Design and Analyis of Electrically Operated Golf Cart Chassis Using FEA

Abstract

The significant challenge in today's automotive industry is to defeat the increasing demands for higher performance, longer life, and lower weight of components in order to satisfy fuel economy requirements at a realistic cost using safety requirements. The aim of this study is to design and analyze the chassis of an electrically operated golf cart for use in Çukurova University campus. Chassis is a frame just like skeleton on which various machine parts like engine, tires, axle assemblies, brakes, steering etc. are joined. It gives strength and stability to the vehicle under different conditions. The main function of the chassis is not only to support the components and payload mounted upon it including engine, body, passengers and luggage, but also to maintain the desired relationship between the suspension and steering mechanism mounting points. In this study; 3D models of chassis were designed using SolidWorks by considering different types of profiles. Structural analyses were conducted on the golf cart chassis with various materials and profiles via ANSYS software using Finite Elements Analysis (FEA) method. The aim of the design was to achieve sufficient strength and minimum deflection values with optimum weight, cost and ease of manufacturing.