International Journal of Vehicle Structures and Systems

K. Rajasekar ¹, R. Saravanan ², S. Sowmyashree ³

Affiliations
1 Mech. Engg. Dept., Jain University, Bangalore, IN
2 Mech. Engg. Dept., University Visvesvaraya College of Engg., Bangalore University, Bangalore, IN
3 Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering, Mysore, IN

Abstract

Chassis is the most important structural member in the on-road vehicles. All the loads generated by other components of the vehicle are transferred to chassis only. So the chassis structure has to be strong enough to withstand the loads. In order to overcome failure in the chassis structure, the variable cross-section chassis structure has to be designed based on the variable loads along the length of the vehicle. In this work genetic algorithm has been used to optimize the chassis cross section height, width and thickness by using their mathematical relationship with section modulus. The objective function is to optimize the section modulus based on bending moment equation. The optimization process is automated using C++language. The optimum values of the chassis cross section parameters were found to be efficient in the design of chassis.

Keywords

Heavy Vehicle, Chassis, Section Modulus, Optimization, Genetic Algorithm.

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K. Rajasekar ¹, R. Saravanan ², N. V. Dhandapani ³

Affiliations
1 Mech. Engg. Dept., Jain University, Bangalore, Karnataka, IN
2 Mech. Engg. Dept., University Visvesvaraya College of Engg., Bangalore University, Karnataka, IN
3 Mech. Engg. Dept., Karpagam College of Engg., Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, IN

Abstract

All the loads generated by other components of heavy vehicle are transferred to its chassis. Chassis related failures are few but the damages to the safety of occupant are huge; sometimes it leads to fatal accidents. In order to overcome this, the chassis has to be optimized based on static and dynamic loads by ensuring a uniform distribution of stress and strain. The shape and cross section of the chassis gives a resistance to the above mentioned loads. The cross section of the chassis structure of all on-road vehicles is uniform despite the variable loads. In this work, variable cross section chassis of an on-road heavy vehicle is designed by keeping optimum sections. Bending moment of the chassis has been mathematically related with section modulus of the chassis. Genetic algorithm based procedures have been used to optimize the height, width and thickness of the chassis cross section. Coding in C language is used to automate the genetic algorithm procedures. For benchmark study, 3D models of optimized and existing chassis of an on-road heavy vehicle were developed. Finite element analysis reveals that the optimized chassis has less failure possibilities due to lower stress values and uniform distribution when compared to those from the model of existing chassis.

Keywords

Heavy Vehicle Chassis, Variable Cross Section, Optimization, Genetic Algorithm.

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M. S. Vijaykumar ¹, R. Saravanan ², K. Rajasekar ³, N. V. Dhandapani ⁴

Affiliations
1 Mech. Engg. Dept., Jain University, Bangalore, IN
2 Mech. Engg. Dept., University Visvesvaraya College of Engg., Bangalore University, IN
3 R & D, BEML Ltd., Mysore, IN
4 Dept. of Mech. Engg., Karpagam College of Engg., Coimbatore, IN

Abstract

Pressure pads are used in mobile cranes and launch vehicles to distribute the reaction forces uniformly on the soil. In mobile cranes these pressure pads made on alloy steel and permanently fixed below the elephant foot through ball and socket joint. Launch vehicles are used to carry and outrigger the missiles in operating field or war field. Load distribution during the outrigger will be challenging in uneven ground surfaces and loose soils. Pressure pads add the flexibility in outriggering the missiles even in a loose soil with ground pressure of 4kg/cm2. Considering the place of application, detachable type pressure pads are used in launch vehicles. Aluminium alloy is preferred over the steel due to its less weight and easy handling. In this research study nano-clay epoxy composites are proposed as an alternate material for pressure pads of launch vehicles due to its high compression load and strength to weight ratio. The present study focused on the preparation of nano-clay epoxy composites and neat epoxy composites. The work further analyzed the deflection of composites during forward and reverse loading. Creep test was also conducted for a period of 4 hours. The test results revealed that the nano-clay composites were bearing more compressive strength with lesser weight than neat resin composites.

Keywords

Pressure Pad, Epoxy Nano-Clay Composites, Neat Epoxy Composites, Deflection Test, Creep Test.

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