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Advanced Non-linear topology optimization methods have been addressed as the most promising techniques for light weight and performance design of Powertrain structures. The theoretical achievements are obtained both mechanically and mathematically. Nowadays, the great challenge lies in solving more complicated engineering design problems with multidisciplinary objectives or complex structural systems. The purpose of this paper is to provide a forum to present new developments in structural Non-linear topology optimization. The advantage of the proposed method is that structural optimization on irregular design domains can be carried out easily. Furthermore, this method integrates the stress analysis and the boundary evolution within the framework of finite element methods. In this paper, mainly focused on the Commercial Vehicles Powertrain component i.e. Transmission Housing.

Assessment of cooling performance in the design stage of vehicle allows a reduction in the number of needed prototypes and reduces the overall design cycle time. Frontend cooling and thermal management play an essential role in the early stages of commercial vehicle design. Sufficient airflow needs to be available for adequate cooling of the under-hood components. The amount of air mass flow depends on the under-hood geometry details, positioning and size of the grilles, fan operation and the positioning of the other components. Thermal performance depends on the selection of heat exchanger. This paper describes the effects of several design actions on engine cooling performance of a commercial vehicle with the help of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation tool Fluent™. Front of vehicle design is captured in detailed FE model, considering front bumper, grille, cabin, cargo and surrounding under-hood and underbody components.

Vehicle life and performance is affected by many factors when in use. The most influential being the vibrations generated especially when the vehicle is in motion. These vibrations are directly experienced by the driver, whose performance goes down, if under continuous influence of these vibrations. This increases the fatigue and greatly reduces the return on investment done by the customer. There are two major sources of vibrations, the engine and the road on which the vehicle moves. To prevent such issues engine mounts are used in vehicles, which may seem simple but perform a critical role, of providing comfort to the driver. Therefore, it becomes important that thoroughly designed and examined mounts are being used in the vehicle. This paper focuses on the methodology to be followed for design and validation of an engine mount used in heavy duty vehicles.

In the growing automobile world, every commercial vehicle manufacturer upgrades their product from their existing product to meet world market demand for high power engine with high torque, most fuel efficient, BS-IV and BS-V emission norms and less cost. In an Engine cylinder block and cylinder head are among the critical parts need to be modified to upgrade the existing engine platform. The VE4101 Engine is a massive 3.8 l 4 Cyl 16 valve engine based on the E483 4 cyl 8 valve engine, which is currently being mass produced in VECV, India. This engine cylinder block and cylinder head are designed with key features such as capable for high peak firing pressure, rigid load structure, curvy envelope and ribs to reduce NVH, light weight 2 split top box manufacturing method. Key strategy is used such as less capital investment in purchasing machines, no/less alteration in current machining and assembly line.

Increased options and flexibility in common rail direct injection provides a great opportunity for combustion optimization using fuel and air system with proper combustion chamber configuration. This paper elaborates the experimental work conducted for combustion optimization with combinations of piston bowl, intake port swirl, injector specifications and turbo charging on a 3.8 l four valve diesel engine of LDT application equipped with common rail fuel injection system and waste gate turbo charge. In meeting the target emission norms with internal engine measures, the design of the piston bowl and the nozzle configuration perform a defining role. Through simulations the best option had been carried out parametrically investigate the influence of piston bowl geometry and nozzle characteristics on the performance of the combustion system.

The reduction of tire wear in vehicle is one of the major challenges for engineers. Under-inflated tire can cause reduction in tire life along with decrease in driving stability of vehicle. Efforts have been taken to develop a low-cost auto-tire inflation system integrated in vehicle for reduction in tire wear as well as to avoid periodic checks of tire pressure. This paper deals with the technology and design approach required in the development of auto-tire inflation system for commercial vehicle. This system should have the fundamental role of not only monitoring the tire pressure but also inflating the tire to the recommended level of pressure whenever the pressure is reduced below the recommended level. Different approaches have been worked out for integration of system on vehicle with least modification in existing design.

Overall cycle time and prototype testing are significantly decreased by assessment of cooling module performance in the design stage itself. Hence, Front End Cooling and Thermal Management are essential components of the vehicle design process. Performance of the cooling module depends upon a variety of factors like frontal opening, air flow, under-hood sub-systems, module positioning, front grill design, fan operation. Effects of design modifications on the engine cooling performance are quantified by utilizing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tool FluentTM. Vehicle frontal configuration is captured in the FE model considering cabin, cargo and underbody components. Heat Exchanger module is modelled as a porous medium to simulate the fluid flow. Performance data for the Heat Exchanger module is generated using the 1D KuliTM software. In this paper, CFD simulation of Front End Cooling is performed for maximum torque and maximum power operating conditions.

To compete with the current market trends there is always a need to arrive at a cost effective and light weight designs. For Commercial Vehicles, an attempt is made to replace existing Gear Shift Fork from FC Iron (Ferro Cast Iron) to ADC (Aluminum Die Casting) without compromising its strength & stiffness, considering/bearing all the worst road load cases and severe environmental conditions. ADC has good mechanical and thermal properties compared to FC Iron. Feasible design has been Optimized within the given design space with an extra supporting pad for load distribution. Optimization, Stiffness, Contact pattern has been done using OptiStruct, Nastran & Ansys for CAE evaluation. A 6-speed manual transmission is used as an example to illustrate the simulation and validation of the optimized design. Advanced linear topology optimization methods have been addressed as the most promising techniques for light weighting and performance design of Powertrain structures.