Topology Optimization Study for Rear Swing Arm of a Lightweight Solar-Powered Vehicle

Abstract

In this study, the design improvement of the rear swing arm used in the independent rear suspension system of a single-wheel drive solar-powered vehicle was carried out by topology optimization. First of all, the quasi-static standard load conditions for the driving conditions of the solar-powered vehicle were examined, and the static analysis of the rear suspension system was performed using the finite element method. Considering the critical stress regions in the rear swing arm, a rough model was created with the same geometrical boundaries. Multi-step topology optimization is applied to this model. Finite element analysis was performed under the same boundary conditions to validate the optimized design. The main purpose of this study is to provide an improved model by reducing the stress concentration of the rear swing arm.