Numerical estimation of the torsional stiffness characteristics on urban Shell Eco-Marathon (SEM) vehicle design

Abstract

Shell Eco-Marathon (SEM) is an international competition among university students that involves designing, building, and driving energy-efficient cars. The car frame is the most crucial aspect influencing the strength of the car. This research aims to obtain maximum torsional strength with variations in the material and thickness of the frame. Calculation and testing are done using the simulation method to obtain a strong car frame. This simulation method is calculated by a series of finite element analyses. Then, data from the simulation method are obtained in the form of deformation and safety factors. By comparing the moment received with its deformation, torsional stiffness is then obtained. Furthermore, the torsional stiffness is divided by the weight to produce a value ratio. It is known that the factor which has the most significant influence on the difference in torsional stiffness of each variation is the shear modulus of the material used. In contrast, the weight of the chassis is influenced by the density of the material and the thickness of the chassis. Additionally, the safety factor of each variation is strongly influenced by the strength of the chassis structure itself. The results of this study will demonstrate the car frame design with the best performance.