Lightweight flatbed trailer design by using topology and thickness optimization

A new design for a lightweight flatbed trailer with high bending stiffness and torsional frequency is presented. The design procedure consists of two main steps: topology optimization and thickness optimization. During topology optimization, a creative frame layout different from existing ladder-type frames can be obtained by searching the best layout out of all possible layouts of a simplified design domain model. After approximating the result of topology optimization as a thin-walled structure, the approximated thicknesses of the plates are optimized to minimize the mass of a trailer. The bending stiffness and torsional frequency obtained by topology optimization are set as design constraints for thickness optimization. Due to the closed cross-section, the optimized trailer can efficiently increase the stiffness-to-mass ratio to a large extent. Discrete thicknesses are employed as design variables for thickness optimization so that the thicknesses of the plates of a trailer can be included in those of commercially available high-strength steel products. The final model has a 29% reduction in total mass, a 21% decrease in mean compliance with a uniform bending load, and a 169% increase in torsional frequency.