Multi-stage design of an automotive component

This paper proposes an efficient design process for an automotive component consisting of three design stages. The design stages consist of compliance minimisation (topological design), eigenvalue maximisation (topological design), and detailed design. The design parameters include mass, compliance, natural frequency, Frequency Response Function (FRF), stress, displacement, buckling, and fatigue life. The three-stage design is implemented on the synthesis of an automotive part. The mechanical part obtained by using such a design strategy is compared to the original design that is currently in use. It is found that the new part, using the proposed design approach, is superior to the original component based upon static and dynamic performance.