Parametric Study of Ladder Frame Chassis Stiffness 2016-01-1328
To compete with the current market trends, there is always a need to develop cost effective frame designs to meet the needs of the customer. During the development of new vehicles, the major focus is on weight reduction, so as to improve the load carrying capacity and fuel efficiency. Due to the introduction of new high strength materials, the static strength conditions can be met by the use of thinner frames, but the dynamic behavior of the frame deteriorates.
The dynamic behaviors like ride and handling, comfort are affected by the stiffness of the vehicle frame. The stiffness of the frame is majorly defined by its vertical stiffness, lateral stiffness and torsional stiffness. The vertical stiffness of the frame plays major role in isolating road vibrations to frame mounted aggregates. The lateral stiffness plays a very important role in the handling of the vehicle and cornering ability of the vehicle. Torsional stiffness effects the roll and lateral load transfer distribution.
This paper considers the effect of various frame parameters like wheelbase, spring track width, addition of a stiffener and sectional width, height and thickness of long member. The weightage of these parameters on each of the stiffness criterion is computed. By using these weightages the frame can be designed to provide the required stiffness optimally.
