In a vehicle, the clutch is used to transmit engine power and to disengage the engine and transmission when shifting gears. The main parts of the clutch assembly are the flywheel, clutch disc, pressure plate, clutch cover, pivot rings, diaphragm spring and release bearing. A diaphragm spring is used to clamp the pressure plate against the clutch disc. Each diaphragm spring has many small holes (windows) positioned around the disc spring. The window provides a location for crack growth when the part is subjected to tensile fatigue loading. Recent developments in the methodology and computer implementation of structural optimisation offer the potential for significant improvements in the design. In this paper, shape optimisation of an automobile clutch diaphragm spring is performed using a generic algorithm. In order to have high fatigue resistance, optimum window profile is determined and concentrated stress at the window region is decreased. A genetic algorithm based approach is developed to optimise the diaphragm spring window profile which has concentrated stress, through integrating a finite element code running in batch mode to compute the objective function values for each generation. Finally, a hill climbing local search algorithm is employed to tune the window profile parameters. It is helpful to form an optimal shape in the region of stress concentration in order to reach a maximum lifetime of structures. This design evaluation process helps engineers to optimise products before reaching the prototype stage.
Optimal design of an automotive diaphragm spring with high fatigue resistance
Optimaler Entwurf einer Fahrzeugmembranfeder mit hohem Ermüdungswiderstand
International Journal of Vehicle Design ; 40 , 1-3 ; 126-143
2006
18 Seiten, 14 Bilder, 2 Tabellen, 22 Quellen
Article (Journal)
English
Anwendung im Motorenbau , Konstruktionsmethodik , rechnerunterstützter Entwurf , Tellerfeder , Druckfeder , Ermüdungswiderstand , genetischer Algorithmus , Fahrzeugkupplung , Ermüdungsrissausbreitung , Spannungskonzentration , mechanische Spannung , Spannungsberechnung , Finite-Elemente-Methode , Ermüdungslebensdauer , Produktentwicklung
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