Optimization of a Vehicle Space Frame Under Ballistic Impact Loading

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

9-4-2008

Publication Title

2007 Proceedings of the ASME International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference

Publisher

ASME

First page number:

317

Last page number:

324

Abstract

Shock from impact loading may risk the lives of the occupants of a military vehicle and damage the sensitive electronic components within it. A finite element model (FEM) for a space-frame based military vehicle is presented in this paper. An approach is developed to optimize the design of the joints within the space frame structure to reduce the mass of the vehicle while maintaining its structural integrity. The process starts by creating a parametric FEM of the vehicle. The optimization variables are the lengths of joint branches. The effect of joint location within the space frame is also explored. The problem is subject to geometry and stress constraints. Results show that a mass reduction can be achieved without adversely affecting integrity of the vehicle.

Keywords

Automobiles – Chassis; Damping (Mechanics); Impact; Joints (Engineering); Shock (Mechanics); Vehicles; Military

Disciplines

Applied Mechanics | Mechanical Engineering | Military and Veterans Studies

Language

English

Comments

Conference held: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, September 4–7, 2007

Permissions

Use Find in Your Library, contact the author, or interlibrary loan to garner a copy of the item. Publisher policy does not allow archiving the final published version. If a post-print (author's peer-reviewed manuscript) is allowed and available, or publisher policy changes, the item will be deposited.

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