Abstract
We performed shape optimization of an anti-vibration rubber assembly which is used in the field option cabin of agricultural tractors to improve the vibration isolation capability. To characterize the hyper-elastic material property of rubber, we performed uniaxial and biaxial tension tests and used the data to calibrate the material model applied in the finite element analyses. We conducted a field test to characterize the input excitation from the tractor and the output response at the cabin frame. To account for the nonlinear behavior of rubber, we performed static analyses to derive the load-displacement curve of the anti-vibration rubber assembly. The stiffness of the rubber assembly could be calculated from this curve and was input to the harmonic analyses of the cabin. We compared the results with the test data for verification. We utilized Taguchi's parameter design method to determine the optimal shape of the anti-vibration rubber assembly and found two distinct shapes with reduced stiffness. Results show that the vibration at the cabin frame was reduced by approximately 35% or 47.6% compared with the initial design using the two optimized models.