Structural Optimization of Alloy Wheel Rim Using Design of Experiments

Automobile wheel is a key component of the automobile. The optimization design for aluminium alloy wheel was implemented using Design of Experiments (DOE) in this paper. On wheel, the parameters affecting the overall efficiency such as strength, stiffness and weight are selected, and simulation experiments are completed using Minitab software according to the Box-Behnken Design. The response surface model is obtained from the Response Surface Method (RSM) and then static analysis was done by using ANSYS for each design with different combination of parameters produced by response surface model. As a result, the optimal parameters of the wheel are determined by finding the minimum value of the response model. A shape of an optimized wheel is determined by the response surface model and validity is confirmed by analysing and comparing the characteristic of wheel with the baseline design. Lastly, transient thermal analysis of the optimized alloy wheel is aimed at evaluating the performance of alloy wheel of a car under static conditions specifically in hot weather.