Multi-Objective Structural Optimization of Vehicle Wheels

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Stabile ◽  
F. Ballo ◽  
M. Gobbi ◽  
G. Previati

Abstract This work focuses on the development of an innovative design methodology for lightweight wheels of road vehicles. In particular, the activity is carried out for the specific case of a wheel designed for an ultra-efficient vehicle for Shell Eco-marathon competition, with the aim of finding preliminary design solutions. A simplified finite element model of the tire structure is employed for an accurate modelling of the forces acting at the tire/rim interface. The material properties of the tire structure are identified by means of experimental tests. The computed tire/rim force distribution is applied to the rim exploiting a simplified finite element model of the wheel rim. A multi-objective optimization problem is formulated, based on mass and compliance minimization. Several wheel design layouts are investigated, which differ in terms of number of spokes (i.e. 3, 5 and 7), spokes layout (i.e. straight and Y-shape) and spokes cross section (i.e. rectangular, C and I). Geometric quantities related to the cross section dimensions of the spokes and to the rim thickness are optimized. Design constraints related to structural stiffness and elastic stability (both global and local buckling) are taken into account. The developed finite-element based model of the wheel is used to train a set of neural networks to approximate the objective functions and the design constraints to reduce the computational effort. A multi-objective genetic algorithm is adopted to obtain the Pareto-optimal solutions. The implemented method has proved to be a valuable tool to support design engineers in taking critical decisions in the early stages of the design process.

Author(s):  
Kai Jokinen ◽  
Erno Keskinen ◽  
Marko Jorkama ◽  
Wolfgang Seemann

In roll balancing the behaviour of the roll can be studied either experimentally with trial weights or, if the roll dimensions are known, analytically by forming a model of the roll to solve response to imbalance. Essential focus in roll balancing is to find the correct amount and placing for the balancing mass or masses. If this selection is done analytically the roll model used in calculations has significant effect to the balancing result. In this paper three different analytic methods are compared. In first method the mode shapes of the roll are defined piece wisely. The roll is divided in to five parts having different cross sections, two shafts, two roll ends and a shell tube of the roll. Two boundary conditions are found for both supports of the roll and four combining equations are written to the interfaces of different roll parts. Totally 20 equations are established to solve the natural frequencies and to form the mode shapes of the non-uniform roll. In second model the flexibility of shafts and the stiffness of the roll ends are added to the support stiffness as serial springs and the roll is modelled as a one flexibly supported beam having constant cross section. Finally the responses to imbalance of previous models are compared to finite element model using beam elements. Benefits and limitations of each three model are then discussed.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario Manzo ◽  
Giuseppe Lamanna ◽  
Francesco Di Caprio ◽  
Antonio Chiariello ◽  
Paul Schatrow ◽  
...  

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