Topology Optimization of Automotive Vibration Test Jig: Natural Frequency Maximization and Weight Reduction

Abstract

Vibration test jigs are essential components for evaluating the dynamic performance and durability of automotive parts, such as lamps. This study aimed to derive optimal jig configurations that simultaneously maximize natural frequency and minimize structural weight through topology optimization. A fixed-grid finite-element model was constructed by incorporating realistic lamp mass and boundary conditions at the mounting interfaces to simulate actual testing scenarios. Four optimization formalizations were investigated: (1) compliance minimization, (2) compliance minimization with natural-frequency constraints, (3) natural-frequency maximization, and (4) natural-frequency maximization with compliance constraints. Both full-domain and reduced-domain designs were analyzed to assess the influence of domain scope. The results indicate that formulations that use only natural-frequency objectives often result in shape divergence and convergence instability. In contrast, strategies incorporating frequency as a constraint—particularly compliance minimization with a natural-frequency constraint—exhibited superior performance by achieving a balance between stiffness and weight. Furthermore, the reduced-domain configuration enhanced the natural frequency owing to the greater design freedom, although this resulted in a trade-off of increased weight. These findings underscore the importance of selecting appropriate formalization strategies and domain settings to secure reliable vibration performance and support the necessity of multi-objective optimization frameworks for the practical design of vibration-sensitive structures.

Keywords

• topology optimization
• vibration test jig
• multi-objective optimization
• natural frequency
• weight reduction
• automotive lamp