Automotive Chassis Topology Optimization:a Comparison Between Spider and Coup´e Designs

Weight reduction is a major issue for carmakercompanies due the need to comply with the emission regulationswithout reducing the vehicle safety. A classic trial-and-errorapproach to design in the automotive industry is becominginadequate and new means are needed to enhance the designprocess. A major improvement on the end product can beachieved by adopting suitable optimization techniques fromthe early design stage. In the present paper the problem ofautomotive chassis design in view of weight reduction is tackledby means of topology optimization. The design methodologyproposed is applied twice: at first addressing a chassis for spidervehicles, then for coup´e vehicles. The two chassis, togetherwith some intermediate result are discussed and compared.The methodology has been proven to be successful in findinginnovative and efficient layouts for automotive chassis.