Analysis of the Suspension Design Evolution in Solar Cars

Abstract

The contrast between modern mobility alternatives and the seek for sustainability has been an essential concern for industry in the last decades, boosted by technologies that have been progressively narrowing this gap. Among them, solar cars represent a contemporary trend to supply this need. Given the complexity embraced by this technology, the attainment of an efficient design demands the improvement of every aspect of the vehicle, including its mechanics. Performing a critical role on the vehicle's stability, the suspension system of solar cars is thoroughly investigated in this work, in particular the evolution of the structural part directly responsible for undertaking the forces subjected to the wheel hub. Three different shapes made out of carbon fiber reinforced plastic are analysed and compared through static and modal finite element analysis: two front forks meant to be coupled to a wishbone joint, and a wheel hub connected to a novel sliding hub system.