Automotive chassis topology optimization: A comparison between spider and coupé designs

Weight reduction is a major issue for carmakercompanies due the need to comply with the emission regulationswithout reducing the vehicle safety. A classic trial-and-errorapproach to design in the automotive industry is becominginadequate and new means are needed to enhance the designprocess. A major improvement on the end product can beachieved by adopting suitable optimization techniques fromthe early design stage. In the present paper the problem ofautomotive chassis design in view of weight reduction is tackledby means of topology optimization. The design methodologyproposed is applied twice: at first addressing a chassis for spidervehicles, then for coup´e vehicles. The two chassis, togetherwith some intermediate result are discussed and compared.The methodology has been proven to be successful in findinginnovative and efficient layouts for automotive chassis.

Weight reduction is a major issue for carmaker companies due the need to comply with the emission regulations without reducing the vehicle safety. A classic trial-and-error approach to design in the automotive industry is becoming inadequate and new means are needed to enhance the design process. A major improvement on the end product can be achieved by adopting suitable optimization techniques from the early design stage. In the present paper the problem of automotive chassis design in view of weight reduction is tackled by means of topology optimization. The design methodology proposed is applied twice: at first addressing a chassis for spider vehicles, then for coupé vehicles. The two chassis, together with some intermediate result are discussed and compared. The methodology has been proven to be successful in finding innovative and efficient layouts for automotive chassis.