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Masters_Thesis_Walters_FINAL.pdf (5.84 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

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Design, Validation, and Optimization of a Rear Sub-frame with Electric Powertrain Integration

Walters, David Michael
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2526-709X
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1437665533

Abstract Details

2015, Master of Science, Ohio State University, Mechanical Engineering.
Government regulations and consumer desire continue to aggressively push automotive manufacturers to improve the fuel economy and emissions of new vehicle designs. Vehicle weight reduction and the use of hybrid electric powertrains are becoming more commonly used methods for addressing a need for improved fuel economy and reduced vehicle emission. EcoCAR 2 is a three year collegiate design competition that involves 15 teams from universities across North America, competing to develop a vehicle with improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. Each team starts with a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu and replaces the powertrain with the primary objective being the reduction of fuel consumption and emissions. The team from The Ohio State University incorporated a rear electric powertrain featuring an electric machine and single-speed transmission into their vehicle architecture. This resulted in the need for a customized rear cradle to support the addition of a rear electric powertrain. An initial custom cradle design was created by modifying an existing steel rear sub-frame to accommodate the addition of the rear electric powertrain. However, in order to reduce total vehicle weight and thus improve fuel economy and reduce emissions, a reduced mass, aluminum rear cradle was created for Ohio State's final vehicle design. This study covers the methodology surrounding the design, validation, and optimization of that final rear cradle design.
Giorgio Rizzoni (Advisor)
Shawn Midlam-Mohler (Committee Member)
174 p.
Automotive Engineering; Design; Engineering
Sub-frame; Rear Electric Power-train; EcoCAR 2; Aluminum Cradle; Aluminum Sub-frame; FEA; Design Cycle

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Walters, D. M. (2015). Design, Validation, and Optimization of a Rear Sub-frame with Electric Powertrain Integration [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1437665533

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Walters, David. Design, Validation, and Optimization of a Rear Sub-frame with Electric Powertrain Integration. 2015. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1437665533.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Walters, David. "Design, Validation, and Optimization of a Rear Sub-frame with Electric Powertrain Integration." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2015. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1437665533

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1437665533
3,023
© 2015, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.