Title: Design and optimisation of a light-weight frigorific semi-trailer

Authors: E. Larrode, A. Miravete, L. Castejon

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, c/ Maria de Luna, 3, 50.015 Zaragoza, Spain. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, c/ Maria de Luna, 3, 50.015 Zaragoza, Spain. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, c/ Maria de Luna, 3, 50.015 Zaragoza, Spain

Abstract: A new design and optimisation of the structure of a self-portable frigorific trailer is presented. Self-portable trailers are different from usual portable trailer structures in that it is the structure itself which supports all load requirements. The weight optimisation of the frigorific self-portable trailer can be achieved due to the great number of possible combinations which are feasible with different kinds of materials and their corresponding geometric configurations. This involves a redesign of the initial structure as well as the ultimate calculation, obtaining a 30% weight saving.

Keywords: composite materials; finite element method; FEM; self-portable trailers; frigorific trailers; substructures.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHVS.1998.054601

International Journal of Heavy Vehicle Systems, 1998 Vol.5 No.1, pp.45 - 68

Published online: 18 Jun 2013 *

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