Topology Optimization and Performance Calculation for Control Arms of a Suspension

Abstract

Control Arm (CA) of a suspension plays an important role in the automotive ride comfort and handling stability. In this paper, the topology optimization model including ball joints and bushing for topology optimization of an aluminium CA is established, where a ball joint is simplified as rigid elements and the elastic properties of a rubber bushing are estimated using Mooney-Rivlin constitutive law. A method for treating with multiple loads in topology optimization of CA is presented. Inertia relief theory is employed in the FEA model of the CA in order to simulate the large displacement motion characteristics of the CA. A CA is designed based on the topology optimization results, and the strength, natural frequency, and rigidity of the optimized CA are calculated. The calculated results show that the performances of the optimized CA with the proposed model meet the predetermined requirements.