Impact Analysis of Mini BAJA Vehicle Roll Cage using Finite Element Analysis

摘要

The objective of this research work is the prediction of fatigue life span and durability loading of the chassis frame of Mini BAJA vehicle. The Mini BAJA Vehicle is an off-road race vehicle powered by a small gasoline engine. As is such the combination frame and roll cage must be equally strong and light. In an effort to fulfill the rules set down by the governing body and ensure proper integration, strength, and weight minimization; it is imperative to properly analyze the material properties and geometry as well as the overall design geometry. Thus, fatigue study and life prediction on the chassis is necessary in order to verify the safety of this chassis during its operation. Stress analysis using Finite Element Method (FEM) can be used to locate the critical point which has the highest stress. This critical point is one of the factors that may cause the fatigue failure. The magnitude of the stress can used to predict the life span of the vehicle chassis.