Structural Assessment of an Energy-Efficient Urban Vehicle Chassis using Finite Element Analysis - A Case Study

摘要

Chassis is one of the most critical parts of a vehicle, which is the original supporting structure. Pioneer research indicates that frame tends to receive excessive loads and possibly causes undesirable behavior, i.e., cracks or significant failure. Several other studies also shown interest in the influence of certain materials on chassis behavior, however not explicitly discussed. Based on these studies, it concludes that further research on chassis needs to produce research data for future consideration in the assessment and development of frame. Several subjects which can be research opportunities are the effect of variations in the thickness of the chassis, the influence of different materials, and the impact of the value of the force applied. This paper aims to assess the behavior tendency of the urban vehicle chassis with primary consideration to comply with the standard regulations in the energy-efficient vehicle competitions such as in the Shell Eco-Marathon Asia or the National Energy Efficient Vehicle Competition (Kontes Mobil Hemat Energi or KMHE). A particular operational factor (external load and internal factors), i.e., the material is considered in the chassis performance investigation. Assessment of these parameters is applied to urban vehicle chassis that was designed by the students of Universitas Sebelas Maret. Modeling and numerical analysis conducted using a finite element approach by Autodesk Fusion 360 software. The acquired results indicate that reduction trends occur in strength as the thickness of the material decreases. In terms of loads, changes in load distribution are spotted in several cases. Meanwhile, the difference in material strength causes a variation of force distribution.