Structural Analysis of a Formula SAE Chassis Under Rollover Loads

Felipe Azevedo Canut¹; Lucival Malcher¹; Antonio Manuel Dias Henriques¹

¹ University of Brasília

doi:10.20906/CPS/COB-2015-0837

Resumo

The purpose of Formula SAE is to provide students an opportunity to design, fabricate, and then demonstrate the performance of a prototype racecar. The study presents the finite element analysis of a formula SAE chassis under loads presented on the Formula SAE rules, aiming to ensure the minimum stiffness of the roll hoops and the driver's safety. The von Mises constitutive model was used in the simulations to predict the roll hoop's displacements. In addition, experimental displacements were measured on a test table through a load application. Numerical and experimental displacements are compared in order to validate the finite element analysis. The different tests showed that the chassis in study doesn't present the proper stiffness. Finally, the simulation and experimental methods are discussed and geometry improvements are proposed in order to ensure the driver's safety.

Palavras-chave: Structural Analysis; Finite Element Method; Rollover Loads