Topology optimization of aluminium alloy wheels for SUV

• Main Authors: Rithish, B. A., Logeshwaran, J., Sanjeev, S., Balamurugan, R., Arunkumar, P., Kumar, K. Arun
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aluminum base alloys; Design; Design optimization; Finite element method; Meshing; New technology; Optimization; Software; Sport utility vehicles; Tetrahedra; Tires; Topology optimization; Vertical forces; Weight reduction; Wheel rims; Wheels; Working conditions
• ISSN: 0094-243X; 1551-7616
• DOI: 10.1063/5.0113358

In this technological era, there is a new technology developing every day. The matter is that these new technologies will have intense domination in future or not. Here, Inthis paper, we performed Topology optimization of aluminium alloy wheels for sports utility vehicle (SUV). Wheels are one of the most crucial components, and they should be designed sothat their dimensions and shape should suitably accommodate the type of tyre required for the vehicle. Here, we designed an aluminium alloy wheel suitable for the disc wheel category. We utilized Solid Works 2020 to design our 3D wheel rim, As the time spent developing our wheel rim is reduced drastically, and the software is very user friendly. Later, this model is imported to Ansys workbench 16.0 for meshing. We performed the meshing process in our model to create a fine mesh of 5mm using the tetrahedron element. Later, this mesh model has importedto Altair inspire 2019.4 software for further analysis and optimization process as it can producenear to real design topology optimization and exact simulation results. Initially, Altair inspire 2019.4 is utilized to simulate the different working conditions like vertical forces exerted by the vehicle, pressure load applied on the tyres, and the wheel's rpm. The analysis process is carried out, and the results are acquired for further procedures. By utilizing the analysis results,Topology optimization is performed on the wheel rim for reducing weight by 30% and 40% respectively. The optimized designs are acquired and subjected to an analysis process to check whether the design can withstand original working conditions. Later the analysis results are obtained and compared for the best design structure, withstand the working conditions, less weight and uncompromised performance.