Abstract
A new design for a lightweight flatbed trailer with high bending stiffness and torsional frequency is presented. The design procedure consists of two main steps: topology optimization and thickness optimization. During topology optimization, a creative frame layout different from existing ladder-type frames can be obtained by searching the best layout out of all possible layouts of a simplified design domain model. After approximating the result of topology optimization as a thin-walled structure, the approximated thicknesses of the plates are optimized to minimize the mass of a trailer. The bending stiffness and torsional frequency obtained by topology optimization are set as design constraints for thickness optimization. Due to the closed cross-section, the optimized trailer can efficiently increase the stiffness-to-mass ratio to a large extent. Discrete thicknesses are employed as design variables for thickness optimization so that the thicknesses of the plates of a trailer can be included in those of commercially available high-strength steel products. The final model has a 29% reduction in total mass, a 21% decrease in mean compliance with a uniform bending load, and a 169% increase in torsional frequency.
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Jang, GW., Yoon, MS. & Park, J.H. Lightweight flatbed trailer design by using topology and thickness optimization. Struct Multidisc Optim 41, 295–307 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00158-009-0409-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00158-009-0409-x