Development of a fiber-reinforced plastic armrest frame for weight-reduced automobiles |
| |
Authors: | H S Park X P Dang |
| |
Institution: | (1) College of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130025, People’s Republic of China;(2) State Key Laboratory of Automotive Dynamic Simulation, Jilin University, Changchun, 130025, People’s Republic of China |
| |
Abstract: | This paper presents the design optimization process of a short fiber-reinforced plastic armrest frame to minimize its weight
by replacing the steel frame with a plastic frame. The analysis was carried out with the equivalent mechanical model and design
of experiment (DOE) method. Instead of considering the whole structure, it is divided into three simpler regions to reduce
the complexity of the problem through examining its structural characteristics and load conditions. The maximum stress and
deflection of the regions that carry the normal load are calculated by the analytical mathematical form derived from an equivalent
model. The other regions loaded by contact stress are handled by FEM (finite element method), the DOE method, and the RSM
(response surface model). To optimize the design variables in both cases, the object functions derived from these calculations
are solved with a CAE (computer aided engineering) tool. This method clearly shows the mechanical and mathematical representation
of structural optimization and reduces the computing costs. After design optimization, the weight of the optimum plastic-based
armrest frame is reduced by about 18% compared to the initial design of a plastic frame and is decreased by 50% in comparison
with the steel frame. Some prototypical armrest frames were also made by injection molding and tested. The research results
fulfilled all of the design requirements. |
| |
Keywords: | |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|