Weight reduction of automobile wheel using topology optimization and 3-D printing production

Abstract

Recently, environmental regulations for automobiles have been strengthened and the reduction of weight for automobiles is regarded as a crucial research area for solving the air pollution problem as well as saving the energy. In the past, the research for vehicle weight reduction was mainly focused on the material of the parts rather than the design optimization due to the limitations of the production process. However, more research has been recently carried out on the optimized design that overcomes the limitations of the production process by employing the additive manufacturing. In this study, the conventional wheel for automobile is redesigned through the topology optimization and it is manufactured using 3-D printer instead of casting. By redesigning the wheel, the equivalent mechanical stiffness can be maintained and the weight can be reduced. The reduction of weight for automobile parts achieved through the topology optimization and 3-D printing production technology has the potential to be utilized not only in the automobile industry but also in various industries such as portable device and the aerospace industry.