STATICS AND DYNAMICS STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF A 4.5 TON TRUCK CHASSIS

Abstract

Truck chassis forms the structural backbone of a commercial vehicle. The main
function of the truck chassis is to support the components and payload placed
upon it. When the truck travels along the road, the chassis is subj ected to
vibration induced by road roughness and excitation by vibrating components
mounted on it. This paper presents the study ofthe vibration characteristics ofthe
truck chassis that include the natural frequencies and mode shapes. The responses
of the truck chassis which include the stress distribution and displacement under
various loading condition are also observed. The method used in the numerical
analysis is finite element technique. The results show that the road excitation is
the main disturbance to the truck chass is as the chassis natural frequencies lie
within the road excitation frequency range. The mode shape results determine the
suitable mounting locations of components like engine and suspension system.
Some modifications are also suggested to reduce the vibration and to improve the
strength of the truck chassis.