Lightweighting of Wishbone Finite Element Analysis

This paper focuses on lightweighting of wishbone structure for ordinary 5-seated commercial vehicle. Typically, the wishbone structure is made of high carbon steel and the aim is to investigate if the composite materials, such as E-Glass/Epoxy, Carbon/Epoxy and Boron/Epoxy, can achieve the lightweighting purpose without compromising material strength. The study is carried out through finite element package (Siemen NX) with the consideration of three different loading conditions, namely, lateral braking force, vertical and longitudinal braking force. Throughout the study, it is found that both Carbon/Epoxy and Boron/Epoxy composites is able to reduce the weight of the component by 46% while maintaining the required strength.