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Modular platform optimization in conceptual vehicle body design via modified graph-based decomposition algorithm and cost-based priority method

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Abstract

The modular platform design, an increasingly popular method for designing vehicles, involves several unresolved problems such as the lack of effective techniques for dividing structural components into modules. This article presents a methodology for dividing a typical body-in-white structure into modules based on a modified graph-based decomposition algorithm, then selecting the shared modules based on a cost-based priority method. Structural stiffness, manufacturability, and assembling ability are three main optimization objects. Shared modules, parameterized modules, and flexible modules can be easily determined and optimized through the proposed methodology. In the case study, the proposed methodology was applied to design a car product family to validate its feasibility and effectiveness.

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Acknowledgments

This work was funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 11272077) and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of China (DUT16LAB17). These Supports are gratefully acknowledged.

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Correspondence to Chunlai Shan.

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Hou, W., Shan, C., Yu, Y. et al. Modular platform optimization in conceptual vehicle body design via modified graph-based decomposition algorithm and cost-based priority method. Struct Multidisc Optim 55, 2087–2097 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00158-016-1629-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00158-016-1629-5

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