DESIGN AND OPTIMIZATION OF TRUCK CHASSIS

Truck chassis is a major component in a vehicle system. The chassis frame forms the backbone of a heavy vehicle; its principle function is to safely carry the maximum load for all designed operating conditions. This work involved static and dynamics analysis to determine key characteristics of a truck chassis. The static characteristics include identifying location of high stress area and determining the torsion stiffness of the chassis. The dynamic characteristics of truck chassis such as the natural frequency and mode shape were determined by using finite element method. Experimental modal analysis was carried out to validate the FE models. Predicted natural frequency and mode shape were validated against experimental results. Finally, the modifications of the updated FE truck chassis model was proposed to reduce the vibration, improve the strength, and optimize the weight of the truck chassis.