Design, Analysis and Optimization of Space Frame Chassis

Abstract

Conventionally, chassis is made up of aluminium alloy and AISI 1018 steel. As the level of progress in improving the efficiency of engine has come to a saturation point, it is important to study different aspects to enhance the overall performance of an automobile. As chassis forms the entire base to mount all the automotive components like engine, transmission and braking system, it must be able to take the entire weight of components efficiently. Using steel grades might give us necessary strength but it does contribute to increase in weight. Considering the fact that car to be manufactured is a sports car, it is necessary to eliminate the factors which may hamper the performance of a car. So, one of the most important alternative is to change the material and it must be chosen in such a way that it imparts necessary strength and also keep entire weight under limit. The main purpose of this paper is to test the carbon fiber for a space frame chassis model to withstand all the forces experienced under realistic conditions. A complete analysis of a space frame chassis by using carbon fiber is carried out so as to compare it with steel and to optimize it by reducing its cross section so that the overall weight can be lowered ultimately ensuing improved performance.