Multi-objective optimization and numerical modelling of helical coil spring for automotive application

Abstract

In this paper, a helical compression spring used in commercial transport three-wheeler has been modelled as a multi-objective optimisation problem. The objective functions considered in this study are reducing the volume of the spring and increasing the strain energy of the spring used in the light automotive. Minimizing the volume of the spring leads to reducing the cost of the spring. The utility and functionality of the spring can be improved by increasing the strain energy of the helical spring. Design parameters such as diameter of the spring wire, diameter of the coil spring and number of active turns of the spring are optimized in this study by using multi-objective optimisation formulation. Heuristic techniques such as Genetic Algorithms are used to find Pareto optimal solutions for a wide variety of engineering problems with multiple objectives. In this work, non-dominated solutions are generated using Non-Dominated Sorting GA-II approach. The Pareto-optimal solutions obtained in this study are validated using a numerical approach using ANSYS workbench.