Analytical modelling of twist beam axles

Abstract

This paper presents an efficient method for concept design of twist beam axles and other similar mechanical systems by using analytical models. A concept of twist beam axles has been idealised as a beam model with extensive parametric variables. With this model many stiffness and kinematic characteristics which are typically required for twist beam axles can be determined analytically and accurately within a few seconds. Compared to the conventional method with numerous CAD and CAE iterations this new method can substantially reduce the development time, including human resources and computation time. Several axles have been evaluated and verified. The results are well comparable with those of CAE simulations. This very fast and efficient concept development can be coupled with mathematical optimisation algorithms in order to obtain an ideal starting position for further CAD/CAE-based product development in detail.