Dissertation Defense - Gözde Tunçer (PHDME)

Gözde Tunçer – PhD. Mechanical Engineering

Assoc. Prof. Polat Şendur – Advisor

Date: 24.12.25

Time: 12:00

Location: AB4- 428

“ARCHITECTURAL CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT OF AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS VIA MULTI-DISCIPLINARY OPTIMIZATION (MDO) METHODS”

Assoc. Prof. Polat Şendur, Özyeğin University

Prof. Güney Güven Yapıcı, Özyeğin University

Asst. Prof. Göktürk Poyrazoğlu, Özyeğin University

Prof. Alper Taşdemirci, İzmir Institute of Technology

Asst. Prof. Namık Kılıç, MEF University

Abstract:

This thesis presents an integrated optimization framework for early-phase and mid- phase vehicle design, covering concept development, structural joining, and functional performance. Modern vehicle design requires simultaneous consideration of vehicle dynamics, durability, NVH, manufacturability, and cost, which traditional sequential approaches often overlook. The first contribution focuses on structural adhesives and spotwelding. Topology and topometry optimization determined optimal adhesive layouts, weight impacts, and critical spotwelds, improving torsional stiffness and reducing material use. The second contribution optimizes damping pad placement on a vehicle door. SIMP-based topology optimization minimized door panel vibrations within material constraints, producing manufacturable layouts that reduce resonance peaks and amplitudes. The third contribution introduces a parametric cross-section tool for early-stage concept design. Integrating structural models, multibody analysis, and finite element simulations, it balances stiffness, mass, VeD, durability and NVH while considering manufacturability. Overall, the framework enhances vehicle performance, efficiency, and industrial feasibility while reducing development time and cost.

Bio:

Gözde Tunçer graduated from the Mechanical Engineering Department at Izmir Institute of Technology in 2008. She earned her MSc degree in Mechanical Engineering from Izmir Institute of Technology in 2011, specializing in CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) and the mechanical strength of materials under impact loading. Currently, she is pursuing doctoral studies at Ozyegin University. With 15 years of experience in CAE, mechanical strength, design improvement, and various R&D departments, she works as a substream leader in the automotive sector.