This content is not included in
your SAE MOBILUS subscription, or you are not logged in.
Simultaneous Engineering of Aluminum Castings for Chassis Components
Annotation ability available
Sector:
Language:
English
Abstract
The application of Computer-Aided Engineering is accelerating product design, process design, and prototype development for conversion of suspension steel fabrications to aluminum castings. Development cycle-time reduction is achieved by sharing a consistent CAE model among the system designers, component designers, and process development engineers.
The CAE tools being utilized include Solid Modeling tools for geometry definition and manipulation, linear FEA for evaluating strength and stiffness, and non-linear heat-transfer for modeling the casting solidification. One of the major breakthroughs in cycle-time reduction for the CAE efforts is the utilization of automatic mesh-generation technology.
The component geometry is simultaneously developed by product and casting engineers, so that the manufacturability issues are addressed up-front. Preliminary stress and solidification FEA are conducted in parallel to generate a more optimal geometry. This same geometric model is later used to create Laminated Object Model (LOM) Rapid prototypes. The tooling for the prototype sand-castings is produced from the LOM.
Early prototypes are produced as sand-castings, allowing shortest possible lead-times, and permitting the maximum possible time for design optimization through Finite Element Analysis.
Examples of successful aluminum conversions, and the tools and technologies enabling these successes, as well as lessons learned are presented.
Recommended Content
Authors
Topic
Citation
Shende, V., "Simultaneous Engineering of Aluminum Castings for Chassis Components," SAE Technical Paper 960545, 1996, https://doi.org/10.4271/960545.Also In
References
- Mark's Standard Handbook for Mechanical Engineers McGraw Hill Inc. New York
- Meshcast User Manual UES Inc. Annapolis MD.
- MSC/PATRAN Users Manual Costa Mesa, CA.