Title: The modelling and optimization of an electrical vehicle using joint analysis

Authors: K.W. Lee, G.-J. Park

Addresses: Graduate Student, Department of Mechanical Design and Production Engineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, 17 Haengdang-Dong, Seongdong-Gu, Seoul 133-791, Korea. ' Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Design and Production Engineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, 17 Haengdang-Dong, Seongdong-Gu, Seoul 133-791, Korea

Abstract: Finite element analysis is an excellent method for structural analysis. For finite element analysis, accurate modelling is very important to obtain precise information. Stick modelling is a convenient way in that it is easy and simple. When the stick model is utilised, the joints are modified in the tuning process. A tuning method for the joints has been developed. Joints are modelled by designated beam elements. and the beam properties are tuned to have target values which are evaluated from experiments. An optimisation method called |Goal Programming| is employed to impose the target values. With the tuned joints, the entire optimisation has been carried out. Using a recursive quadratic programming algorithm, the optimisation process determines the configuration of the entire structure and sizes of all the sections. For example, the structure of an electrical vehicle is modelled and analysed by the method. The stick model works very well since the structure is made of aluminium frames. Although the example is for an electrical vehicle, this method can be applied to general vehicle structures.

Keywords: configuration optimisation; goal programming; joint analysis; stick models; modelling; target values; electrical vehicles; finite element analysis; FEA; goal programming; vehicle design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.1998.062091

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 1998 Vol.19 No.1, pp.14 - 28

Published online: 29 May 2014 *

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