Design of an Aluminum Alloy Swingarm and its Weight minimization using Topology Optimization

Atishay Jain

doi:10.4271/2015-01-1356

Conventional motorcycle swingarm design includes steel tubing and sheet metal structures. Conventional swingarm are inherently over-designed as their design comprises of tubular structures of same cross section through the entire length of the swingarm, whereas the stress induced varies along the length (maximum near the frame pivot).

An aluminum alloy swingarm design even when subjected to casting manufacturing constraints, has the potential for better material layout and weight minimization. But obtaining an ideal material layout for maximum performance can be a challenge as it requires a number of time consuming design iteration cycles.

This paper aims to use concept based design methodology for design of aluminum alloy swing arm by application of topology optimization techniques to meet styling and structural targets and thus, obtain an end user product.

This paper demonstrates the use of a concept based design approach in contrast to the conventional experience based approach. The concept based designing can be deemed to be more profitable and as it greatly reduces design iteration cycle time.

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Design of an Aluminum Alloy Swingarm and its Weight minimization using Topology Optimization 2015-01-1356

SAE MOBILUS