Enhancing the Performance and Durability of Commercial Vehicle Cargo Box Frames through Modal Analysis

Abstract

The cargo box frame (CBF) is the main structure of a commercial vehicle designed to handle loads and components during travel. The chassis is subject to vibrations caused by rough roads and the components mounted on it. This study proposes a procedure for analyzing and validating CBF structures using a combination of non-destructive modal analysis and finite element analysis to investigate the vibration characteristics of the four-wheel CBF, including its natural frequency and mode shapes. The CBF’s response to various load conditions, including stress distribution and displacement, was analyzed. The results show that the actuation frequency can affect a truck’s chassis due to the CBF’s natural frequency falling within the excitation range. The resulting mode shape can improve CBF strength, reduce weight, identify defective welds, and determine optimal mounting locations based on the center of gravity (CG) for components such as side-swing doors and cold room panels.

Structural performance evaluation of an electric vehicle chassis

“…Researchers have performed modal analysis using FEA to identify the natural frequencies of the chassis and determine whether they coincide with the excitation frequencies of the road or engine, which can lead to significant vibrations and resonance [5]. Since natural frequencies are determined based on the mass and stiffness of the structure, the results of the analysis have paved the way for modification and optimization in chassis design to change the natural frequencies of the chassis [6], [7]. However, a significant oversight in the existing research is the failure to model the chassis under real-world conditions by neglecting the additional mass imposed on the chassis by seats, passengers, and other accessories.…”