Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems
 |
 |
 |
Project
Corvette Engine Cradle Design
Description:
Through the use of microstructure – property modeling, finite element analysis and optimization techniques, provide accurate failure prediction and redesign of light weight structural cast magnesium engine cradle for GM Corvette.
Cradle Location and Function
Scientific Merit
Using multi-scale material modeling methodology along with optimization techniques
in component design.
Plasticity/Damage Model Parameters
Finite Element Analysis Information
• ABAQUS Finite Element Analysis code
• Second order, 10-node tetrahedral elements
— 480,000 Nodes
—267,000 Elements
• Analysis time is 17 hours using 4 processors
• A superelement of the frame rails is used in constraining the cradle
• Evaluated 35 different load cases, found panic brake and pothole strike were most severe
Structure Used for Analysis
Stress Contours From the Pothole Strike Load Case
Status
• Simulations have begun on two new cradle designs
Future Work
• Finalize microstructure – property model to determine maximum damage/failure location
• Perform experiments to validate failure prediction
• Apply multi objective optimization techniques to improve cradle design
| CAVS is an HPC² member center. | Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. | Site Map | Webmaster | Intranet |