Dynamic Structure Optimization Design of Lower Control Arm Based on ESL

Structure optimization techniques under static load conditions have been widely used in automotive industry for lightweight and performance improvement of modern cars. However, these static load conditions could not represent all the severe situations of automobile parts which subjected to complex loads varying with time, especially for lower control arm of front suspension. In this study, dynamic optimization of lower control arm was performed by combing traditional static load optimization techniques and multi-body dynamics by Equivalent Static Load (ESL). And the best draw-bead distribution of the stamped lower control arm was attained. Comparing the MBD analysis results of the new design derived from dynamic optimization and original structure, results show that the strength and stiffness was increased significantly while the mass was almost unchanged.