Optimization of the powertrain rubber suspension structure

Abstract In light of the necessity for precise parameter value determination in order to meet stiffness requirements at the initial design stage of the powertrain rubber suspension main spring parameters, this paper proposes the utilisation of an orthogonal experimental analysis in conjunction with a finite element method Taguchi test, employing the Minitab software, in order to achieve comprehensive analysis. It is necessary to consider the width ( W ), length ( L ), the angle of two adjacent rubber blocks ( Ɵ ), the distance from the upper surface of the inner ring ( D ), and the diameter reduction ( r ) of the outer ring of the rubber main spring during the vulcanization of the outer ring. ABAQUS was employed to calculate the suspension stiffness, with a particular focus on the V-direction stiffness within the suspension local coordinate system. In order to achieve a closer alignment with the target stiffness value, the genetic algorithm in Matlab was utilized to optimize Pareto on the basis of the orthogonal test data. This ultimately led to the identification of the optimal combination of suspension parameters that satisfied the requisite stiffness value, thereby facilitating the early development of the suspension and reducing the overall time required for this phase of the project.