Topology Optimization of Vehicle Components for Nonlinear Load Cases

Abstract

AbstractLight weighting is one of the important requirements for vehicles to improve their performance which is the prime focus for electric vehicles to make them more cost-effective for meeting a specified range. The true mass reduction potential of a structure can be realized only if the initial load path or topology is right for the respective load cases. Linear structural topology optimization has been widely used and performed on various vehicle parts. Due to the nonlinearity of material, load pattern, geometry, and significant challenges were encountered in addition to contact between elements and strain rate effects. Few studies are found in the literature which deals with topology optimization for nonlinear dynamic load cases which can be done either using equivalent static load (ESL) or hybrid cellular automata (HCA) methods. In this paper, the LSTaSC tool employing HCA methodology is used to explore topologies for different vehicle components subjected to different types of nonlinear loads, and the results are discussed.KeywordsTopology optimizationHybrid cellular automataNonlinear load caseSIMP