Go-kart chassis design using finite element analysis and multibody dynamic simulation

Abstract

For the accurate design of some types of mechanisms, it is necessary to combine multibody dynamics computer simulations with finite element structural analysis. These types of mechanisms are the multibody mechanisms in which the body (frame) stiffness of some of the bodies have the same magnitude as some of their elastic elements. With this in mind, the traditional go-kart chassis design process is reviewed. The traditional approach to evaluate the structural properties of its frame consists of an iterative process in which FEM techniques are applied considering constant load cases. These load cases are defined according to the maximum stresses to which it will be subjected during its operation (circulation in a race circuit). However, as it will be proven in this work, the load case will depend on the design of the frame itself. Due to the stiffness of the frame, for the same driving conditions (vehicle trajectory and speed) the structural load condition varies significantly. A design methodology is proposed for this type of system that combines multibody simulation and finite elements.