Title: A design methodology for space frame through parametric study of torsional stiffness

Authors: Abdelrahman M. Youssef; Mohamed A. Elhaddad; Mohammed N. Anany; Yehia A. Eldrainy

Addresses: Mechanical Engineering Department, College of Engineering and Technology, Arab Academy for Science, Technology; Maritime Transport, Abu Kir Campus, Alexandria, Egypt ' Mechanical Engineering Department, Automotive Engineering Branch, Higher Technological Institute, Town of 6 October, Giza, Egypt ' Mechanical Engineering Department, American University of the Middle East, Kuwait; Mechanical Engineering Department, Arab Academy for Science, Technology; Maritime Transport, Alexandria, Egypt ' Mechanical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University, Egypt

Abstract: Torsional stiffness comes as a priority in chassis design as it greatly affects its dynamics. According to the literature survey done in this research, it shows that the design methodology of tubular space frame was not performed explicitly, so there is a great need to fill this gap. Therefore, this research aims to develop a methodology for designing tubular space frame of vehicles and in other applications. A finite element model was made to evaluate torsional stiffness of vehicle frame then the model results were validated with experimental data obtained from a previous experiment. A parametric study was conducted using this model to investigate the impact of varying tube cross sections, length ratio, triangulation, intermediate sections and materials on both frame stiffness and frame stiffness to weight ratio. From this study, several guidelines for designing tubular space frame were concluded and a design methodology for tubular space frame was deduced.

Keywords: parametric study; space frame stiffness; torsional stiffness; finite element method; finite element analysis; frame optimisation; chassis design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVSMT.2018.094592

International Journal of Vehicle Systems Modelling and Testing, 2018 Vol.13 No.1, pp.76 - 92

Received: 21 Mar 2018
Accepted: 24 Apr 2018
Published online: 07 Sep 2018 *

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