Enhancing the Performance and Durability of Commercial Vehicle Cargo Box Frames through Modal Analysis

Abstract

The cargo box frame (CBF) is the main structure of a commercial vehicle designed to handle loads and components during travel. The chassis is subject to vibrations caused by rough roads and the components mounted on it. This study proposes a procedure for analyzing and validating CBF structures using a combination of non-destructive modal analysis and finite element analysis to investigate the vibration characteristics of the four-wheel CBF, including its natural frequency and mode shapes. The CBF’s response to various load conditions, including stress distribution and displacement, was analyzed. The results show that the actuation frequency can affect a truck’s chassis due to the CBF’s natural frequency falling within the excitation range. The resulting mode shape can improve CBF strength, reduce weight, identify defective welds, and determine optimal mounting locations based on the center of gravity (CG) for components such as side-swing doors and cold room panels.