Optimization of bus frame with bending moment and torsion constraints using finite element method

Abstract This paper presented the optimization of bus frame to obtain the optimum weight of bus frame. Failure of the frame can be caused by bending loads and torque experienced by the structure in the conditions of two wheel bumped and one wheel bumped. The optimization process applied is structural size optimization. The method used includes solver deck input and element criteria, input material used, making load collector and load step, running program, convergence test. Then a static linear analysis is performed using the finite element method to see the maximum stress that occurs in the frame, the magnitude of the Von-mises stress value is 1,303 × 10 3 MPa under static bending conditions and 1,305 × 10 3 MPa under static torsion conditions. The next step is size optimization which results in a mass reduction of 0.236 tons under static torsion conditions and 0.46 tons under static bending conditions.