Reliability-based topology optimization of control arm of suspension for lightweight design

Abstract

The existing uncertainties and the inducing factors for control arm are presented under the position of its function and requirements. Reliability-based topology optimization is proposed that integrate reliability analysis into topology optimization to design control arm subject to random inputs, such as random external loads. A singe loop method is implemented to consider the reliability levels by combination deterministic topology optimization software. The first-order reliability method is adopted to approximate the failure probability constraint at most probable point. The random variables are transformed into deterministic boundary conditions for topology optimization by reliability index approach. Optimal topologies of control arm obtained from reliability-based topology optimization are compared to result from traditional deterministic topology optimization. © Springer-Verlag 2013.