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Structural optimization has evolved vastly based on the development of computational based analysis – CAE. Structural optimization is usually a linear static response optimization because nonlinear response structural optimization is very expensive to perform. But in the real world, most of the automobile load cases are non-linear in nature. Equivalent static load structural optimization is a structural optimization method where Equivalent Static Loads (ESLs) are utilized as external loads for linear static response optimization. ESL is defined as the static load that generates the similar displacement by an analysis which is not linear static. This paper explains the development of a weight optimized BIW structure from an already existing model satisfying the NVH and Crash requirements. Basic structural crash loads are converted into ESLs with appropriate constraints.

Light weighting in the automotive industry without the use of finite element methodologies is now inconceivable. With the development and enhancement of various CAE tools available, CAE-driven optimization has become part of the product development cycle. Using a variety of CAE techniques in a lightweight optimization process can significantly reduce product development lead time with good results. Traditional light weighting can be done through different iterative approaches with different manual inputs from cross-domain teams, which is usually time consuming and leads to repeated analysis. This method describes the case of a multi-domain optimization approach with the reduction of the frame weight of an e-scooter while considering important cross-domain load cases using CAE. For frame optimization, the important load cases such as Durability/Strength (Normal and Abusive), and NVH (Stiffness, Modes and Vibration) - were taken into account.