Parametric Optimization of Eicher 11.10 Chassis Frame for Weight Reduction Using FEA-DOE Hybrid Modeling

Abstract

The chassis serves as a backbone for supporting the body and different parts of the automobile. It should be rigid enough to withstand the shock, twist, vibration and other stresses. Along with strength, an important consideration in chassis design is to have adequate bending stiffness. The main objective of the research is to obtain the minimum weight of Eicher 11.10 chassis frame. The chassis frame is made of two side members joined with a series of cross members. The number of cross members, their locations, cross-section and the sizes of the side and the cross members becomes the design variables. The chassis frame model is to be developed in Solid works and analyzed using Ansys. Since the no. of parameters and levels are more, the probable models are too many. So, to select optimum parameters among them large no of modeling and analysis work is involved which consumes more time. To overcome this problem TAGUCHI method along with FEA is use. The weight reduction of the side bar is achieved by changing the Parameters using orthogonal array. Then FEA is performed on those models to get the best solution. This method can save material used, production cost and time.