Structure Optimization of a Locomotive Support Vehicle Based on FEM Analysis

Abstract

Finite Element Method pre and post processing tool FAST and a self-programmed software optim3.f are used for structural optimization analysis for main parts of a railway locomotive support vehicle. For best structure optimization, a program code which has considered 3D structure optimization was added to original program to automatically erase nodes whose effective stress was smaller than a given value. Detailed analysis are undertaken to main causes of stress concentration, and using optimized design methods, effective measure for reforming stress concentration and a new structure were proposed.