Design Optimization of Automobile Wheel Rim by Using Taguchi-SAW Method

Ngoc Thai Huynh; Anh Son  Tran; Anh Cuong Ho; Van Nang Do; Minh Hung Vu; Quoc Manh Nguyen

doi:10.5614/j.eng.technol.sci.2026.58.4.9

Authors

Ngoc Thai Huynh Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Technology, Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade, 140 Le Trong Tan, Tay Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, , Viet Nam https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3486-6983
Anh Son Tran Faculty of Automotive Engineering and Technology, Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City, 12 Nguyen Van Bao street, Hanh Thong Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, , Viet Nam
Anh Cuong Ho Faculty of Automotive Engineering and Technology, Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City, 12 Nguyen Van Bao street, Hanh Thong Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, , Viet Nam https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4342-663X
Van Nang Do
dovannang@iuh.edu.vn
Faculty of Automotive Engineering and Technology, Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City, 12 Nguyen Van Bao street, Hanh Thong Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, , Viet Nam
Minh Hung Vu Faculty of Fundamental Sciences, PetroVietnam University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, , Viet Nam
Quoc Manh Nguyen Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Hung Yen University of Technology and Education, Hung Yen 160000, , Viet Nam

Vol. 58 No. 4 (2026): Vol. 58 No. 3(2026): August

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Accepted May 26, 2026

Published July 28, 2026

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In the automotive industry, reducing vehicle weight while maintaining durability is crucial for improving fuel efficiency, reducing emissions, and enhancing overall vehicle performance. The wheel rim is a vital component that supports the vehicle’s load and influences unsprung mass, directly affecting ride quality and safety. Therefore, designing an optimized wheel rim that minimizes weight without compromising strength under heavy load conditions is essential. This research investigates three materials—aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy, and titanium alloy—known for their high strength-to-weight ratios and suitability for automotive applications. Three key geometric design variables were considered: spoke thickness (t), spoke width (w), and spoke radius (r), each tested at three different levels. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was conducted using ANSYS software to evaluate stress distribution and deformation of various design configurations under typical operational loads. Optimization was performed using the Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) multi-criteria decision-making method to identify the most effective design balancing multiple objectives. To ensure the reliability of results, statistical methods including the Taguchi method, analysis of variance (ANOVA), interaction analysis, and regression analysis were applied for validation. The optimized wheel rim design achieved an 11% weight reduction compared to the baseline model, with maximum stress and deformation values of 29.106 MPa and 0.0459 mm, respectively. These closely matched the predicted values, showing errors of only 0.66% and 0.31%, confirming the accuracy of the model. This study demonstrates a successful approach to producing a lightweight, durable wheel rim that can contribute to improved vehicle efficiency and reduced manufacturing costs.

Huynh, N. T., Tran, A. S. ., Ho, A. C., Do, V. N., Vu, M. H., & Nguyen, Q. M. (2026). Design Optimization of Automobile Wheel Rim by Using Taguchi-SAW Method. Journal of Engineering and Technological Sciences, 58(4), 584–601. https://doi.org/10.5614/j.eng.technol.sci.2026.58.4.9

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