High performance automotive chassis design: a topology optimization based approach

Abstract

Automotive chassis design in view of car weight reduction is a challenging task due to the many performance targets that must
be satisfied, in particular in terms of vehicle safety. In this paper a methodology for automotive chassis design in involving
optimization techniques is presented. In particular, topology, topometry and size optimizations are coupled with fem analyses and adopted in cascade for reaching an optimum chassis configuration. The methodology is applied to the design process
of a rear-central engine high performance vehicle chassis. The objective of the optimization process is the chassis weight
reduction, yet in fulfilment of structural performance constraints as required by Ferrari standards. The results demonstrate
the general applicability of the methodology presented for obtaining the general trusses layout and thicknesses distribution
of the structure. The numerical model at this stage shows a significant weight reduction when compared to the chassis of the
Ferrari F458 Italia.

KeywordsAutomotive chassis design–Multidisciplinary optimization–Topology optimization–Structural dynamics