The Lightweight Design of a Dump Truck Frame based on Dynamic Responses

This paper develops a new scheme for the
lightweight design of heavy dump truck frames based on the
characteristics of dynamic responses. The dynamic response
is predicted using a finite element (FE) model which is
verified by an experimental mode analysis. The FE model is
then used to investigate the characteristics of dynamic
responses and frame weight changes with respect to the
mass changes of each frame component for selecting
significant components. An optimization is finally developed
for the lightweight design under constrains that maintain
required dynamic responses and static strength. The
optimization results show that the weight of frame can be
reduced by 8%, showing that the scheme is an effective way
to achieve automotive lightweight design.