Client

Hindalco,
India

Industry

Automobile

Challenge

The Government of India is encouraging the development of city buses with lightweight and environment-friendly materials like Aluminum. Our client, a world premier in Aluminum production, is looking to diversify their portfolio.

To realize this objective, TimeTooth Technologies was entrusted with the responsibility to help the client design a city bus meeting all the regulatory requirements.

The engineering challenge was to design aluminum bolted assembly opposed to steel welding. The project also evaluated strength and durability of joints under Indian road conditions and crash situations.

Service Area

Advance Simulation Engineering

Timeline

November 2011 to March 2012

Nonlinear dynamic crash analysis was carried out on complete structures for full frontal and half frontal crash scenarios deriving precise load cases.

Key Engineering Solutions

1. A FE mesh model was developed by applying loads and boundary conditions in accordance with physical behaviour during impact incorporating appropriate connectivity and material properties.

2. Critical joints were independently analyzed to identify weak spots and gain insights into structural behaviour under various loading conditions.

Solutions

TimeTooth initiated the project with the Data Collection and Preliminary 3D CAD Modeling of the vehicle. Measurements of mule vehicle and workshop visits were carried out to capture the construction details. Preliminary research led to the identification that a majority of the bus accidents occur due to frontal impact and joints form the weakest link in the bus body structure. 

A FE mesh model from 3D CAD data was developed by applying loads and boundary conditions in accordance with physical behavior during impact incorporating appropriate connectivity and material properties. Further nonlinear dynamic crash analysis was carried out on complete structures for full frontal and half frontal crash scenarios deriving precise load cases and boundary conditions crucial for micro-level joints optimization.

Critical joints were independently analyzed to identify weak spots and gain insights into structural behavior under various loading conditions. Cumulative assessment of simulation results and judicious design modifications with consideration for manufacturability and assembly feasibility was done. Design directions to enhance Joint and structure strength were shared with the client. Working closely with the client’s design team the design was finalized incorporating the suggestions.

Key Highlights

ROI for the client

Client was able to achieve a 30% lighter bus superstructure with improved efficiency.

Simple and fast assembly was achieved with fully bolted bus structure design.