Structural optimization of control arm for weight reduction and improved performance

Abstract

Typical in high performance automotive and aerospace applications is the demand for reduced vehicle mass while maintaining adequate performance and safety. Formula SAE competition is no exception. The nature of the autocross style course favors vehicles with good acceleration capabilities, and both the fuel economy and acceleration events add to the desire for a lightweight vehicle design. In this paper, discussed the static analysis and torsion analysis of the Control arm by using Radioss software and o improve the stiffness of the Control Arm and weight reduction of component by changing the geometrical dimension and structural properties. This design is given by topology optimization for compare the base run analysis and optimized analysis. Meshing is carried out by using 10 nodes tetrahedral element in Hyper Mesh & topology optimization is carried out for the given design space. The topology optimization given the idea of optimum material layout based on load & boundary conditions. Using optimum material layout, the component geometry is finalized by keeping the strength of component constant & 30% reduction in weight.