A Study on an Optimal Spot-weld Layout Design for a Shock Tower Structure Considering the Fatigue Life under Random Vibration Loads

In this paper, optimal spot weld layout design for a shock tower structure is presented. This design increases the fatigue life of the spot-welds thereby increasing the fatigue life of the shock tower itself. In order to predict the fatigue life, a quasi-static analysis has been conducted then a fatigue analysis was performed through the application of random vibration loads. In order to optimize the spot weld layout, the design variables that have an effect on the spot weld fatigue life were determined. A spot weld fatigue analysis was then conducted based on the experiment design. Finally, a response surface model was made using the fatigue analysis results and an optimized spot weld layout model, one that increases the fatigue life of the spot welds and thereby the fatigue life of the shock tower, was developed.