Structural Design And Analysis For The Lifting Systems And Frame Of A Semi-trailer

Commercial vehicle transportation semi-trailer is a specialized vehicle to achievezero kilometres logistics for the commercial vehicle chassis. Compared withtraditional transport modes, the specialized vehicle is safer, more efficient andenvironmentally friendly, which accords with the trend of transport and logistics. Thelifting systems and the frame are two main parts of the commercial vehicletransportation semi-trailer. Therefore the structure design quality of them decides thesafety and stability of the overall system. The application of finite element analysisand structure optimization technology in the stage of design is useful to enhance thereliability of products, shorter research cycle, reduce manufacturing costs, therebyenhance the competitiveness of products and get more profit.First, topology optimization is carried out for lifting systems of the commercialvehicle transportation semi-trailer. Weighted sum method is used to solve themulti-object problem, and a multi-stiffness topology optimization model under staticloading conditions is established for the lifting systems. Based on the rigid-flexiblecoupling multi-body dynamics model of lifting system, a model for dynamic topologyoptimization is established. The equivalent static load method (ESLM) is used totransformed dynamic loads into static loads for dynamic optimization. Completestructure of the lifting systems are constructed based on the results of topologyoptimization under static and dynamic conditions. Finite element analysis of thestructure is conducted, and problems in the structure have been found, and thereforesome improvements are performed to confirm the final design for the lifting systems.Second, the structure of the frame is established based on a similar frame in the sameproject, and analyzed the performance under bending, torsion, acceleration, brakingand cornering condition. According to the results, a size optimization model of theframe is established to minimize the amount of material used but ensure the newdesign meets the strength and stiffness requirements.The studies in this paper offers the basis for the design of the lifting systems andthe frame, solve actual problems for the company, and also provide a feasible methodto the similar problems.