Database-driven lightweight design for axle housing of heavy-duty truck

Abstract

Rapid and efficient design methods of axle housing are an increasingly important area for the lightweight design of heavy-duty trucks. Here, a database-driven lightweight design method for axle housing is developed. A theoretical analysis is conducted to explore the relationship between the shape and maximum stress of cross-sections. Subsequently, A double super-ellipse equation is applied to generate massive cross-sections with different shapes and sizes. The secondary development module is constructed to achieve the parametric modeling, finite element analysis, and result analysis of axel housing. Finally, the proposed database-driven lightweight design is employed to carry out the lightweight design of axel housing under different design criteria. The results show that compared to their counterpart, the mass of axel housing using Q345 and Q420 is decreased by 10.3% and 18.9%, respectively, and their maximum stress are declined by 32.9% and 20.8%, respectively, under the design criteria of equal strength. Under the design criteria of specified safety factors, the mass and maximum stress of axel housing are decreased by 11.7% and 25.0%, respectively. This investigation offers some important insights into the lightweight design of tube components.