Simulation and experimental validation of powertrain mounting bracket design obtained from multi-objective topology optimization

Abstract

A framework of multi-objective topology optimization for vehicle powertrain mounting bracket design with consideration of multiple static and dynamic loading conditions is developed in this article. Incorporating into the simplified isotropic material with penalization model, compromise programming method is employed to describe the multi-objective and multi-stiffness topology optimization under static loading conditions, whereas mean eigenvalue formulation is proposed to analyze vibration optimization. To yield well-behaved optimal topologies, minimum member size and draw constraint are settled for meeting manufacturing feasibility requirements. The ultimate mounting bracket is reconstructed based on the optimum results. Numerical analyses of the bracket are performed, followed by physical tests. It is proven that topology optimization methodology is promising and effective for vehicle component design.