Front suspension frame is an integral part of automobile chassis which acts as a major load carrying structural member and connects different suspension components with body. It provides the required stiffness for achieving desired vehicle dynamics performance. Acting as a major road load path from tire to body, it also acts as a mounting base for suspension arm, steering and compression rod.
Considering the competitive market conditions, increased fuel efficiency demand along with enhanced structural durability, it is important to evaluate suspension frame for stiffness and durability using Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) methodology so as to reduce product development time and First Time Right cost effective design.
In this paper focus is given on CAE methodology used to design a light weight tubular kind of suspension frame for light commercial vehicle with stiffness comparable to conventional sheet metal suspension frame and similar durability performance with reduced weight. Explained CAE methodology is also validated with bench test results and correlation between bench test and CAE analysis is studied.
Citation: Thomas, M., Dhawan, R., L, D., and Prakash, A., "Light Weight Tubular Suspension Frame Design for Light Commercial Vehicle," SAE Technical Paper 2021-26-0398, 2021, https://doi.org/10.4271/2021-26-0398. Download Citation
