Abstract: This paper focuses on an estimation of light weighting opportunities for the frame structure of commercial road vehicles. This estimation is based on simplified static load cases which play a predominant role for the dimensioning of a frame structure and therefore these simplifications are not putting the general validity of the conclusions into question. A comparison of different materials under this scenario shows that light metals do not show any weight reduction advantage in comparison to steel while a material-independent topology optimization has more weight reduction potential for the frame structure than a simple change of materials. Considering the constraints of part complexity which is directly linked with production and assembly cost, the ladder frame structure has become the current state of the art design. Thus the paper also puts a spotlight on basic rules of node design and vertical load induction in order to keep the weight of such a design as low as possible. Practical examples from manufacturers show that the weight of a commercial vehicle could be reduced by 10% and main parts of the frame structure could be reduced by 30% using high strength steel in combination with innovative production methods like roll forming.

Key words: Ladder frame, Light weighting, Commercial vehicle, Node design, High strength steel, Profile section, Vertical bending, Topology optimization