributions were computed for excitations arising from both vertical accelerations and harmonic forces. Results were used to evaluate weight-reducing design modifications.

Keywords: hybrid powertrain; hydraulic hybrid; HLA; hydraulic launch assist; HPA; hydraulic power assist; truck design; vehicle optimisation; finite element analysis; FEA; simulation; heavy vehicles; modelling; weight reduction; light-duty trucks; stress distribution; deformation; strain energy distribution; vertical accelerations; harmonic forces.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHVS.2010.033191

International Journal of Heavy Vehicle Systems, 2010 Vol.17 No.2, pp.99 - 118

Published online: 10 May 2010 *

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