Lightening optimization of special transportation trailer frames using the finite element method

Today, the development of computer-aided engineering (CAE) methods is beneficial in shortening the development process of many products and determining the adequacy of the designs of the products. It is possible to improve the design in terms of strength and lightness before the prototype of structures such as chassis systems, which play an important role in vehicles, are created. In the study, the design of special transport trailer chassis used to carry automobile spare parts cases in terms of strength criteria was developed and lightening optimization was aimed. CATIA V5 was used in designs and ANSYS package program was used for analysis. Static and fatigue analysis were applied to the design with determined boundary conditions and loadings. Within the scope of the study, the finite element analysis results on the existing chassis of the special transport trailer were evaluated. Then, the analysis values of the chassis designed for the purpose of lightening optimizations on the existing chassis were compared with the existing chassis and a new chassis was decided. To verify the analyzes, the existing chassis results were compared with the physical tests, and it was determined that they were appropriate. Thus, it has been determined that the existing chassis can be optimized for lightening in the virtual environment. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that the weight of the new chassis decreased by 16.45% compared to the existing chassis and its strength increased by 5%.