Rib Design for Improving the Local Stiffness of Gearbox Housing for Agricultural Electric Vehicles

Abstract

In this work, a rib design process is proposed to improve the local stiffness of gearbox housing for agricultural electric vehicles. Unlike conventional engines, electric powertrain noise includes high frequency factors and pure tones. Considering these characteristics, local stiffness was evaluated in the frequency range of interest for the prediction of dynamic behavior. The local stiffness of the gearbox housing was evaluated using the finite element (FE) model. Experimental modal analysis and FE model update were conducted to ensure the reliability of the results. Using the results of local stiffness evaluations, the stiffness weak point was identified, and the rib design location was selected through a strain analysis. The shape of the ribs was parameterized by width, length, and height, and parameter studies were used to compare the local stiffness increase rate according to the rib design pattern. According to the results, the stiffness increase rate against the same mass was distributed differently according to the rib shape, and the most efficient rib shape was selected from a manufacturing perspective.