The lightweight design of a dump truck frame based on dynamic responses

This paper develops a new scheme for the lightweight design of heavy dump truck frames based on the characteristics of dynamic responses. The dynamic response is predicted using a finite element (FE) model which is verified by an experimental mode analysis. The FE model is then used to investigate the characteristics of dynamic responses and frame weight changes with respect to the mass changes of each frame component for selecting significant components. An optimization is finally developed for the lightweight design under constrains that maintain required dynamic responses and static strength. The optimization results show that the weight of frame can be reduced by 8%, showing that the scheme is an effective way to achieve automotive lightweight design.