Metamodel-based optimization of a control arm considering strength and durability performance

Simulation-based surrogate models have been used for a variety of applications in automotive industry. In this paper, based on the FEM analysis, both of the response surface model (RSM) and Kriging model are used to optimize an ADI upper control arm, where the weight of the upper control arm is considered as the design objective, and the maximum allowable von Mises stress the constraint objective. The initial FEM analysis shows the stress distribution and maximum stress on the upper control arm under a very severe loading condition. And, by virtue of the result of FEM analyses, fifty simulations with six design variables are performed for RSM and Kriging model to construct the approximation of the weight and maximum stress to obtain the optimum result. The optimized results obtained by using RSM and KRG are confirmed by a verified FEM analysis. In addition, a fatigue analysis is carried out to verify the durability the final design.